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Battle Hell

Play trailer Battle Hell Released Aug 21, 1957 1h 53m War Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In 1949, the British warship H.M.S. Amethyst is respectfully making its way down China's Yangtze River when its passage is unexpectedly blocked by a contingent of the Communist Chinese. From shore batteries, the Chinese troops fire on the Amethyst. With the British government snared in bureaucratic red tape, the ship's captain, Lieutenant Commander Kearns (Richard Todd), must figure out a way to maneuver down the Yangtze in the black of night to see his crew to safety.

Critics Reviews

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Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine There are some remarkably realistic scenes of naval warfare, with Richard Todd as the embattled British commander. Oct 25, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member British war film directed by Michael Anderson and written by Eric Ambler; very detailed and engrossing. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Audience Member Richard Todd,William Hartnell,Akim Tamiroff star in this wartime true story. On 19 April 1949, the Royal Navy frigate HMS Amethyst sails up the Yangtze River on her way to Nanking, the Chinese capital, to deliver supplies to the British Embassy. Suddenly, without warning, People's Liberation Army (PLA) shore batteries open fire and after a heavy engagement, Amethyst lies grounded in the mud and badly damaged. Fifty-four of her crew are dead, dying or seriously wounded while others deteriorate from the tropical heat and the lack of essential medicines.Its well acted and a glimpse into the horror of war and a rich part of our history Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member A classic movie. The book is a damn good read too. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Good fun movie..well made without too much drama.Feels like a true story like it is Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Battle Hell

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Cast & Crew

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Michael Anderson

Director

Richard Todd

Lt. Cmdr. Kerans

William Hartnell

Leading Seaman Frank

Akim Tamiroff

Col. Peng

Donald Houston

Lt Weston RN

Keye Luke

Capt. Kuo Tai
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Battle Hell

Battle Hell (1956) Battle Hell (1956) Battle Hell (1956) Battle Hell (1956) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1949, the British warship H.M.S. Amethyst is respectfully making its way down China's Yangtze River when its passage is unexpectedly blocked by a contingent of the Communist Chinese. From shore batteries, the Chinese troops fire on the Amethyst. With the British government snared in bureaucratic red tape, the ship's captain, Lieutenant Commander Kearns (Richard Todd), must figure out a way to maneuver down the Yangtze in the black of night to see his crew to safety.
Director
Michael Anderson
Producer
Herbert Wilcox
Screenwriter
Eric Ambler
Distributor
Distributors Corporation of America Inc.
Production Co
Everest Pictures Inc., Wilcox-Neagle
Genre
War
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 21, 1957, Original
Runtime
1h 53m