55 Days at Peking (1963)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film: 154 Minutes (Roadshow: 162 Minutes)

Rated: PG

Genre: Action, Drama, History

Director: Nicholas Ray

Starring: Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, David Niven, Flora Robson, John Ireland, Harry Andrews, Leo Genn

IMDB Rank: 6.7 /10 (July 2026)

Part 1 Time:  85 Minutes (Roadshow: 90 Minutes)

Part 2 Time:  69 Minutes (Roadshow: 72 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Maj. Matt Lewis (Charlton Heston) and Father de Bearn (Harry Andrews) speak following an emotional conversation with Teresa (Lynne Sue Moon).

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Father de Bearn answers Maj. Matt Lewis’ question; “But I suppose that it’s only true if you really feel it.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: At the Forbidden City, Empress Dowager Cixi (Flora Robson) is given an update on the progress of the Boxer campaign. “The British admiral and his British forces are trapped between Langfang and Anping,” states Prince Tuan (Robert Helpmann).

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, the siege will be prolonged, but with dwindling supplies and increased casualties can the Eight-Nation Alliance arrive in time to support the defenders?

Which part is better? Part one is the slower of the two as it introduces the political tensions between the Qing court, the Boxers and foreign powers. Part two maintains high tension as it contains the largest action and emotional scenes within the film. Part two showcases the film’s most spectacular sequences as the defenders cope with dwindling food, ammunition, and hope. Part two is the better of the two halves as it leaves a stronger impression and is more memorable overall.

Academy Awards: 1964 Best Music- Original Song (Nominated- ‘So Little Time’), Best Musical Score- Substantially Original (Nominated)