While sailing lawfully up the Yangste in 1949, the British warship Amethyst found its return to the open sea blocked by Communist Chinese shore batteries that unexpectedly opened fire. In charge, Lietenant Commander Kerans was not however prepared for his crew and his ship to remain as a hostage for the Chinese to use as an international pawn.
| Directing | Michael Anderson | Director |
| Production | Herbert Wilcox | Producer |
| Writing | Lawrence Earl | Novel |
| Writing | Franklin Gollings | Story |
| Writing | Eric Ambler | Screenplay |
| Sound | Leighton Lucas | Music |
| Crew | Gordon Dines | Cinematography |
| Editing | Basil Warren | Editor |
| Art | Ralph W. Brinton | Art Direction |
| Production | Franklin Gollings | Associate Producer |
| Directing | Denis Johnson | Assistant Director |