The Story of Dr. Wassell
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille. 140mins (1944)
Gary Cooper - Dr. Corydon M. Wassell
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.
Also starring Laraine Day, Signe Hasso, Dennis O'Keefe, Carol Thurston and Carl Esmond.
Gary Cooper pulled rank and flat out refused to have his well known hairy chest shaved for the bathtub scene in the final reel. Melvin Francis was one of the men Dr. Wassell saved and appears as himself in the film. Dr. Wassell is buried in Arlington Cemetery
Oscar nomination for Best Special Effects.
Tagline - Drama of Loyalty and Love! The Story the Whole World Has Heard About!