When the U.S. forces withdraw from Java, ahead of the Japanese invasion, U.S. Navy doctor Corydon M. Wassell coordinates the remaining wounded servicemen and leads them to safety towards the... Read allWhen the U.S. forces withdraw from Java, ahead of the Japanese invasion, U.S. Navy doctor Corydon M. Wassell coordinates the remaining wounded servicemen and leads them to safety towards the last Allied evacuation points.When the U.S. forces withdraw from Java, ahead of the Japanese invasion, U.S. Navy doctor Corydon M. Wassell coordinates the remaining wounded servicemen and leads them to safety towards the last Allied evacuation points.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
- British Convoy Commander
- (uncredited)
- U.S. Sailor
- (uncredited)
- Robert Kraus
- (uncredited)
- Wounded Dutch Soldier
- (uncredited)
- Mate of the 'Janssen'
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaMentioned in the fictional novella "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (Truman Capote). Holly Golightly has been set up for a screen test for one of the nurses in the film; instead of taking the test, she goes away to New York.
- GoofsDuring the evacuation convoy, the trucks are alternately shown on paved and dirt roads between shots.
- Quotes
Dutch Army Captain: Unless the Japanese can be stopped, it will be impossible for any of your 42 wounded sailors to escape.
Dr. Corydon M. Wassell: Good gravy.
- Crazy creditsAfter the closing Paramount logo Cecil B. DeMille addresses the audience over a blank screen: "Ladies and gentlemen just a moment please. Since the completion of The Story of Dr. Wassell, we have heard that Hoppy is alive. A prisoner of war of the Japanese. Thank you."
- ConnectionsFeatured in Cecil B. DeMille: American Epic (2004)
Back to the story: Stuck in Java with a charge of a dozen severely wounded sailors, he finds out there's a boat sailing that can take them to safety in Allied territory. He's anxious to get his men out of danger of a Japanese invasion, but the orders say only men who can walk can come aboard. Gary doesn't have the heart to tell the dozen men on stretchers that they can't go, so he decides to disobey the orders and smuggle them aboard. Will it work? Or will the self-sacrificing doctor give even more to his patients?
In the supporting cast are Laraine Day as Gary's former love interest and Philip Ahn, his assistant during his research days before the war. The dozen soldiers and handful of nurses are also given unique characters and reasons to keep them going. One nurse (Carol Thurston) gives a sailor (Dennis O'Keefe) a blood transfusion, and she believes that they are connected forever because of their bond. One man (Elliott Reid) falls in love with his nurse (Signe Hasso), only to find out she's already in love with a Dutch soldier (Carl Esmond). The screenplay is full of great lines, interesting characters, and compelling plot points. I humbly apologize to this movie for thinking it wouldn't be any good. It's very good!
- HotToastyRag
- Jul 19, 2020
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Cecil B. DeMille's The Story of Dr. Wassell
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $2,720,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 20 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1