The Wastrel (1961): cast, story & where to watch
1961 · Film · ★ 4.5
Released in 1961, The Wastrel is a drama film directed by Mihalis Kakogiannis, running about 84 minutes. “Two people submerged in an ocean of love and hate!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Duncan Bell (Van Heflin) is a wealthy man who sets out to sail around the globe with his son. Traveling in Bell's yacht, the two ambitious sailors face a perilous situation when an accident causes the boat to explode, throwing them both into the sea, with only debris to keep them afloat. While they drift on the ocean, Bell thinks back on his troubled life, particularly on how his alcohol problem has damaged his relationship with his wife, Liana
Who’s in it. The Wastrel stars Van Heflin as Duncan Bell, Ellie Lambeti as Liana Bell, Michael Stellman as Bell's Son and Franco Fabrizi as Rudi Veronese, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 4.5/10, The Wastrel has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Wastrel page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Wastrel tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Wastrel (1961)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Wastrel change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Wastrel worth watching?
- The Wastrel holds an audience score of 4.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Wastrel?
- The Wastrel stars Van Heflin, Ellie Lambeti, Michael Stellman, Franco Fabrizi and Fosco Giachetti.