User Reviews

This version of "Billy Budd" was aired on the Canadian Broadcast Corporation and although the sets are minimalistic and a bit cheap, the production is about on par with American teleplays from the same era...similar sets and similar acting. In fact, I liked it very much...but still recommend the 1962 film over it for many reasons...not the least of which is the sound. The sound quality of this surviving film is poor and the picture quality just okay....with a running time stamp over top of it. Optimal, it is not.

The story is set during the Napoleonic Wars. While IMDB says it begins in 1783, this was before Napoleon even graduated from military school. Instead, the film says it's 1798...and that is the correct year. On board a British naval ship comes a new seaman, Billy Budd. Budd is handsome and nice...very nice...if not a trifle slow witted. But he has a way about him and everyone aboard likes him, save Claggart, who hates everyone...especially Budd because he is so kind and gentle. While various crew members plot Claggart's demise, Budd is staunchly loyal. But what he earns for his loyalty is only hatred from Claggart...and Claggart goes to the Captain to report Budd for various things he never actually did. The slow witted Budd, unable to speak due to his stutter and his shock, responds by striking Claggart...who dies as a result. What's next for Budd?

I have no complaints about the acting...it was very good....as is he story. But because the video is in such bad shape AND the 1962 Peter Ustinov directed version so good, I recommend you see it first. Plus at only an hour, this CBC production does seem a tad rushed...more time showing Budd's character and interactions with the crew would have improved it a bit.

Young William Shatner surprised me with the poignancy of his performance as the unfortunate Billy Budd. He was only in his early 20s. Easy to see why he was frequently cast in various roles during this time in his career. His versatility is undeniable and in this role, he underplays nicely as befits the Bully character. His accent is reasonably convincing and conveys his character's intensity and innocence. I had to get past his blonde wig which I didn't think suited him but superficial details aside, this was a well told story.

Of course Shatner was beautifully supported by Basil Rathbone and Patrick MacNee in mature, well nuanced performances. This compact and efficient portrayal of the Herman Melville classic is worth viewing. Thanks to GM theatre for filming these great stories. The print I saw was not great quality but I didn't once consider turning it off.