THE BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE

This is a story of sea power.

RELEASED

1956

DIRECTED BY

Michael Powell

Emeric Pressburger

STARRING

John Gregson

Anthony Quayle

Peter Finch

MORE INFO
Poster for the movie, The Battle the River Plate.

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.

WATCH

THE BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE SCENES ON GOZO

A Royal Navy tender docked in Mgarr Harbour.
The launch alongside in Mgarr Harbour, Gozo, ready to take Captain McCall out to HMS Ajax.

THE BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE 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.