Assigned to patrol a Yangtze branch in the midst of revolutionary China in 1926, gunboat U.S.S. San Pablo is home to engineer Jake Holman. With a cynicism for the systems on-board, Holman soon finds his philosophies clashing with certain members of his troops. As tension and drama heighten, a river mission to rescue missionaries at the China Light Mission promises to deliver spectacular effects and a dramatic climax for the military film.

The cast includes: Steve McQueen, Richard Crenna, Candice Bergen, Richard Attenborough, Emmanuelle Arsan, and Larry Gates.

THE SAND PEBBLES was nominated for the Best Picture award.

Directed by: Robert Wise.