Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)
Grade: 94
"Mutiny on the Bounty" is an outstanding film, with excellent cast and cinematography, and an even better script. The film never flags for a moment, and all scenes work, whether dramatic, romantic or comic.
In late nineteenth century England, a ship is launched to Tahiti, to obtain breadfruit trees for feeding slaves on a British colony. Captain Bligh (Charles Laughton) is a brutal taskmaster, punishing his seamen even upon death. First Mate Fletcher Christian (Clark Gable) openly disapproves of Laughton's methods.
With both men stubborn and hot-tempered, conflict is inevitable. Gable takes the ship and sends Laughton off in a lifeboat with some loyal mates. Against all odds, Laughton makes it to England, and returns to the sea in a second ship to catch and hang the mutineers.
It is difficult to say what is more impressive: the cinematography of the big ships, cleverly giving the illusion of sailing the high seas, or the script, which gives the actors dramatic but natural lines.
I liked how events went after the mutiny. Laughton, who was selfish and cruel on the Bounty, is equally just and kindly on the lifeboat. This character transition was credible to me, because these were his loyal men, because it was what was needed to reach shore, and his anger was focused on seeing Grant hang.
Grant and the mutinous crew are hunted men without a country. Grant shows remorse for becoming an infamous outlaw, but no remorse for taking the ship to save lives and stop Laughton's cruelty.
Tahiti is depicted as a tropical paradise, with the most benevolent people (natives who look suspiciously anglo-saxon) in world history. Too bad civilizations like that cannot exist long, since it is ripe for exploitation by outsiders.
"Mutiny on the Bounty" won the Oscar for Best Picture. Laughton, Grant, and Franchot Tone (who plays a good-guy officer tried for mutiny) were all nominated for Best Actor, but must have split the votes between them.
kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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