The Great Heart (1938): cast, story & where to watch

1938 · Film · ★ 5.5

The Great Heart poster

Released in 1938, The Great Heart is a history and documentary film directed by David Miller, running about 11 minutes.

What it’s about. This short film tells the true story of the heroic sacrifice of Father Damien, the Belgian priest who suffered a living death in order to bring hope and God's comfort to the lepers confined on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

Who’s in it. The Great Heart stars Carey Wilson as Narrator (voice) and Tom Neal as Father Damien (uncredited).

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, The Great Heart 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 The Great Heart page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Great Heart tend to enjoy Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Green Book.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Great Heart (1938)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Great Heart change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Great Heart worth watching?
The Great Heart holds an audience score of 5.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy history and documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Great Heart?
The Great Heart stars Carey Wilson and Tom Neal.
When was The Great Heart released?
The Great Heart was released in 1938, with a runtime of about 11 minutes.