Discuss Mutiny on the Bounty
Discuss → Movies → Mutiny on the Bounty → General
Your favourite version of the story?
posted by rudely_murraySTAFFMOD on March 12, 2017 at 9:19 PM
There have to date been three major films telling the story of HMS Bounty - the Oscar-winning 1935 film (starring Charles Laughton as Bligh and Clark Gable as Christian), the troubled 1962 production (Trevor Howard, Marlon Brando) and the 1984 picture The Bounty (Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson). I admire and enjoy all three - handsome productions with lavish sets and wonderful actors - but I feel that the 1935 film is the best of them.
Laughton's Bligh is simply wonderful. There's an argument to be made that he's something of a one-dimensional, bullying villain - that he doesn't find the humanity in the role which Howard and Hopkins did - but one cannot take one's eyes of him when he is onscreen. It's probably my favourite of this great actor's many memorable roles. Gable and Franchot Tone are also very strong, and this is a true epic of its era, stirring and compelling throughout.
The later versions of the tale are thoroughly enjoyable too, but this is my easy pick for best of the bunch. Please share your own thoughts or name your own favourite telling of the story!
Reply by jann
on March 12, 2017 at 9:23 PM
I don't think any are perfect, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with Hopkins/Gibson because it was probably more accurate than the others. I think Brando was the best Fletcher Christian though.
Reply by rudely_murray
on March 12, 2017 at 9:32 PM
I agree with your assessment of Brando. He gets a lot of flack for this performance but I really do think he nails it, and doesn't shy away from making Christian an obnoxious jerk at times.
Yes, the 84 movie is probably the closest thing we have to an 'accurate' account of the story - and I'm quite sure that Hopkins is closer to the real Bligh than either of his predecessors (I love all three, though). I do stand by the 1935 film as my favourite for its grand entertainment value, however.
Reply by Steve
on July 28, 2020 at 9:04 AM
I think the three -- Gable's, Brando's and Gibson's -- all are good in ways but none perfect. I thought Brando was great in his, but the film meanders a bit on that island. The original had Charles Laughton and he is epic and so good but Gable is a bit too handsome and charming. But Gibson and Hopkins are great in The Bounty despite it being a bit cheap looking compared to the first two. I officially can't pick my favorite.
Reply by movie_nazi
on July 28, 2020 at 9:10 AM
Laughton's Bligh is quintessential. Hands down the best one. I actually like the 1935 one the best even though Gable probably wasn't the best Christian. They are all good though.