Yellow Jack (MGM 1938, Robert Montgomery, Charles Coburn)

Gripping drama Yellow Jack tells the true story of five soldiers who volunteer to be subjects in research to find a cure for the then-fatal disease of yellow fever.

In Cuba, just after the Spanish-American War, Major Walter Reed conducted experiments meant to determine the source of the disease the soldiers nicknamed ‘Yellow Jack.’ Montgomery draws the assignment of being bitten by infected mosquitoes. This effectively captures the soldiers’ sacrifice for their fellow man.

Yellow Jack was adapted from a play written by Sidney Howard. The role of John O’Hara, played by Robert Montgomery in the film, was originated by James Stewart onstage.

production details
USA | MGM | 83 minutes | 1938
Director: George B. Seitz
Script: Edward Chodorov, Sidney Howard,

cast
Virginia Bruce as Frances Blake
William Henry as Breen
Henry Hull as Dr. Jesse Lazear
Jonathan Hale as Major General Leonard Wood
Robert Montgomery as John O’Hara
Alan Curtis as Brinkerhof
Charles Coburn as Dr. Finlay
Stanley Ridges as Dr. James Carroll
Sam Levene as Busch
Henry O’Neill as Gorgas
Lewis Stone as Maj. Walter Reed
Andy Devine as Charlie Spill
Buddy Ebsen as Jellybeans
Janet Beecher as Miss Macdade
Phillip Terry as Ferguson