The Sand Pebbles (1966)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 182 Minutes

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance

Director: Robert Wise

Starring: Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna, Candice Bergen, Emmanuelle Arsan, Mako, Larry Gates

IMDB Rank: 7.6/10

Part 1 Time: 93 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 89 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Jake Holman (Steve McQueen) is forced to transfer off the San Pablo due to the deaths of two crewmen.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Yes it will be sometime before a replacement will get here, that is all,” Captain Collins (Richard Crenna) of the San Pablo speaking to Jake.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Edge it out 1/3” Captain Collins commands the San Pablo crew as they arrive at Chinese port. The Chinese citizens are not welcoming.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, tensions are building in China as a Chinese Civil War is soon to break out. The crew members of the San Pablo are stuck in the crossfire, but still must stay loyal to their mission of protecting American lives.

Which part is better? Part one introduces the major characters of the film pre-Chinese Civil war. Here the audience is introduced to the tension that is building in the southern areas of Asia. Part two explores the events of the San Pablo during the Civil War. The last 40 Minutes of the film is full of tension and action, for this reason part two transcends part one.

Academy Awards: 1967; Best Picture (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Steve McQueen-Nominated), Best Supporting Actor (Mako-Nominated), Best Cinematography-Colour (Nominated), Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Colour (Nominated), Best Sound (Nominated), Best Film Editing (Nominated), Best Music-Original Music Score (Nominated).