1962's Mutiny on the Bounty is a historical drama directed by Lewis Milestone. It was one of the first films to use the Ultra Panavision 70 widescreen process. The story centers around two people - Captain William Bligh (Trevor Howard) and second-in-command, 1st Lieutenant Fletcher Christian (Marlon Brando), who in 1787 set sail on his majesty's vessel known as "the Bounty". They travel on a mission to the island of Tahiti to retrieve breadfruit saplings and bring them back to England in hopes that they will thrive and provide a cheap source of food for slaves. The journey is hard and perilous, but not as hard as the rigid and stern Captain. Throughout the film, Bligh is feared by his crew, showing no sympathy for them and is stern with discipline.
Mr. Christian however does not bend to Bligh, as he is respected by the ship's company with his leadership and encouragement. When Chrisitan finally has enough of Bligh's malice towards the crew of the Bounty, he and a few men overthrow Bligh, knowing full well there could be repercussions back in England. It's a marvelous story, with a gut-wrenching ending. Howard is fantastic as Bligh, and Brando does a wonderful job as Fletcher Christian. I also recommend the 1935 adaption starring Clark Gable and Charles Laughton.
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