The first filming of how Fletcher Christian cast off the yoke of the oppressive Capt. Bligh is a joy to watch. Method actors may be a bit confused by the unashamedly hammy acting styles, dialectologists may wonder what part of England Christian and several of the Bounty's crew are actually from, and cultural historians may find more than a bit that doesn't belong. Everyone else, though, should sit back and enjoy the ride.
Charles Laughton is wonderful as Bligh, the personification of pure evil, and a naval officer so fond of punishment that he continues flogging a criminal even after he's dead. Clark Gable plays, as always, Clark Gable, and this is quite sufficient for any film, though he is also much more than adequate as Mr. Christian. Franchot Tone is the new and amusingly smug midshipman Roger Byam, appointed by the influential Sir Joseph to write a dictionary of the Tahitian language, who gets caught in-between the battle between Bligh and Christian. Dudley Digges chews up as much scenery as he is able as the ship's doctor ("Bacchus") who is fond of tall tales about himself, though he is even more fond of drinking. (Note for TV fans: the always-old Ian Wolfe, who plays Maggs, was later Mrs. Carlson's "houseboy" on "WKRP in Cincinnati.")
Long but never dull, this is an old-fashioned movie that delivers: action, intrigue, adventure, costumes, a trial, and even a love story. Pop some popcorn and have a good time.
Charles Laughton is wonderful as Bligh, the personification of pure evil, and a naval officer so fond of punishment that he continues flogging a criminal even after he's dead. Clark Gable plays, as always, Clark Gable, and this is quite sufficient for any film, though he is also much more than adequate as Mr. Christian. Franchot Tone is the new and amusingly smug midshipman Roger Byam, appointed by the influential Sir Joseph to write a dictionary of the Tahitian language, who gets caught in-between the battle between Bligh and Christian. Dudley Digges chews up as much scenery as he is able as the ship's doctor ("Bacchus") who is fond of tall tales about himself, though he is even more fond of drinking. (Note for TV fans: the always-old Ian Wolfe, who plays Maggs, was later Mrs. Carlson's "houseboy" on "WKRP in Cincinnati.")
Long but never dull, this is an old-fashioned movie that delivers: action, intrigue, adventure, costumes, a trial, and even a love story. Pop some popcorn and have a good time.