MOVIE: Mutiny on the Bounty
RELEASE DATE: 1935
DIRECTOR: Frank Lloyd
SCREENPLAY: Talbot Jennings, Jules Furthman, Carey Wilson based on the book by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall
CAST: Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone
OSCARS:
Winner: Best Picture
Nominated: Best Actor in a Leading Role – Clark Gable
Nominated: Best Actor in a Leading Role – Charles Laughton
Nominated: Best Actor in a Leading Role – Franchot ToneNominated: Best Director – Frank Lloyd
Nominated: Best Film Editing
Nominated: Best Music, Score
Nominated: Best Writing, Screenplay
There have been several film adaptions of the famous novel, with big stars like Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins and Marlon Brando. Frank Lloyd’s Academy Award winner for Best Picture remains the best adaptation of this literary classic. Clark Gable plays Fletcher Christian who leads a revolt against the villainous Captain Bligh on the HMS Bounty. However, 1 year later, Bligh returns from exile to exact his revenge on his former crew. Gable (who reluctantly had to shave his famous mustache for the role) cemented his movie-star status as one of the most iconic leading men in Hollywood history. The real star of the movie is Charles Laughton as Captain Bligh. The historical accuracy of Bligh’s actions have been called into question over the years, but there’s no doubt that this film version is one of the most despicable villains in movie history. Laughton was also a shorter man, which gives his bullying a Napoleon-like feel. Also interesting was this production was incredibly lavish. Real ships were built and the film was shot on location in Polynesia, which gives the film a great deal of authenticity. A great early-Hollywood adventure story.
Mutiny on the Bounty is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray, as well as disc rental through Netflix. It is available for Digital purchase and rental via Amazon Instant Video and iTunes.
MORE MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY:
Check out where Blight ranks on the Essential Films 100 Greatest Movie Villains.
