Billy Budd

Director: Peter Ustinov
Starring: Robert Ryan, Melvyn Douglas, Terance Stamp, David McCallum
Year: 1962

Based on a unfinished novella by Herman Mellville, the film follows Billy Budd, a seaman impressed into service aboard the HMS Bellipotent in the year 1797, when the Royal navy was dealing with two major mutinies while fighting the French. Billy, an orphaned illegitimate child who epitomizes innocence, openness and natural charisma, is adored by the crew, but arouses the antagonism of the ship's Master-at-Arms John Claggart, who falsely accuses Billy of conspiracy to mutiny. Despised by the crew, Claggart brings his charges to the ship's Captain (played by Peter Ustinov). Billy, unable to find the words to respond, strikes and accidentally kills Claggart.

Comments: Ustinov and the entire cast are exceptional. They manage to bring this film to life in a way that articulates the story's moral conflicts and dilemmas: between justice and law, responsibility to duty verses adherence to a personal moral code, and the struggle between good and evil. The film is a real gem.

Recommended.