The story was originally written by John Blackwood and was adapted by Universal City scenario editor, Raymond L. Schrock.

In order to protect his father from public disgrace, Jack suddenly flees Boston and thus takes the fall.

Months later, his fiance, Mary Rogers (played by Anna Q. Nilsson) follows him to Java in hopes of bringing him home.

Mary and Jack are able to escape when a tropical storm hits and spawns a typhoon that destroys the coastal settlement.

"[5] While Thundering Dawn is presumed to be a lost film, a copy of its trailer is held by the Library of Congress.