So I watched "The Battle Of River Plate" last night as recommended by someone on this list. All 2 hours.

BORING! 2 hours of film, with just 10 minutes of story.

It was great to see Bernard Lee in something other then Bond, but this film could have been 30 min. long.

For example, there is lots of pointless exposition showing the transfer of men and equipment from one ship to another. It slows things down way too much, and if it was more directly related to the point of the story, I could understand its inclusion. it's obviously there to pad the movie. But at 2 hours, this film does not need padding. What it needs is a script that can carry the film for 2 hours.

The direction, editing, and script are just substandard. Even for a 1956 film. About half way into the movie there is a traditional sea battle (based on a real events) with some very cheesy effects mind you. Then just as the movie is starting to become a bit more exciting, the plot really thickens and there is the promises of Bernard Lee and a band of captured British sailors escaping from their brig and causing mayhem for the Germans on board the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee as it's being chased and fired on by a closing British task force. But no!!!! Just as things are about to get very exciting, ALL STOP! We are suddenly in a harbor of a neutral South American nation, and that can only mean one thing. That's right! It's time for a MUSICAL NUMBER. Complete with Carmen Miranda rip off.

Yes, it's now a gay and festive South American musical flavored comedy. With a sudden story focus turning from war battle responsibilities of ships captains, to a wacky girl grabbing (sorry, dame grabbing) American radio newsman named Mike Fowler. No more battles or shooting for the next 60 min. But to be fair, you do get an exploding toy model before it all ends.

Now this movie is based on a true event, and the director completely cut out one of the most dramatic elements of the entire incident. That is the fate of the German Captain just four days after the battle.

Oh, and that they thought they could substitute a U.S. Navy Heavy Cruiser (the USS Salem) as the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee was purely ridicules.

This film can be seen FREE online at: http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/drama/watch/v16247411822rxtad