The Sand Pebbles
1966, English. Directed by Robert Wise.
This is the heroic story of the men on the U.S.S. San Pablo who disturbed the sleeping dragon of savage China as the threatened world watched in breathless terror.
Engineer Jake Holman arrives aboard the gunboat USS San Pablo, assigned to patrol a tributary of the Yangtze in the middle of exploited and revolution-torn 1926 China. His iconoclasm and cynical nature soon clash with the 'rice-bowl' system which runs the ship and the uneasy symbiosis between Chinese and foreigner on the river. Hostility towards the gunboat's presence reaches a climax when the boat must crash through a river-boom and rescue missionaries upriver at China Light Mission.
- Runtime
- 3h 16m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.2/10 from 297 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Details
- Released
- 20 December 1966
- Country
- United States of America, Taiwan, Hong Kong
- Written by
- Robert Anderson
- Budget
- $12M
- Box office
- $20M
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News & fan talk
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The Sand Pebbles: quick answers
Is The Sand Pebbles worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.2/10 from 297 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Sand Pebbles?
The Sand Pebbles runs 196 minutes (3h 16m).
Does The Sand Pebbles have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Sand Pebbles. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Sand Pebbles parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Sand Pebbles is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Sand Pebbles on?
The Sand Pebbles isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Sand Pebbles?
If you liked The Sand Pebbles, try Outlaws - For Greater Glory, Seal Team Eight: Behind Enemy Lines, Jacknife.
Who directed The Sand Pebbles?
The Sand Pebbles (1966) was directed by Robert Wise and stars Steve McQueen, Richard Attenborough, Richard Crenna.