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)
Gary Cooper plays the title character. He also starred in two other DeMille films, THE UNCONQUERED and NORTHWEST MOUNTED POLICE, though I think he was best in this film because his part was a little more subdued--creating a quiet strength instead of the usual macho hero (probably because Dr. Wassell was a real person). This doctor was one of the last to try to vacate Java when the Japanese invaded in 1942 and the film was intended as a propaganda piece to encourage Americans at home and abroad due to the heroism in the story. Along with Cooper is a fine ensemble cast of supporting characters. And, thankfully, these supporting characters generally were not just cardboard stereotypes--a definite plus over some other similar films from the period.
All in all, it's an interesting film that's worth your time and an excellent example of the type of films DeMille could do had he chosen to focus more on people than special effects and spectacle.
- planktonrules
- Feb 11, 2007
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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