Is 55 Days at Peking Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, 55 Days at Peking is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies.
It features a runtime of 154 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
55 Days at Peking Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1963, 55 Days at Peking emerges as a significant entry in the History, War, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Diplomats, soldiers and other representatives of a dozen nations fend off the siege of the International Compound in Peking during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion. Unlike standard genre fare, 55 Days at Peking attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any History is often anchored by its ensemble, and 55 Days at Peking features a noteworthy lineup led by Charlton Heston . Supported by the likes of Ava Gardner and David Niven , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of 55 Days at Peking (1963) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
55 Days at Peking Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: 55 Days at Peking is a History, War, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
55 Days at Peking Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: 55 Days at Peking resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to history resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the history themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of 55 Days at Peking reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
55 Days at Peking Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
55 Days at Peking draws heavily from documented historical records. As a history, war, drama film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: 55 Days at Peking adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch 55 Days at Peking?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy History films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
55 Days at Peking Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $17.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $10.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
55 Days at Peking Budget
The estimated production budget for 55 Days at Peking is $17.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of 55 Days at Peking
- Charlton Heston – Maj. Matt Lewis
- Ava Gardner – Baroness Natalie Ivanoff
- David Niven – Sir Arthur Robertson
- Flora Robson – Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi
- John Ireland – Sgt. Harry
Top Highlights
Charlton HestonMaj. Matt Lewis
Ava GardnerBaroness Natalie Ivanoff
David NivenSir Arthur Robertson
Flora RobsonDowager Empress Tzu-Hsi
John IrelandSgt. Harry
Harry AndrewsFather de Bearn
Leo GennGen. Jung-Lu
Robert HelpmannPrince Tuan
Kurt KasznarBaron Sergei Ivanoff
Philippe LeroyJulliard
Where to Watch 55 Days at Peking Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
55 Days at Peking is rated NR. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, 55 Days at Peking stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1963 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 55 Days at Peking movie hit or flop?
55 Days at Peking is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7/10, it's highly recommended for fans of History, War, Drama movies.
Is 55 Days at Peking worth watching?
Yes, 55 Days at Peking is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of History, War, Drama cinema.
Where can I watch 55 Days at Peking online?
55 Days at Peking may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for 55 Days at Peking
It is tempting just to look upon this as an imperialist (Western, not Chinese) costume drama with fireworks. I think, however, it does merit a little more credit than that. Samuel Bronston pulls together quite a cast as Hollywood (via Madrid and Valencia) gives us it's version of the failed/foiled Boxer rebellion that lead to the ultimate decline of the Dragon Throne. Charlton Heston and David Niven develop a decent enough chemistry as the story takes shape, and Ava Gardner, Flora Robson, Leo Genn and Paul Lukas ensure there is some strength and depth to the supporting cast, and therefore to the story of the siege of the diplomatic compound in Peking by Chinese rebels in 1900. The sets are testament to what could be done in a world before CGI (and I bet the budgets wouldn't be that much different, either) and the mass-participation scenes are colourful, noisy and look good. As ever with these kind of films, there is an inevitability around the outcome; however preposterous the odds - but this is still a commendable effort to enlighten us, a little, as to the attitude of the colonial powers to China at the turn of the 20th Century.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
