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The only 1935 film where shipwrecked socialites cosplay as cat food.
TMDB
60
IMDb
69

East of Java (1935)

pre-Code chaostropical fever dreamB-movie swagger

Overview

Drama

Survivors of a shipwreck find refuge on a tropical island--but so do the ship's cargo of lions and tigers.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
colonial arroganceclass collisionsurvival theatricsnature's indifference

Standout Aspects

Practical Effects

Real jungle cats looking deeply unimpressed by the actors.

Acting

Sig Ruman doing drunk German sailor like his life depends on it.

Production

That fake tropical island energy before location shooting existed.

Best for:Solo: Perfect for ironic midnight viewing with zero expectations.·Friends: Group roast session material—bring your worst commentary.·Streaming: 72 minutes of vintage absurdity you can pause to laugh.
George Melford

Director

George Melford

ReleasedDec 1, 1935
Runtime1h 12m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Pacefast
Intensitymedium
Tonemixed
Feellight
Universal Pictures

Top Cast

Charles Bickford

Charles Bickford

Red McGovern / Harvey Bowers

Elizabeth Young

Elizabeth Young

Ann Martin

Frank Albertson

Frank Albertson

Larry Page

Leslie Fenton

Leslie Fenton

Captain Wong Bo

Sig Ruman

Sig Ruman

Hans Muller

Clarence Muse

Clarence Muse

First Mate Johnson

Charles McNaughton

Charles McNaughton

Sloppy Alf

Edgar Norton

Edgar Norton

Resident

Vernon Downing

Vernon Downing

Pilot

Chester Gan

Chester Gan

Crewman

John George

John George

Crewman

Ask about East of Java

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

This was one of George Melford's final directing gigs before transitioning to acting—explains the 'let's wrap this' energy.

Trivia

Charles Bickford plays dual roles as twin brothers, a casting choice presumably made when someone said 'we're paying him anyway.'

Gallery

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