Botany Bay (1953)

Set in late 18th century Britain, a group of prisoners are given a chance for reformation on new soil called New South Wales (now Australia). Among them is a rebellious American medical student (Alan Ladd) unjustly accused of highway robbery and an attractive actress (Patricia Medina) accused of thievery. However, before they can reach the penal colony of Botany Bay, they must contend with the sadistic ship's captain (James Mason). Based on the novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall (MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY) and directed by John Farrow (HONDO). A bright Technicolor seafaring adventure that's modestly enjoyable if you don't mind the deja vu aspects of the narrative. As the cruel sea captain, James Mason is suitably nasty but he's no match for Charles Laughton's Captain Bligh! Filmed in Hollywood but Paramount had some koala bears and kangaroos imported from Australia for the movie and later donated to the San Diego zoo. With Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Murray Matheson.