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The Story of Dr. Wassell

Play trailer Poster for The Story of Dr. Wassell Released Jul 4, 1944 2h 20m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews 61% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
This film presents a dramatization of the wartime heroics of naval doctor Corydon M. Wassell (Gary Cooper), who is stationed in the East Indies during a Japanese attack on the USS Marblehead. After the less seriously wounded soldiers are evacuated to Australia, Wassell stays in Java to save those left behind. As the Japanese advance, he risks his life and defies orders in an attempt to rescue as many as possible. His actions are later recognized in a radio address given by President Roosevelt.

Critics Reviews

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P.S. Harrison Harrison's Reports Gary Cooper, as Dr. Wassell, gives a forceful performance. Nov 20, 2020 Full Review Elena de la Torre Cine-Mundial Cecil B. DeMille has brought to the screen, in his usual impressive way, the story of Dr. Corydon. [Full review in Spanish] Sep 18, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steve D The script isn't much but the story is interesting. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Inspiring, relatively well-acted and seemingly without the usual - for that time - exaggeration. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review ashley h The Story of Dr. Wassell is an excellent film. It is about Dr. Wassell who is determined to escape from Java with some crewmen of the cruiser Marblehead during World War II. Gary Cooper and Laraine Day give fantastic performances. The screenplay is well written. Cecil B. DeMille did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the adventure and drama. The Story of Dr. Wassell is a must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member This riveting true story of a Navy doctor who stays with his crippled wounded charges, even after he is ordered to evacuate with the walking wounded. I saw it on VHS which busted the minute I finished watching. Even so, this is a wonderful heroic tale starring Gary Cooper and directed by Cecil B. DeMille after he heard President Roosevelt commending Dr. Wassel in one of the president's fireside chats. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Strong wartime heroism. Flies the flag but also entertains. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member SINCERE, WELL MEANING WW2 FILM WITH A VERY GOOD PERFORMANCE BY GARY COOPER. NICE STORY, VERY MUCH PROPOGANDA BUT VERY INTERESTING. A BIT TOO DRAMATIC AT TIMES BUT A FINE FILM. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Story of Dr. Wassell

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Cast & Crew

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Cecil B. DeMille

Director

Gary Cooper

Dr. Corydon M. Wassell

Laraine Day

Madeleine

Signe Hasso

Bettina

Dennis O'Keefe

Benjamin 'Hoppy' Hopkins

Carol Thurston

Tremartini
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The Story of Dr. Wassell

The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944) The Story of Dr. Wassell (1944) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis This film presents a dramatization of the wartime heroics of naval doctor Corydon M. Wassell (Gary Cooper), who is stationed in the East Indies during a Japanese attack on the USS Marblehead. After the less seriously wounded soldiers are evacuated to Australia, Wassell stays in Java to save those left behind. As the Japanese advance, he risks his life and defies orders in an attempt to rescue as many as possible. His actions are later recognized in a radio address given by President Roosevelt.
Director
Cecil B. DeMille
Producer
Cecil B. DeMille
Screenwriter
Alan Le May, Charles Bennett
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Production Co
Paramount
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 4, 1944, Original
Runtime
2h 20m
Sound Mix
Stereo