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The Sand Pebbles (1966)
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Reviews Counted:15
Fresh:13
Rotten:2
Average Rating:7/10
Runtime: 3 hrs 5 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: One of the most exciting and heart-wrenching epics ever made, THE SAND PEBBLES is a masterpiece of storytelling, with exceptional performances by a stellar cast. The complex tale begins simply... One of the most exciting and heart-wrenching epics ever made, THE SAND PEBBLES is a masterpiece of storytelling, with exceptional performances by a stellar cast. The complex tale begins simply enough in 1926 China, where a group of American soldiers are patrolling the Yangtze River on a gunboat called the San Pablo. The crew members, who call themselves Sand Pebbles, includes Jake Holman (Steve McQueen), a dispassionate but capable navy machinist, and his only friend, Frenchy (Richard Attenborough), a sailor in love with an English-educated Chinese girl, Maily (Marayat Andriane), who has been sold into prostitution. Strong feelings of nationalism have been sweeping through China, however, and when Chiang Kai-shek moves against the feudal warlords, the United States decides to treat the upheaval as a civil war, and the San Pablo is ordered to confine its function to protection of American civilians in the area. Included among them are Mr. Jameson (Larry Gates), a missionary, and Shirley Eckert (Candice Bergen), a schoolteacher with whom Jake falls in love. Soon Jake finds himself in the middle of an international military crisis when his native assistant, Po-han (Mako), is brutally tortured in an attempt to draw the San Pablo's fire, and the boat's inexperienced and prideful captain (Richard Crenna) wants to give his humiliated ship and disgraced crew a chance for glory. THE SAND PEBBLES--with its expert cinematography, moving score, and riveting locations--is a memorable viewing experience brought to life by the multitalented director Robert Wise. [More]
Starring: Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna, Candice Bergen
Starring: Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna, Candice Bergen, Marayat Andriane, Larry Gates, Charles Robinson, Mako, Simon Oakland
Director: Robert Wise
Director: Robert Wise
Screenwriter: Robert Anderson
Producer: Robert Wise
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
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Release:
May 12, 2009
DVD Features:
- 2-Disc Set
- NTSC
- Special Edition
- Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 4.0 - English
- Subtitles - English, French, Spanish - Optional
- Disc 1: THE SAND PEBBLES - Theatrical Presentation
- Anamorphic Widescreen - 2.35
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentary: Robert Wise - Director; Candice Bergen, Mako, Richard Crenna - Stars
- Isolated Audio Track: Score and FX (w/Commentary)
- Disc 2/Side A: THE SAND PEBBLES - Roadshow Version
Additional Release Material:
Introduction:
- 1. Robert Wise - Director
- 2. Richard Zanuck - Film Producer
- Disc 2/Side B: THE SAND PEBBLES - Supplemental Material
Additional Release Material:
- Behind the Scenes: "The Making Of THE SAND PEBBLES"
Featurette:
- 1. "A Ship Called San Pablo
- 2. "The Secret of the San Pablo"
- 3. "Changsha Bund and the Streets of Taipei" (audio)
- 4. "A Ship Called San Pablo"
Documentary:
- 1. "Steve McQueen Remembered"
- 2. "Robert Wise In Command"
- 3. "China, 1926"
Trailers:
- 1. Radio Spots (audio)
- 2. Theatrical Trailer
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Stills/Photos
- Additional Text: MAD Magazine's THE "SAM PEBBLES"
Reviews for The Sand Pebbles
A fine old-school picture...elevated further by its progressive themes. [Blu-Ray]
There are hints and parallels in this period drama set in 1926 with what was still happening in Vietnam, but writer Richard Anderson and director Robert Wise weren't sure what kind of message they wanted to send; Steve McQueen is good, though.
Latest News for The Sand Pebbles
September 15, 2005:
Hollywood Giant Robert Wise Passes Away at 91
Master filmmaker and 4-time Oscar winner Robert Wise has died at the age of 91. Probably best known as the director of films like "The Sound of Music," "West Side... More...
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