Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Actual death toll The true death toll is uncertain. The 1974 book that was the basis of the film estimated a much lower number of deaths. By using statistical analysis of survival rates for Jews in various Nazi-occupied countries, Thomas and Morgan-Witts estimated the fate of the 621 St. Louis passengers who were not given refuge in Cuba or the United Kingdom (one died during the voyage): 44 (20%) of the 224 refugees that settled in France likely were murdered in the Holocaust, 62 (29%) Holocaust murders amongst the 214 that reached Belgium, and 121 (67%) Holocaust murders amongst the 181 that settled in the Netherlands, for a total of 227 (37%) of the refugees that came under occupation were likely murdered by the Nazis. In 1998, Scott Miller and Sarah Ogilvie of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum traced the survivors from the voyage, concluding that a total of 254 refugees or 40.9 percent were murdered by the Nazis. Release The film opened on 22 December 1976 in four theatres in New York and Los Angeles. Box office According to Lew Grade who helped finance the film, the movie "should have done better" at the box office. He wrote in his memoirs "I thought it was one of the most moving and important films I'd seen in a long time. I just couldn't understand why it didn't become a success" adding that "strangely enough, it did outstanding business in Japan." Alternate version The complete, uncut version of the film was 182 minutes long. It was released only once, on the Magnetic Video label in 1980. Awards and nominations Soundtrack The film score was composed, arranged and conducted by Lalo Schifrin and the soundtrack album was released on the Entr'Acte label in 1977. Track listing Personnel Lalo Schifrin - arranger, conductor London Studio Orchestra See also Jewish refugees Ship of Fools References External links 1974 books 1976 films 1976 drama films American drama films British drama films Embassy Pictures films Films based on non-fiction books Films directed by Stuart Rosenberg Films featuring a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe-winning performance Films scored by Lalo Schifrin Films set in 1939 Films set in Hamburg Films set in Havana Films set on ships Films shot at EMI-Elstree Studios Films shot in Barcelona Holocaust films History books about the Holocaust International response to the Holocaust ITC Entertainment films Jewish