Mutiny on the Bounty
Mutiny on the Bounty
Midshipman Roger Byam joins Captain Bligh and Fletcher Christian aboard HMS Bounty for a voyage to Tahiti. Bligh proves to be a brutal tyrant and, after six pleasant months on Tahiti, Christian leads the crew to mutiny on the homeward voyage. Even though Byam takes no part in the mutiny, he must defend himself against charges that he supported Christian.
Charles London reviewedMay 1, 2025
Perhaps I know the story too well to appreciate this 1935 version of the classic mutiny aboard HMS Bounty. There are too many fictional inclusions and historical omissions.
I actually chose to watch this movie because of Charles Laughton, a prolific character actor from the Golden Age. Here in a starring role he is said to have given one of his greatest performances, and while it most certainly is attention grabbing, I find it to be slightly over the top. Captain Bligh was a prickly old salt with a penchant for discipline, but I don't believe he was the monster that the film makes him out to be.
Of the three movie versions I've seen (1935, 1962, 1984) this one is unfortunately my least favorite. I do find Laughton worth watching though, even if he lays on the ham a bit thick.