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Poster for The Battle of the River Plate

The Battle of the River Plate

Seen it?

1956 | 119 min | Drama, History, War

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Solid across the board without standing out anywhere. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Greyhound or The Longest Day, start here.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 59 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1956: an older pace and style.

In the early years of the World War II, the Royal Navy is fighting a desperate battle to keep the Atlantic convoy routes open to supply the British Isles, facing the great danger posed by the many German warships, such as the Admiral Graf Spee, which are scouring the ocean for cargo ships to sink.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $750K worldwide on a $280K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 58K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

  • John GregsonCaptain Bell - H.M.S. Exeter
  • Anthony QuayleCommodore Harwood - H.M.S. Ajax
  • Ian HunterCaptain Woodhouse - H.M.S. Ajax
  • Jack GwillimCaptain Parry - H.M.N. Z. S. Achilles
  • Bernard LeeCaptain Dove - M.S. Africa Shell
  • Lionel MurtonMike Fowler
  • Anthony BushellSir Millington Drake, British Minister, Montevideo
  • Peter IllingDr. Guani, Foreign Minister, Uruguay
  • Michael GoodliffeCaptain McCall, R.N., British Naval Attache, Buenos Aires
  • Patrick MacneeLieutenant Commander Medley, R.N.