Activate your BLOCKBUSTER On Demand device

Billy Budd (1962)

Billy Budd (1962)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
Herman Melville's short novel Billy Budd is adapted for the screen, distinguished by Robert Krasker's expressive black-and-white cinematography and Peter Ustinov's crisp direction. Terence Stamp is Billy Budd, a seaman forced to serve in the British Navy during the war between England and France in 1797. Billy looks upon all men as inherently good and, although his crewmates are initially skeptical about this sailor who appears too good to be true, he proves his mettle by his skills as a sailor and gains the respect of the crew -- all except for the ship's reviled master-at-arms John Claggert (Robert Ryan), who attempts to poison Billy's reputation by accusing him of instigating a mutiny. When the ship's captain, Edward Vere (Peter Ustinov), questions Billy about the charges, Billy reacts by striking Claggert, who falls over and dies from a blow on the head. A court-martial is called and Vere has to determine whether Billy should be hanged or acquitted. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Robert RyanPeter Ustinov, (more)
Director(s):
Peter Ustinov
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Billy Budd

Herman Melville's short novel Billy Budd is adapted for the screen, distinguished by Robert Krasker's expressive black-and-white cinematography and Peter Ustinov's crisp direction. Terence Stamp is Billy Budd, a seaman forced to serve in the British Navy during the war between England and France in 1797. Billy looks upon all men as inherently good and, although his crewmates are initially skeptical about this sailor who appears too good to be true, he proves his mettle by his skills as a sailor and gains the respect of the crew -- all except for the ship's reviled master-at-arms John Claggert (Robert Ryan), who attempts to poison Billy's reputation by accusing him of instigating a mutiny. When the ship's captain, Edward Vere (Peter Ustinov), questions Billy about the charges, Billy reacts by striking Claggert, who falls over and dies from a blow on the head. A court-martial is called and Vere has to determine whether Billy should be hanged or acquitted. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
123 mins

Complete Cast of Billy Budd


Director(s):
Peter Ustinov
Writer(s):
Peter UstinovRobert RossenDeWitt Bodeen
Producer(s):
Peter Ustinov
Billy Budd Awards:
  • 1962 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - New Star of the Year - Male
Looking for special editions of Billy Budd?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription 
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
YOUR REVIEW
WRITE A REVIEW
 
1000 
 
Member Reviews
 
Jeff K.

Skip the synopsis, this movie is a widescreen B&W masterpiece. Not enough action for the children, but a must-see for those without ADS. They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

Yes   |   No

 
Deb J.

Young Terrence Stamp is brilliant as Billy, and the difference between English law and Roman law is well portrayed! All around solid movie. They just don't make 'em like this anymore!

Yes   |   No

 
Gary G.

If you like well acted movies with a good story you will like this sea yarn. Some homoerotic undertones but nothing to offend.

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 6 Reviews