the battle of the river plate

Year

1956

directed by

Michael Powell

Emeric Pressburger

starring

John Gregson

Anthony Quayle

Peter Finch

Synopsis

Synopsis

In the early months of World War II, the German battleship Admiral Graf Spee threatens Allied shipping, leading the British Royal Navy to deploy hunting groups to stop it. After a fierce battle off South America damages both sides, the Graf Spee takes refuge in Montevideo, Uruguay. Deceived by British misinformation about imminent reinforcements, Captain Hans Langsdorff ultimately orders the scuttling of his ship to prevent further loss of life, earning respect from his adversaries for his humane decision.

the battle of the river plate scenes on GOZO

The launch alongside in Mgarr Harbour, Gozo, ready to take Captain McCall out to HMS Ajax

The battle of the river place locations map

Did you Know?

The producers were fortunate enough to have access to many ships from the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet, including the HMS Sheffield, which played HMS Ajax.