Yangtse Incident: The Story of H.M.S. Amethyst

The Yangtze Incident: The Story of H.M.S. Amethyst is a 1957 British drama film directed by Michael Relph, based on the true events surrounding the 1949 Chinese Civil War. The film tells the story of H.M.S. Amethyst, a British warship that became stranded in Chinese waters, embroiled in a complex web of international politics and military maneuvering. The movie opens with Lieutenant Commander Kerans, the ship's commanding officer, skillfully navigating the Amethyst through the treacherous waters of the Yangtze River. Alongside him is his crew, comprised of seasoned sailors who have fought in World War II and are well-experienced in handling naval maneuvers. As they sail up the river, the crew's morale is high, and Kerans is confident in his ability to complete the mission. However, on their return journey to the open sea, the crew is ambushed by Communist Chinese shore batteries, which unleash a barrage of artillery fire onto the unsuspecting Amethyst. Caught off guard, the British warship takes heavy damage, and Kerans is ordered to drop anchor to prevent any further damage. The Chinese forces, led by General Sung Shao-chun, a cunning and ruthless commander, take the Amethyst's crew hostage and demand a ransom from the British government in exchange for their safe release. As the siege continues, Kerans and his crew are faced with a daunting task: finding a way to escape from the Chinese stronghold. With limited resources and a strict naval protocol to follow, Kerans must navigate the complex diplomatic landscape to secure the release of his crew. He is aided by the ship's chaplain, Lieutenant Commander John 'Scoop' Martin, who proves to be a valuable advisor and strategist. The Chinese authorities, led by General Sung, use the Amethyst as a symbol of their power and legitimacy, claiming that the British are engaged in an attempt to overthrow the communist government. As the situation escalates, the British government is pressured to respond, and a fleet of warships is dispatched to the Yangtze River to engage the Chinese forces. Meanwhile, Kerans and his crew face a daily struggle to survive the harsh conditions on board the Amethyst. Supplies are scarce, and morale is low as the crew faces the very real possibility of being interned by the Chinese. Kerans must maintain a delicate balance between keeping his crew safe and fulfilling his duties as a naval officer. The British government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Clement Attlee, seeks to maintain a diplomatic solution, while also demonstrating its resolve to protect its citizens and sovereignty. The British ambassador to China, Sir Olaf Gollancz, plays a key role in mediating the situation, engaging in a series of tense and complex negotiations with General Sung. As the stalemate continues, Kerans and his crew experience a series of close calls and setbacks, including a harrowing raid by Chinese commandos and a confrontation with General Sung's forces. In the face of overwhelming odds, Kerans must rely on his wits, experience, and the bravery of his crew to keep the Amethyst afloat and its crew alive. After months of negotiations, with the British government facing mounting pressure to intervene, a daring rescue plan is put into action. A squadron of British warships and fighter planes launches a surprise attack on the Chinese forces, while the Amethyst makes a daring break for the open sea. The Yangtze Incident: The Story of H.M.S. Amethyst is a gripping and intense drama that explores the complexities of international politics and the heroism of the British crew who risked everything to survive against all odds. Director Michael Relph skillfully captures the tension and suspense of the Amethyst's ordeal, drawing on historical records and first-hand accounts to recreate the events with breathtaking accuracy. The movie's performances are outstanding, with Leslie Phillips delivering a strong and nuanced portrayal of Lieutenant Commander Kerans. The supporting cast, including Bryan Pringle as Lieutenant Commander Martin, brings depth and complexity to their roles, adding to the film's emotional impact. The Yangtze Incident: The Story of H.M.S. Amethyst is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the men who served on H.M.S. Amethyst, and a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.