Plot
A customs officer captures a gang of drugs smugglers, assisted by a birdwatcher.
Production
The film was shot at Pinewood Studios with sets designed by the art director John Howell.[3] Location shooting took place in London and Cannes.
Critical reception
Leonard Maltin noted a "Modest drama," which was "enlivened by a solid cast";[4] British Pictures noted a "Nice cast, but dreary story";[5]
Kine Weekly said "Polished and exciting melodrama. Semi-documentary in approach, it illustrates a hectic chapter in an eager official's notebook. Its script is far from taut, but, although it sprawls a bit, its surface action is never dull and its climax packs a mighty wallop. Moreover, the cast is, with few exceptions, first class, and no expense has been spared to create correct and colourful atmosphere. Definitely grand value for the masses and youngsters."[6]
Variety said "Direction is neatly tuned to the suspense note established in the screenplay and there is enough action to sustain the plot. There is an allround thesping standard witn Nigel Patrick effectively portraying the customs sleuth and Jack Warner doing reliable work as his immediate boss. Elizabeth Sellars and Terence Morgan, as brother and sister play their roles adequately. Joyce Grenfell contributes another of her characteristic gems as a titled bird-watcher who provides the first clue."[7]
Allmovie wrote, "Apart from the always delightful Joyce Grenfell, Forbidden Cargo is humorless Dragnet material transplanted to the high seas";[8]
Sky Cinema noted a "workmanlike British thriller from the Fifties, directed by Harold French, has a documentary feel, with some crisp dialogue by Sydney Box. The suave Nigel Patrick stars as the customs investigator alerted to nefarious coastal activities by none other than the wonderful Joyce Grenfell. She is cast as an aristocratic birdwatcher who is most put out that a suspicious landing craft should disturb her nesting birds. Other stalwarts appearing include Elizabeth Sellars and Terence Morgan as brother-and-sister smugglers, Jack Warner, Greta Gynt, Michael Hordern and Eric Pohlmann, particularly good as a Polish racketeer. A pleasing period piece."[9]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "Customs agent Nigel Patrick tries to stop drug smugglers from polluting our shores in this cosy but rather unexciting thriller. Patrick is supported by a cast of British stalwarts that includes Joyce Grenfell (as a bird-watcher named Lady Flavia Queensway), Elizabeth Sellars, Jack Warner and Terence Morgan."[10]
film In British Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959 David Quinlan rated the film as "average", writing: "Not-too-interesting story falls between documentary and thriller."[11]
