Revealing mistake: When the German cruiser Graf Spee is seen leaving Montevideo harbour for the last time it is flying the American Stars and Stripes flag from the aft observation platform tower.
The Battle of the River Plate (1956)
1 revealing mistake
Directed by: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
Starring: Anthony Quayle, Peter Finch, John Gregson, Ian Hunter, Jack Gwillim
Factual error: When the filmmakers were choosing existing warships to play the roles of the ships in the battle, they didn't quite match up some of the details. The Graf Spee is represented by USS Salem which has three triple gun turrets - yet in the Captain's cabin is a photograph of the real Graf Spee which had just two turrets. Likewise, HMS Ajax is represented by a Sheffield class cruiser with four triple gun turrets - yet in the fire control area there are just eight lights to indicate guns ready to fire.
Captain Bell - H.M.S. Exeter: Can reach Plymouth if ordered.
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