Newspaper reporter Jack Pathurst books a passage East on the ill-fated four-masted clipper, the Elsinore. Assigned to write an account of the voyage, its not long before Pathurst falls under the intoxicating spell of Captain West's beautiful daughter, Margaret. Tensions rise as the first mate, Mr. Pike, keeps the crew of grizzled sailors and misfits in line with severe discipline. But there is a homicidal criminal element aboard that incites the men to full blown mutiny. A bloody battle for control of the Elsinore erupts and Captain West is murdered. Pathurst is forced to lay down the pen and take up a rifle as he attempts to save himself and Margaret.
Based on Jack London's novel, Mutiny on the Elsinore features very convincing nautical photography of life on the huge sailing ship. Academy Award winner Paul Lukas (Watch On The Rhine, 1943) is known for his roles in Dodsworth (1936), The Lady Vanishes (1938) and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea (1954).