Film is Tribute to RN

Two men, the skipper and a stoker, who took part in the epic escape of the H.M.S. Amethyst from the Chinese Communists in1949, saw a film about the action in Bristol last night.

"Yangtse Incident" devotedly directed by Michael Anderson, of "Dam Busters" fame, was made with the technical advice of the skipper, Lt. Cmdr. J. S. Kerans, who attended a special performance at the reopened Whiteladies Cinema.

"Having seen the film ten times now, I can spot a few faults in it, But I think they are unavoidable." He said. "On the whole, it is as accurate as it could be and a credit to the Navy and the country."

The stoker-now steel erector- Leonard Canning of 4 Fane Close, Henbury, commented, "Mostly, it was just as it happened. But it was strange to see one's mates portrayed on the screen." Cmdr. Kerans agreed. He was portrayed by Richard Todd. "I found it embarrassing at first," he said, "but I got used to it after a while. And there was so much else to attend to."

Before last night's showing, the commander inspected a guard of honour of Bristol Sea Scouts, who marched to the cinema from the Victoria Rooms. Then he attended a reception at which the guests included the sheriff and his Lady. Mr. And Mrs. W. E. Wheatly.

"Yangtse Incident" is being shown at the Whiteladies, Kings and Rex cinemas all this week.
-Author unknown
August 1957

(Article submitted by Robert W. Green)

Transcribed by Rene' L. Pocock

 



Page published Oct. 5, 2007