In 1834, Charles Stewart (Alan Ladd), the spoiled, dissolute son of a shipping magnate, is shanghaied aboard the Pilgrim, one of his father's own ships. He embarks upon a long, hellish sea voyage under the tyrannical rule of Captain Francis Thompson (Howard Da Silva), assisted by his first mate, Amazeen (William Bendix). One of his crewmates is Richard Henry Dana Jr. (Brian Donlevy).

Alan Laddas Charles Stewart
Brian Donlevyas Richard Henry Dana
William Bendixas First Mate Amazeen
Barry Fitzgeraldas Terence O'Feenaghty
Howard Da Silvaas Captain Francis A. Thompson
Esther Fernándezas Maria Dominguez
Albert Dekkeras Brown
Luis van Rootenas 2nd Mate Foster
Darryl Hickmanas Sam Hooper
Roman Bohnenas Macklin
Ernest Laszlo