Billy Budd (1962)

Melvyn Douglas: The Dansker - Sailmaker

Photos 

Quotes 

• William O'Daniel, maintopman : [After Jenkons' burial at sea]  Well, that's the end of Enoch Jenkins. Over the side he goes and his mates soon forget him.

  Alan Payne, maintopman : They'll not forget him so soon, I'm thinking.

  The Dansker, sailmaker : Ah, whatever happened to Jenkins, he ain't worried now. He got a hundred fathoms between him and the troubles of his life.

  Billy Budd : I'd rather be buried at sea than on the shore when I come to die. Will you stand by the plank, mates, so I can shake a friendly hand before I sink?

  [After a pause, they all laugh] 

  Billy Budd : .

• [Billy and the Dansker have just witnessed a flogging] 

  Billy Budd : What was his crime?

  The Dansker, sailmaker : Any one of many possible reasons.

  Billy Budd : You mean you don't know what he did?

  The Dansker, sailmaker : Flogging. The only solution to every problem. I warrant even the culprit himself doesn't know! It was just... his... turn!

• The Dansker, sailmaker : [At Billy's court-martial]  I look around and sense finality here.