Voyage of the Damned is a historical drama film released in 1976. It is based on the true story of the MS St. Louis, a luxury liner carrying over 900 Jewish refugees fleeing from Nazi Germany to Cuba in 1939. The movie tells the story of their difficult journey to freedom and their eventual fate.
The refugees aboard the MS St. Louis are confident that they will be granted asylum in Cuba, but when they arrive, they are denied entry due to political and economic pressures. The ship is forced to return to Europe, and the passengers are left uncertain of their future.
The film follows the desperate fight for survival of the refugees as they face increasing danger and uncertainty. It depicts the struggles and emotional turmoil of those aboard the ship – the families separated, the fears of returning to Nazi Germany, and the constant threat of a violent end.
As hope fades, a small group of passengers successfully negotiates with various governments to secure asylum for themselves and their families. However, for the majority of the refugees, their fate remains sealed as they are forced to return to Germany, where many are sent to concentration camps.
Voyage of the Damned is a poignant and powerful depiction of a tragic moment in history. It highlights the horrific effects of political and economic pressures on innocent people seeking safety and freedom. The film stars Faye Dunaway, Oskar Werner, and Lee Grant and was directed by Stuart Rosenberg.