Sand Pebbles, The

Based on the novel by Richard McKenna, The Sand Pebbles stars a "cast of thousands" and tells the tale of Jake Holman (McQueen), a sailor stationed aboard the USS San Pablo (nicknamed the Sand Pebble) that floats atop China's Yangtze River at a time when the country is on the brink of revolution. Also coping with the intensifying political climate are missionary teacher Shirley (a fresh-faced Bergen), who falls for the strong yet sensitive American soldier, and Frenchy (Attenborough), another crewman who finds the love of his life on a Shanghai auction block. Watch for Love Boat captain Gavin MacLeod as one of the crewmen, Crosley. (Stacey Pendry)