User reviews

I wonder if they made more three-hour-plus films in the 1960s than any other decade? It seems that way. Here is another one. This also is a re-make from a 1935 version of the famous story

I liked this 'Mutiny On The Bounty' better than the critics did, who got annoyed at Marlon Brando's British accent. I found nothing wrong with it and I usually am critical about that sort of thing myself. Brando gave a solid performance.

Trevor Howard was convincing as the sadistic "Captain Bligh" and Tarita was fair as the love interest "Maimiti." The cinematography might have been the best feature of the film, a definite movie for widescreen as a lot of these mid '50s-to-mid '60s films were. There are some beautiful shots in here, beginning with those Tahiti sunsets. The color in this movie is magnificent.

Although not particularly a film you might watch over and over, I found no major fault with it except for perhaps the romance which was a bit sappy. The adventure, acting and photography were all top-notch and the three hours went by fairly fast.

Spectacular and lavish second retelling with extraordinary performances and wonderful outdoors . This high-budgeted rendition contains the mightiest excitement that ever swept across the sea or the screen . The Bounty leaves Portsmouth in 1787 . It is commanded by captain Bligh , he was chosen for the mission to Tahiti because he was considered one of the most skilled navigators in the world , having been personally selected by Captain James Cook as Master , title now would be Navigator , on his third voyage around the world . Its objective : to sail to Tahiti and load bread-fruit . The Bounty's original reason for going to Tahiti was to transport breadfruit seedlings to Jamaica where they would be cultivated to provide inexpensive food for the slaves working on English plantations . Captain Bligh (Trevor Howard, he was initially reluctant to play , because he felt he was far too old for the part, the real life Lieutenant William Bligh was 33 when the Bounty set sail) will do anything to get there as fast as possible , utilizing any means to keep up a rigid discipline . When they arrive at Tahiti , it is like a paradise for the crew (Richard Harris , Richard Haydn , Hugh Griffith , Percy Herbert , Gordon Jackson , among others) and officers , something totally different than the living hell aboard the boat . On the way back to England, 1st Lt. Fletcher Christian (Marlon Brando) becomes the chief of a rebellion .

This is the second adaptation of the vintage story of mutiny during the turbulent voyage based on one of history's greatest true life sea adventure . It's the colorful classic version very well played and with marvelous scenarios . Interesting screenplay tough there are some gaps and flaws , as many writers did uncredited rewrites on the script, including Eric Ambler, William L. Driscoll, Borden Chase, John Gay and Ben Hecht . Big budget adaptation as the film cost an estimated $19 million in 1962 which was a huge expenditure at the time . The ship cost $750,000 to reconstruct ; for almost four decades, the ship used in this film, has been a popular tourist attraction in St. Petersburg, Florida. Visitors get to tour the ship itself and learn more about both the historical H.M.S. Bounty and MGM's two screen versions of the Nordhoff and Hall book . She was reused in ¨Caribbean pirates¨ and was also used in ¨Treasure island ¨ and sank during Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

This account of the mutiny led by Fletcher Christian against captain Bligh is highlighted thanks to glamorous cinematography by Robert Surtees , as the last Ultra Panavision film to be shown in the extremely wide screen. Emotive as well as haunting musical score by Bronislau Kaper . Extremely memorable acting by Marlon Brando who brings his own powerful individualism to contrasting role of Trevor Howard with opposing attitude whose inevitable clash receives greatest importance . Interesting portrayal of Fletcher Christian's Marlon Brando and Bligh's Trevor Howard who bears little relation to Mel Gibson-Anthony Hopkins version . Furthermore , a sensual and romantic relationship between Marlon Brando and Tarita, the Tahitian beauty actress who played Maimiti, they met during filming and later married. Secondary cast is frankly excellent , such as Percy Herbert as Seaman Matthew , Duncan Lamont as John Williams , Gordon Jackson as Seaman Edward ,Noel Purcell a Seaman William , Eddie Byrne as John , Frank Silvera as Minarii and Hugh Griffith was fired during filming when his alcoholism became unmanageable , that is why his character disappears for large portions of the film . Compelling direction by Lewis Milestone who captures the feel of sea and harshness of the times . After the firing of Carol Reed, Marlon Brando began to usurp the power of replacement director Lewis Milestone , a well-respected veteran with two directing Oscars to his credit , in fact , it was last movie directed by Lewis Milestone ; he only did two TV episodes after this . Other renditions based on these historical events are the followings : Old and black and white take on titled 'Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)' by Frank LLoyd with Clark Gable , Charles Laughton and Franchot Tone and revisionist storytelling titled ¨Bounty¨ by Roger Donalson with Mel Gibson , Anthony Hopkins , Bernard Fox and Liam Neeson .

The real deeds are the following : In 1787, Captain Bligh was chose to command HMS Bounty on a voyage to Tahiti, where he was to collect breadfruit trees with the object of introducing them to the Caribbean . Ironically, the breadfruit seedlings which Bligh brought to Jamaica as an inexpensive food for the slaves working on English plantations were an utter failure , as the slaves took one bite, and refused to eat any more . Captain Bligh is determined to reach Tahiti and return with a hold full of breadfruit trees. When the ship sailed after a six-month stay on the island, Bligh's men mutinied , casting him and a handful of loyal crew members adrift with scant provisions and no chart. Bligh's incredible seamanship brought them safely to Timor after a voyage of 4000 miles. Fletcher Christian and the other mutineers sailed on to the island of Pitcairn. The mutineers' fate remained in mystery for 18 years until their island was discovered by an American whaling ship , they found one man , John Adams, with nine women and 23 children. What happened Fletcher Christian remains uncertain, some say he was murdered on Pitcairn island, but then there were reports that he returned safely to England . However the descendants live on Pitcairn island to this day.

Not quite as good as you'd hope.

It's fair to say you are a Captain disciplined, and you like to see subordinates lose skin, the cat o' nine tails is a smash, as they're beaten, whipped and slashed, filling your sails with such an overwhelming wind. If all else fails you go the distance and keelhaul, dragging the guilty of just what on a long trawl, prevents the crew from going soft, like rotten food they have to scoff, although you never hear the sounds, of their death squall. Although this time it seems you've pushed the boat too far, Fletcher Christian takes his chance to fight and spar, your ejected and cast-off, mutinous rabble will pay the cost, as you're left to drift for weeks, under the stars.

Brando's accent - what's that all about.

This is my favorite version of Mutiny of the Bounty, and I think it takes a very unfair pounding mainly on the basis of comparisons to the original. The production is superb, the story is paced a lot better, and it details Captain Bligh's cruelty more thoroughly. I can't vouch for the historical accuracy of the film, Brando's concept as a foppish Mr. Christian is a bit hard to believe, although he played it extremely well. Trevor Howard's Bligh is one of the most underrated performances in the world. For him to take a role heavily identified with another actor, play it his own way, and pull it off is extremely difficult. I give him enormous credit for this outstanding performance. I think the biggest criticism of this film is that it's not the original, but still extremely well done under the circumstances and very entertaining. ***

It's Portsmouth Harbor, England 1787. Botanist William Brown boards the Bounty. It is under the command of captain William Bligh (Trevor Howard) set for Tahiti. Its mission is to bring breadfruit to Jamaica. Fletcher Christian (Marlon Brando) is the new second in command with more humanist values. Seaman John Mills (Richard Harris) is accused of stealing cheese but he claims that the captain ordered him to take the cheese to his home. The captain overhears the accusation and orders a whipping.

The tale is a classic epic. The acting talent is top level from Trevor Howard to Richard Harris. The production is high quality. There are exotic locations. It seems set for Hollywood greatness but it's not at the top tier of the Bounty adaptations. Much of it boils down to Marlon Brando. He's playing a high class superior gentleman. He's keeping his stiff upper lip too high. He takes away from the contrast in style with Bligh. Trevor Howard is doing his best to be the dictatorial Bligh. Brando makes it more difficult than necessity to root for Christian. Take the very small scene of the silk night cap. He shows no sign of caring about the men's plight of their half-rations. These small choices add up to a significant detour. I don't like his performance. I don't like his character. The fishing scene is another example. I love the epic quality of the scene but Brando's pouting is annoying. It was a troubled production and much of it is blamed on Brando. It's not the first time that Brando has issues but it doesn't automatically make his work faulty. I only question his choices in the portrayal. It was nominated for seven Oscars but failed to win any. That's how I feel about this movie. It seems to have greatness with many great parts. However, it doesn't get over the top to be actually great.

When the news broke that MGM had the audacity to remake the hallowed 1935 classic `Mutiny on the Bounty' starring Clark Gable and Charles Laughton, the critics were aghast. As the news leaked out about trouble in production, they whipped themselves into a self-righteous frenzy. Brando was a lightening rod for criticism because he was renowned as arrogant hothead. Compared with Gable, who was universally loved and adored, Brando was a boor. It was almost sacrilegious to put Brando in any part Gable had played. When the film opened, it never had a chance. It was ripped to shreds. Brando was ridiculed as a lower class character actor who couldn't step up to the part, and derided for his dreadful attempt at an English accent. The film was a box office loser and critics smugly declared they told us so.

The film was beset by problems throughout production. The full-scale replica of the Bounty arrived on location two months after the film was scheduled to begin shooting. There were three deaths among the film's personnel and the film ran well over budget. The biggest problems were the result of Brando's constant temper tantrums as he tried to rewrite the entire film from the set. At least six writers came and went. After countless confrontations, director Carol Reed gave up and quit to be replaced by Lewis Milestone (`All Quiet on the Western Front'). Milestone was an utterly intractable director that Brando couldn't bully. The result was a battle between the immovable object and the irresistible force, with daily emotional pyrotechnics that further delayed the film. Although Milestone usually prevailed in the fracases, this film turned out to be his last in a 37-year career.

Over the years, the critics have continued to pillory the film, but the public generally receives it more favorably as time passes. Though I often disagree with the masses, in this case I concur. Having seen both the 1935 and 1962 versions, I prefer the latter. Gable is clearly more charming and dashing in the role, but Brando gives the more complete performance. Gable's Christian seems far less ruffled by the events that transpire on the Bounty, whereas Brando accomplishes a believable transition from the cavalier rogue to an honorable hero who endures self-torment over the treasonous act. Though Brando's English accent is oft ridiculed, I have heard far worse. Part of the problem probably stemmed from the fact that the accent he attempted to imitate was very upper crust and he delivered it with a certain sneering tone that made it seem like he was mocking the English. Just hearing that accent from the same lips that gave us, `I coulda been a contenda' was a kind of ironic comedy unto itself.

Between the Bligh portrayed by Charles Laughton and that depicted by Trevor Howard in the remake, Howard wins hands down for pure detestability. Most of the production values, such as music, set design and costumes were superior in the remake. Moreover, the remake was more historically accurate than the original.

The film features a youthful Richard Harris in the role of Mills, who gives an excellent performance of the petulant sailor. Also noteworthy is the lovely Tarita, a native Tahitian who plays Christian's love interest Maimiti, and does a scorching belly dance. This was Tarita's only film, but to anyone who has seen the film, she will not be soon forgotten.

This is an excellent film. It was nominated for seven Oscars including Best Picture, but it was shut out, trampled by `Lawrence of Arabia'. It is highly entertaining with wonderful costumes, props and sets, fabulous locations and photography, and some terrific performances. Though many will disagree, I rated it a 10/10. If one can step back from the controversy that swirled around this film when it debuted, it is an easy film to enjoy.

When the legend becomes fact, film the legend (to adapt the famous quotation from The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance). The story is the well-known one of how a British naval crew, while on a voyage to transport breadfruit from Tahiti to the West Indies, revolt against their brutal and sadistic captain under the leadership of the humane first mate and sail off to make a new life for themselves with their Tahitian sweethearts on the remote Pacific island of Pitcairn. Historical evidence, in fact, suggests that Captain William Bligh was not particularly brutal or sadistic, but this film, like its 1935 predecessor, is a film based upon legend rather than upon strict historical fact.

The late 18th century is often described as the Age of Revolution, and as the Bounty mutiny took place in 1787, midway between the American and French Revolutions, there would have been an obvious temptation to play Bligh as a decadent aristocrat and Fletcher Christian, the leader of the rebels, as a man of the people, standing up for the Rights of the Common Man. The temptation to portray Christian as a proto-Jacobin is, however, firmly resisted. In this film, it is Christian who is the aristocrat and Bligh, ever insecure about his social status, who is from a humbler background.

This is sometimes regarded as the film which started the decline in Brando's reputation. In his previous film, One Eyed Jacks, which he had also directed, he had gained a reputation as an obsessive perfectionist, but, artistically, the result was a very fine film with an excellent performance from Brando himself. In Mutiny on the Bounty, however, Brando proved to be equally obsessive, but the resulting film is not quite in the same class. Moreover, Brando's performance is one of his weaker ones. Much of the criticism (on this side of the Atlantic, at least) has centred upon his British accent. In terms of phonetic sound-values, in fact, Brando's effort is quite a reasonable attempt at an upper-class drawl- the real Fletcher Christian, the son of a Cumberland farmer, would probably have spoken with a strong northern accent- but it always sounds strained and unnatural. This sort of linguistic accuracy is probably unnecessary in period dramas, anyway. We do not know exactly how people spoke in the 18th century, but the available evidence suggests that the difference between British and American accents was much less marked than it is today. I was struck by the contrast with another big American star playing a British naval officer, Gregory Peck in Captain Horatio Hornblower. Although Peck's accent still sounds American, it also sounds more natural and is less distracting to the viewer.

The main problem, however, is not Brando's accent, but rather the way in which his character is played. Christian is played not only as an aristocrat, but also as a languid, foppish dandy. Bligh accuses him of hating both effort and ambition, and there appears to be some justice in the accusation. For too long Christian remains a passive, emotionless character, so the clash of temperaments between him and Bligh remains a muted one. Only during the mutiny itself does he come alive. The idea was presumably to show that Bligh was such a tyrant that even a passionless fop could be roused to anger by his behaviour, but this conception seems to me to waste much of the dramatic potential inherent in the story.

Brando apart, however, I found this a reasonably good film. Trevor Howard's portrayal of Bligh as a tyrannical martinet may have been historically inaccurate, but it was certainly convincing. (Even so, I still think that the best of the three actors to play the part was Anthony Hopkins in the 1984 version, which portrayed Bligh in a less one-dimensional way. Clark Gable remains the best Christian). The film is attractively shot, especially the Tahitian scenes, and Lewis Milestone handles the direction in such a way as to ensure that the story does not drag, as it easily could have done in a film of this length. (The film takes three hours to tell a story that the 1935 and 1984 versions told in just over two). Although it is not quite as good as the 1935 version, it is still a very watchable epic of the sea. 7/10

For the life of me, I have never been able to understand why the 1962 version of the "Bounty" tale is so maligned. It is a magnificent movie, stunningly photographed. It is not a perfect film, but it is undeniably entertaining. I actually (dare I say it?) enjoy it more than the original 1935 version that is so revered.

I can understand that some viewers balk at Marlon Brando's affected foppishness. IMO, however, the actor is taking a calculated risk in attempting to illustrate the profound transformation that Fletcher Christian undergoes as the story progresses. It does not always ring true, but, taken as a whole, it works very well. Some moments are brilliant. By the time we reach the actual mutiny, his growing rage (which has been suppressed almost imperceptibly up to this point) explodes in a massive rush and instantly we see a side of Christian that we weren't quite sure existed. His self-serving has finally given way to inevitable sympathy for the much-abused crew and even a sort of new-found idealism.

However, it is Trevor Howard's performance as Lt. Bligh which is the backbone of this movie. This man IS Bligh. At first he seems approachable and even affable, but each succeeding scene reveals some new brush stroke of character that illustrates the single-minded, ruthless soul of stone contained within. Howard also has this playfully mischievous smile that, every now and then, leads you to believe that there may be some glimmer of warmth inside the man. This hope, of course, is dashed to pieces every time.

"Mutiny on the Bounty" is also a strong example of how a soundtrack can make a film. This music always gives me goosebumps. From the overture through intermission to closing, it sets the tone of the picture brilliantly as a seafaring drama/adventure. It sounds like the ocean. It sounds the way the cinematography looks. Vast panoramas of blue ocean, endless skies, lush green tropical islands, and, most of all, the ship itself (which was built specifically for this film). And the icing on the cake is the song "Follow Me", one of the most hauntingly beautiful melodies ever written for the screen. To me (here I go again), it sounds like Tahiti.

Watch "Mutiny on the Bounty" in letterbox and full stereophonic sound and THEN see if you don't like it.

This movie, nominated for Best Picture, was under-rated, probably because of Brando's supposed behavioral problems on the set. They changed directors and I'm amazed this film is as good as it is. Brando is great as a foppish Fletcher Christian until Mutiny time when he becomes manly and wrestles power from Trevor Howard. Great production values, beautiful cinematography and able support from Richard Harris (who wanted to choose off Brando), Trevor Howard, and others.

A 7 out of 10. Best performance = Marlon Brando. To see this on a big screen back then was very impressive. Don't avoid this one because of the bad press. A worthwhile film.

This is a fabulous movie. Sumptuous production, good screenplay, excellent performances, beautiful cinematography and a majestic musical score.

Story follows the crew of British Naval vessel 'The Bounty' on its mission to transport 'bread fruit' plants from Tahiti to Jamaica, as food for the slaves there. Unrest is almost immediate, with the Captain (Howard) and his first officer (Brando) disagreeing over the appropriate punishment for a sailor's minor infraction. Things only get worse during the voyage as the harsh Captain responds severely to anything that opposes his ambition to please the admiralty with a speedy voyage. The crew's time spent in the paradise of Tahiti (particularly with regard to the naked and willing women) fills them with such pleasure that the prospect of a return voyage under such cruelty is unbearable. Events finally reach a summit on the way to Jamaica, when a mutiny takes place and the Captain is set adrift with most of those in disagreement with the first officer. However, this is far from an absolution for both sides...

For many the film is measured by the performance of Marlon Brando in the lead role, and it is easy to see why. His first officer, Fletcher Christian, is unlike anything from him in memory; however, taken as it is: an effeminate, fair-minded character forced into an extreme dilemma, the result is a complicated man, extremely well played. Indeed, as the film progresses, Christian's predicament is increasingly sympathetic and it is to Brando's credit that he remains engaging throughout. His unexpected plea to his fellow mutineers at the end is an extraordinarily conceived and delivered moment in the film.

Trevor Howard plays Captain Bligh with poise and relish. The character is completely arrogant and utterly loathsome, but never less than believable. This villain is all the more frightening because his cruel methods never stray outside the 'official' Naval regulations, as he is keen to point out. Of the supporting players, Richard Harris' roguish Mills and Richard Haydn as the Royal botanist (and film's narrator) make the strongest impressions. Overall acting is very good.

Vivid use is made of the exotic island locations (on which a considerable time is spent) and the vast, isolating ocean vistas.

Overall impression is of grand scale and spectacle, but illustrated with the intelligence and humanity of the scenario. Near-perfect filmmaking in glorious, old-fashioned style!

I haven't seen the original and I can't make comparisons. All I can say is that I found this remake well-made and very entertaining - at least three times better than "Ben-Hur". It's way overlong but genuinely exciting at times (and even ONE genuinely exciting sequence in a movie is a rare thing), and well-mounted. Brando's performance is excellent: he's like a time-bomb, and when he finally explodes, it's a really terrific moment.

Nominated for seven academy awards [1962] including Best Picture, "this spectacular movie of grandeur and intimacy, sex and humor, cruelty and nobility" (The Hollywood Reporter) stars two-time best actor winner Marlon Brando (The Godfather, On the Waterfront) as Fletcher Christian, a high-born English aristocrat and elegant gentleman turned Naval Lieutenant and able first officer, whose honor is inseparable from his humanity. Also in an impeccable performance, Trevor Howard's steely, sadistic Captain William Bligh commands by contempt, as malevolent toward his officers as to the crew he tortures. In idyllic Tahiti, exquisitely captured by Academy Award winner (Best Cinematography) Robert L. Surtees, Christian is seduced by Miamiti. She is portrayed by "enchanting Tarita, a 19 year-old native whose swaying hips find their own varying levels of audience appreciation." (Daily Variety). "Mr. Brando's steel-spring vigor when the patience of Fletcher Christian snaps and he whiplashes into the fateful incitement of mutiny is truly electrifying." (New York Times)

Complete with furious storms at sea, exotic native ceremonies, magnificent South Pacific island scenery, 6000 Tahitian extras, and a larger-than-life performance by the legendary Brando, this remake of the 1935 original Mutiny on the Bounty is one of the most exciting and visually astonishing adventures ever made. "A superb blending of direction [Lewis Milestone], photography and special effects" (Variety) this movie became an instant classic and still lives to this day as the best rendition of the re-telling of this true story. Very rich in visual imagery and complimented by a mesmerizing original music score (Bronislau Kaper), this film features some of the best dialogue and character portrayals of recent memory (too many to name here, but worthy of note is Hugh Griffith, Richard Harris, and Noel Purcell). Truly a classic in the true sense of the word, and a must see film for all connoisseurs of fine movie making! A superb motion picture! Excellent!

I approach this film as I would a textual account of the events it claims to portray. As a researcher of the events of the H.M.S. Bounty, I feel confident in declaring that, while all of the Hollywood films are inaccurate, this one solidly deserve to be characterized as pure fiction. It even starts off with a howler,when Brando takes an immediate disliking of Bligh at their first meeting. In fact, Bligh took a liking to Christian and promoted him over Fryer as second in command. And as to the mutiny itself, the actions of the participants are not in the slightest doubt, and are 180 degrees at variance with the manufactured scenes in this movie. Bligh was only 34 years old, only a few years older than Christian. Nor was he, by any accounts, considered a cruel captain. The punishment he gave to the deserters on Tahiti were far milder than the usual execution prescribed by law. Nor was there any case of him denying water to a dying sailor. The entire film should be destroyed as an example of the slanderous murder of a good man's reputation. Hollywood has no ethics when it comes to historical accuracy - anything that sells they will film. They call it "dramatic license." What it is is plain old lying in order to make a buck.

While the initial critical reception given MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY was not as favorable as that given the original 1935 film, seen nowadays it is a very impressive telling of the Bounty story with some fine performances and a stirring musical score by Bronislau Kaper that fully captures the mood with some haunting and truly striking themes that give the film added dimension. The pictorial splendor of the technicolor photography at sea and in Tahiti is never less than eyefilling. A thrilling high point is the storm at sea with Kaper's music rising to powerful intensity.

Furthermore, there are two fascinating performances by Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard. Howard is not quite as showy in the role as the scenery-chewing Laughton but his characterization is a bit more complex. Brando does an excellent job as Christian, posturing in the manner of a gentleman and speaking with an upper crust British accent that is entirely credible. Indeed, when he reaches the mutinous moment in a rage of uncontrolled anger, he is at the top of his acting form. Even so, some of his most effective moments are quietly underplayed. His performance deserved an Oscar nomination--but with so much bad publicity surrounding the film and the hardships and strains involved in the making, Hollywood apparently gave him the cold shoulder. Years later, they did the same to Russell Crowe for his bad boy behavior.

Technically, of course, the film is far superior to the B&W 1935 Gable-Laughton film. Gorgeous sunsets are backdrops to the ship at sea and the island scenes in Tahiti are gorgeous to behold.

A missing element from the earlier film is the absence of the character played by Franchot Tone. Indeed, Tone was nominated for a Best Actor award, along with Gable. There are numerous other differences but this take on the story is a good one, every bit as valid as the 1935 film.

With all of the bad publicity surrounding the film relegated to the past, we can look at this film with a fresh viewpoint today and enjoy it for the entertaining blockbuster that it is. Highly recommended.

The 1962 remake of 'Mutiny On The Bounty' has received many scathing attacks from some of the most prolific film critics throughout the years. It has been regarded as an overlong, overblown epic, which boasted an outrageous performance from Marlon Brando as the heroic captain's mate, Fletcher Christian. I believe that these initial reviews have been nothing short of harsh.

The 1935 version boasted a superb cast and was then regarded as a epitome of the classic story film-making. It is now regarded as a slackly told adventure, yet highly entertaining. So when the remake was in production in 1960, the critics' began to relish the possibility of another "turkey". The 1935 version was still clear in the memory. The rumours of discontent on the set and other production follies only assisted in tarnishing the reputation of the movie long before it was even released.

This movie is in fact a highly entertaining sea story. It is sweeping and visually beautiful, with a haunting musical score from Bronislau Kaper. It is in my opinion that Brando's performance was a brave if unsuccessful attempt to show a different side of Fletcher Christian. Brando's performance expresses a hero who suffers personal turmoil with the problems he experiences on the HMS Bounty. It is also unfair that many English critics have leapt upon Brando's accent. I am Irish and I have to listen to a multitude of strange Irish accents from many classic movies. It is in my view that Brando's accent seems to be a genuine foppish English accent which may not have been too far removed from the truth. The real Fletcher Christian was only 22 years of age when the Bounty sailed and he was a renowned ladies man.

Trevor Howard's performance of the rogue Captain William Bligh is masterful, even if he was another over-aged star to take on the role (The real Bligh was only 33 years old). The other performances are excellent especially from Richard Harris, Tarita and Hugh Griffith.

This movie is no worse than the 1935 version. It does have faults, but it is a genuinely beautiful movie to watch. The 1962 version of 'Mutiny On The Bounty' is not a testament on the problems of remaking of a classic adventure movie but of the real fact that critics really do get their facts wrong.

As much as I liked this version, I absolutely love the 1935 film. It was exciting and wonderful, with a brilliant Charles Laughton. Overall, this 1962 film is inferior but it definitely worth watching. Visually and technically, I couldn't fault it, the film does look exotic and gorgeous, and the score was very impressive. Lewis Milestone also does a creditable directing job, and the script is fairly polished. In terms of performances, despite the accent, Marlon Brando is quite handsome and dashing as Fletcher Christian, while Trevor Howard acquits himself well as the sadistic Captain Bligh and Richard Harris, Tarita and Richard Haydn give able support. However, there are some problems. Firstly, the pacing has a tendency to become pedestrian. Secondly, Brando's death scene went on for too long, it did feel very drawn out. Thirdly, the Tahiti interlude didn't work for me, I for one found it clumsily done. Overall though, it is a decent film if lacking the excitement the 1935 film had. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Your website regarding Mutiny on the Bounty is well done. I know a lot about the movie because I helped to make it in Tahiti in 1960-1961. Iwas secretary to the writers, and "girl Friday" on the picture. A year in Tahiti with Marlon Brando was, and still is, most memorable. I am writing a book and including some of that experience. When I am set on he title I will come back and let you and your readers know. I loved the film because it captured the essence of Tahiti, both on the water and in the dance sequences. We had two trips to Tahiti because there was so much rain when the group from MGM was first there and we had to return to MGM in January and wait until the rainy season was over. Ia Orana. Suzanne

This is the big, bright, Technicolor-epic version of the Bounty story. It's inoffensive, obvious, and corny, in the MGM way. But it's beautifully photographed, and it doesn't cheat on the trimmings: a full-sized Bounty replica was commissioned for this film, and the Tahiti scenes were shot in Tahiti. (The DVD version doesn't cheat either: the film is spread across two discs, and the source used was flawless.)

Brando's Christian is a smirking, insolent fop; he comes aboard in a scarlet cape, accompanied by not one but two whores. Brando does a fruity, funny, and not very believable accent on top of his already light voice. He's great fun and original, but he loses his way after the mutiny, because he's not shot close in enough to catch his expressions. Brooding in his quarters, he looks more like a sulky teenager than a overburdened mutineer. Howard has a thankless job because this version makes Bligh a callous, one-dimensional fussbudget. Howard makes him seem credible and human anyway. He's especially good in the mutiny sequence; Bligh is so used to containing himself that he can't react even when he's physically attacked, but Howard is burning inside. He's also clearly enjoying himself whenever the script calls for him to call Christian/Brando a spoiled poseur. The rest of the cast are mostly stock cutouts and forgettable, and the film is generally very conventionally conceived. However, the stunning photography and amazing color, plus Howard and Brando, make it a worthwhile trip.

Based on a true event, Marlon Brando plays one of his best roles as Fletcher Christian - the man who risked all he had and led the mutiny against the abusive and vicious captain Bligh (an extremely nasty Trevor Howard). The film is blessed with a larger than life cinematography in some of the most beautiful locations on earth. Brando has never looked better and here you could see why this man was considered a legend. Also look for a young Richard Harris as one of the sailors. The film also features some exotic looking women from Tahiti - most notable of course is the pretty Tarita (who became Brando's wife and had two children with him). It's a reminder of a time when they really made a big, and I mean BIG films who had a long lasting impact on you. Another thing should be pointed out for those of you who shy away from a long running time, at almost 3 hours, this film is gripping from the first minute to the last. A true classic that is highly recommended 10/10.

A much better movie than it was ever given credit for being. Gorgeous cinematography, excellent acting, much more believable motivations than in the '35 film. I liked it when I first saw it and I still do.

This is a flawed but terribly underrated, probably much unseen film. The performances are all very good, notably Brando's Fletcher Christian, and Howard's Bligh. People who like Brando (who doesn't?) need to watch this, for although it is not as famous a film as, say, On The Waterfront, or The Godfather (for which he received Oscars) he still gives a magnificent, complex performance. I've watched the film several times, and, as is often the case with Brando, or any great actor, the performance grows on you each time. The greatest actor ever? Perhaps. What is certain is that no actor could ever claim he "becomes the person he plays" more than Marlon Brando could. (As another commenter put it, Gable was just being Gable in the 1935 version.) It's strange, and a shame, that this film is not yet available on DVD. I've been watching it on widescreen VHS, and it's impressive enough, with the great scenery, sets, and location shooting. Don't miss this one.

In 1787, in Portsmouth, the rude Captain William Bligh (Trevor Howard) of the British ship Bounty is assigned to travel to Tahiti to transplant breadfruit to bring to England. Bligh is jealous of the aristocratic 1st Lt. Fletcher Christian (Marlon Brando) and along the journey, his tyrannic and cruel behavior lead to a showdown with the rebel Seaman John Mills (Richard Harris) and other seamen. But on the voyage of returning to England, his savage attitudes kill crewmembers, forcing Fletcher to lead a mutiny to overthrow Bligh. What will be the consequences of this action?

"Mutiny on the Bounty" is an adventure with magnificent performance of Trevor Howard in the role of a despicable captain of a British ship. His duel with Marlon Brando is memorable an unforgettable. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "O Grande Motim" ("The Great Mutiny")

In 2011, I attended the 2nd annual TCM Film Festival. The late Robert Osborne was introducing a film (not this one) and invited the audience to ask questions prior to the showing. After a few Q and A's, an audience member stood and asked "Do you still maintain your unreasonable position that the 1962 version of Mutiny in the Bounty is a pointless, self-indulgent remake of a genuine classic from 1935?" "Pointless, self-indulgent and ghastly," came Osborne's reply. The questioner, 3 seats to my right, pointedly disagreed. He also turned out to be Osborne's great friend Alec Baldwin. This repartee had all been set up, based on Baldwin's knowledge of Osborne's contempt for the 1962 version.

It was great a fun, except for the fact that Osborne was right - and Baldwin knew it. The Brando version is indeed ghastly and overblown - and Brando has never been worse.

The 1 point I gave this thing is for Kaper's music.