Mutiny on the Bounty
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Movie Reviews of Mutiny on the Bounty
Movie Review: The better version
Summary: 5 Stars
Charles Laughton plays Captain Bligh, an evil and sadistic tyrant who has his men flogged, keelhauled, etc. at the drop of a hat. The later version of the 1960s feature Leslie Howard as cruel, but in a creepy, steely manner whereas Laughton's portrayal is openly and flamboyantly sadistic. Clark Gable is first mate Fletcher Christian and there is very little subtlty as to his character. He is a classic "good guy" as opposed to Marlon Brando's later, more nuanced portrayal. Christian is a loyal British naval officer and the idea of mutiny as unthinkable astreason would be to a loyal 21st century American. However, he is pushed too far as he witnesses barbarity after barbarity against the seamen under his cahrge.
Christian is portrayed as emminently fair and, indeed magnanimous. His fellow mutineers want Bligh Flogged or executed and, they want similar revenge for those officers and sailors who remained loyal and did not participate. However, Christian sets them adrift in a boat with food and water (albeit an inadequate amount) and the second part of the adventure begins as Bligh and his loyal men struggle to stay alive and make it to shore safely. As I noted earlier, the performances are less nuanced than in the later version but, the saga is gripping, the cinematography great and therefore, ultimately, I like this version better than the later one.
Movie Review: Entertaining, but not historically accurate
Summary: 5 Stars
OK, while miles ahead of the 1960s remake, ruined by an over-the-top performance by a very miscast Marlon Brando, this version still does not tell the true story of the HMS Bounty and its ill-fated voyage. (See James A. Michener's "Rascals in Paradise" for a historically accurate, but brief, picture of Bligh and the mutiny.) The movie stays close to the novel by Hall & Nordhoff and uses a fictious midshipman, Roger Byam, as the main character and we see both Christian and Bligh mostly through his eyes.The acting by Gable and Laughton are, of course, excellent and the film shows the money spent by M-G-M wasn't wasted. The Bounty, itself, was a beautiful replica and the filming at sea--especially during storms--is hair-raising. In short, if you are after historically accurate drama--then this isn't your film, but if you want an entertaining, thrilling sea adventure from Hollywood's golden age--then by all means take a chance with this great picture.
Movie Review: Arguably the best of the Bounty movies
Summary: 5 Stars
To my knowledge there are three movies made about the mutiny on the bounty. There is this one, a remake starring Marlon Brando and another remake starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins as Capt. Bligh. I've seen all three and enjoyed them all, but I lean toward this one being the best due to Charles Laughton's take on Capt. Bligh. Cold, cruel and brutal Laughton's Bligh keeps you glued to the screen easily stealing the movie right out from under Clark Gable.
If you don't know the story or have never seen any of the Bounty movies this is where you want to begin.
The cover art
makes you think this will be in color but its not it's in black and white and the movie has not been remastered for DVD. It still looks and sounds pretty good so do not let that stop you from seeing it. If you enjoy this one, take the time to seek out the remakes too. The story is timeless and the original movie is a classic.
Movie Review: One of the top ten thirties' films!
Summary: 5 Stars
This was the first and even best version of the three released versions. This picture concerns about leadership issues and it may be considered as a permanent management lesson. If you weave finely , you can find related similarities with Potemkim ; the tyranny incarnated by the merciless captain William Bligh superbly played by Charles Laughton that legendary actor allowed also to Clark Gable demonstrate his talent other areas. Formidable direction of Frank Lloyd.
Unquestionably a cult film all the way and one of the towering films in any age. A superb classic.
If I made an imaginative selection of these two characters in the seventies, think in the couple Pacino and George C. Scott; in the eighties James Woods and Ben Kingsley, in the early nineties Robert Downey and Anthony Hopkins and in this raising Century Jude Law and Russell Crowe.
Movie Review: ...AND NOT A DROP TO DRINK
Summary: 5 Stars
After 72 years, this original version is still the best by far, despite historical inaccuracies. I was never aware that early Hollywood was under any really enforceable laws of historical accuracy, save for the denial of obvious obscenities.Rather, I assume that telling a good story was paramount, and this film certainly does entertain. Laughton, Gable, and Tone all play realisic roles. One can imagine a 2007 version, replete with raw sex, that could completely ruin the overall tale, shot originally on Santa Catalina, and in a huge tub on the MGM lot. Remember also that movies of this era had none of the color,sound effects, and sight tricks available today.For its time, it is a great movie,well worthy of adding to a "buff's" collection.