The Story of Dr. Wassell
“Flaming Action from the Jungles of Java to China and the Seven Seas!”
Synopsis
As the Japanese sweep through the East Indies during World War II, Dr. Wassell is determined to escape from Java with some crewmen of the cruiser Marblehead. Based on a true story of how Dr. Wassell saved a dozen or so wounded sailors who were left behind when able bodied men were evacuated to Australia.
Top Cast
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Gary Cooper
Dr. Corydon M. Wassell
Laraine Day
Madeleine
Signe Hasso
Bettina
Dennis O'Keefe
Benjamin 'Hoppy' Hopkins
Carol Thurston
Tremartini (Three Martini)
Carl Esmond
Lt. Dirk Van Daal
Paul Kelly
Murdock
Elliott Reid
William 'Andy' Anderson
Laurette Luez
Pretty Javanese Girl
Stanley Ridges
Cmdr. William B. 'Bill' Goggins
Renny McEvoy
Johnny Leeweather
Oliver Thorndike
Alabam
Philip Ahn
Ping
Barbara Britton
Ruth
William Severn
Little English Boy (uncredited)
Richard Loo
Chinese Doctor on Train (uncredited)
Douglas Fowley
Bit Part (uncredited)
Ann Doran
Praying Woman (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Little Rock, Arkansas
Festival / Special Debut
July 4, 1944
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Cecil B. DeMille
- Screenplay & Story
- Alan Le May, Charles Bennett
- Original Score
- Victor Young
- Original Title
- The Story of Dr. Wassell
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 20m
- Production Studios
- Paramount Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Cecil B. DeMille
Alan Le May, Charles Bennett, Corydon M. Wassell, James Hilton
Victor Young
William E. Snyder, Victor Milner
Anne Bauchens
Cecil B. DeMille, Buddy G. DeSylva
Department Leadership Roster
Cecil B. DeMille
Director
William E. Snyder
Director of Photography
Alan Le May
Screenplay
Victor Milner
Director of Photography
Victor Young
Original Music Composer
Natalie Visart
Costume Design
Cecil B. DeMille
Producer
Anne Bauchens
Editor
Charles Bennett
Screenplay
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Story of Dr. Wassell.
Featured In Curated Collections
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War: World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Story of Dr. Wassell
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Story of Dr. Wassell about?
As the Japanese sweep through the East Indies during World War II, Dr. Wassell is determined to escape from Java with some crewmen of the cruiser Marblehead. Based on a true story of how Dr. Wassell saved a dozen or so wounded sailors who were left behind when able bodied men were evacuated to Australia.
Who directed The Story of Dr. Wassell?
The Story of Dr. Wassell was directed by Cecil B. DeMille.
Who stars in The Story of Dr. Wassell?
The principal cast of The Story of Dr. Wassell includes Gary Cooper, Laraine Day, Signe Hasso, Dennis O'Keefe, Carol Thurston.
When was The Story of Dr. Wassell released and how long is it?
The Story of Dr. Wassell was released in 1944 with a total runtime of 2h 20m.
Who composed the musical score for The Story of Dr. Wassell?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Story of Dr. Wassell was composed by Victor Young.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Story of Dr. Wassell?
The Story of Dr. Wassell holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).