The Spiral Road (1962)

Storyline

Dr. Anton Drager (Rock Hudson) travels to Java to study the effects of leprosy under an expert on the subject, Dr. Brits Jansen (Burl Ives). The two physicians have many of the same views scientifically, but are philosophically a mismatch, because Drager does not share the older Jansen’s views on humanity and faith.After being befriended by Jansen’s young wife, Els (Gena Rowlands), a need arises for Drager to trek into the jungle to track down Frolick (Philip Abbott), a drunken river master who is lost. Frolick has been driven mad by a voodoo doctor called Burubi (Reggie Nalder).  Drager eventually comes across Frolick, but ends up killing him in self-defense. He, too, then becomes lost in the wild. Drager nearly dies and has lapsed into a coma by the time he is rescued. His ordeal comes to change his perceptions and agree more with Jansen on one’s need to believe in the goodness of others and to maintain faith.