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The Sand Pebbles (1966)

PG-13   |    |  Adventure, Drama, Romance

The Sand Pebbles (1966) Poster

In 1926, a U.S. Naval engineer gets assigned to a gunboat on a rescue mission in war-torn China.

7.6/10
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  • Candice Bergen and Steve McQueen in The Sand Pebbles (1966)
  • Steve McQueen in Japan during the filming of "The Sand Pebbles"
  • Steve McQueen and Ford Rainey in The Sand Pebbles (1966)
  • Steve McQueen in Japan during filming of "The Sand Pebbles"
  • Steve McQueen in Japan during the filming of "The Sand Pebbles"
  • "Sand Pebbles, The" Steve McQueen 1966 20th Cent. Fox

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Awards

Nominated for 8 Oscars.

Another 2 wins & 13 nominations.

Reviews & Commentary

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User Reviews
28 August 2006 | Doylenf
7
| Steve McQueen remains the focal point in ambitious, sometimes rambling film...
STEVE McQUEEN makes a completely believable machinist's mate aboard a U.S. Navy gunboat who finds himself enmeshed in the politics of unrest that existed in 1926 China during the period of the Boxer Rebellion. It's probably one of the finest roles of his career--honest, vexating, and completely true to the emotions of his character whose only real concern is taking care of his engines.

There are plenty of other good performances. RICHARD CRENNA is the Captain, uncertain of just how the U.S./Chinese friction should be solved, and CANDACE BERGEN is lovely as a missionary who has a tender romance with McQueen.

The exotic locales (it was filmed mostly in Taiwan), the lush background score by Jerry Goldsmith, and the confrontation between the U.S. Navy and the Chinese authorities which supplies the necessary suspense before an action-filled climax, all serve to make THE SAND PEBBLES a fascinating look at a period in history that is seldom explored. And, of course, it raises questions as to our role in imperialism and our interaction with the culture of foreign countries that make the film relevant today.

It's a long film, rather uneven in places, but directed with rare sensitivity by Robert Wise and richly detailed period atmosphere.

Critic Reviews

Did You Know?

Trivia

During filming on the U.S.S. Texas at the San Jacinto Battleground outside Houston, Texas, Steve McQueen sent waves of fear (and consternation) through producer and director Robert Wise when an old friend brought his Triumph motorcycle out to him. McQueen jumped on the motorcycle and roared off, not returning for almost an hour.

Quotes

Jake Holman: I was home. What happened? What the hell happened?

Goofs

Upon seeing the boom in the river, the Captain (Richard Crenna) leans forward grabbing the forward handrail. In the next scene, he again leans forward grabbing the forward handrail.

Crazy Credits

Opening credits prologue: SHANGHAI

Alternate Versions

The original "roadshow" version ran 196 minutes; later cut to its present length (182 minutes) for its general release. The roadshow version was included in a 2007 special edition DVD release, which provided the first viewing of this version since the original 1966 release.

Soundtracks

Sleepy Time Gal
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting and Ange Lorenzo
Lyrics by Ray Egan and Joseph R. Alden

Storyline

Plot Summary

Synopsis (WARNING: Spoilers)

Genres

Adventure | Drama | Romance | War

Details

Release Date:

20 December 1966

Language

English, Mandarin

Country of Origin

USA

Filming Locations

Taipei City, Taiwan

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

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