The Sand Pebbles (1966)

7.5Approved179 minDirector: Robert Wise

1966 film by Robert Wise

The Sand Pebbles is a 1966 American epic war film directed by Robert Wise in Panavision, based on the novel of the same name by Richard McKenna. It tells the story of an independent, rebellious U.S. Navy machinist's mate first class, aboard the fictional river gunboat USS San Pablo, on Yangtze Patrol in 1920s China. The production was filmed on location in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The film stars Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna, and Candice Bergen, and features Marayat Andriane, Mako, and Larry Gates in supporting roles. Robert Anderson adapted the screenplay from the 1962 novel of the same name by Richard McKenna.

The Sand Pebbles was a critical and commercial success during its general release. It became the fourth-highest-grossing film of 1966, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Steve McQueen, his only Oscar nomination, and eight Golden Globe Awards, with Attenborough winning the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Sand Pebbles about?
The Sand Pebbles (1966) — In 1926, a U.S. Naval engineer gets assigned to a gunboat on a rescue mission in war-torn China.
Is The Sand Pebbles based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Sand Pebbles scary?
Content rating: Approved. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.