Five Came Back (1939): cast, story & where to watch
1939 · Film · ★ 6.3
Released in 1939, Five Came Back is a thriller, drama and adventure film directed by John Farrow, running about 75 minutes. “Four must die! One must choose!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Twelve people are aboard Coast Air Line's flagship the Silver Queen enroute to South America when the airplane encounters a storm and is blown off course. Crashing into jungles known to be inhabited by head hunters, pilots Bill and Joe race against time to fix the engines and attempt a take off. The situation brings out the best and worst in the stranded dozen as they create a makeshift runway and prepare to escape before the natives attack. But damage to the plane and low fuel reserves means that only 5 people can be carried to safety.
Who’s in it. Five Came Back stars Chester Morris as Bill Brooks, Lucille Ball as Peggy Nolan, Wendy Barrie as Alice Melbourne and John Carradine as Mr. Crimp, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Five Came Back has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Five Came Back page.
If you liked it. Fans of Five Came Back tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Five Came Back (1939)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Five Came Back change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Five Came Back worth watching?
- Five Came Back holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and adventure. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Five Came Back?
- Five Came Back stars Chester Morris, Lucille Ball, Wendy Barrie, John Carradine and Allen Jenkins.
- When was Five Came Back released?
- Five Came Back was released in 1939, with a runtime of about 75 minutes.