Sand Pebbles, The (Full Frame)

VHS, 193 minutes, FOX

"The Sand Pebbles" tells many stories. It's the story of China, a slumbering giant that rouses itself to the cries of its people - and of the Americans who are caught in its bloody awakening. It's the story of Frenchy (Richard Attenborough), a crewman on the U.S.S. San Pablo who kidnaps his Chinese bride from the auction block. Most of all, it's the story of Jake Holman (Steve McQueen), a sailor who has given up trying to make peace with anything-including himself. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for McQueen, "The Sand Pebbles" blends explosive action with stirring drama and romance to form "engrossing entertainment of a special and memorable sort." (The Hollywood Reporter).