Billy Budd

The British navy, 1797. Billy Budd is a young sailor, guileless and incapable of thinking ill of anyone. Claggart, the ship's master-at-arms, is a sadist who hates him precisely for that innocence. When Claggart is killed, Billy is accused and a court is convened aboard. Captain Vere has to serve both justice and naval discipline, and the two do not lead to the same place. Peter Ustinov directed, produced and played Captain Vere. The source is the stage adaptation of Herman Melville's short novel by Louis O. Coxe and Robert H. Chapman. The narrative refuses to resolve its moral question: the good man is condemned, and the man who condemns him does not believe he is right. Terence Stamp plays Billy in his first feature. He was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for it and won the Golden Globe for most promising male newcomer. Robert Ryan plays Claggart. Who it's for: Viewers who like Melville adaptations, courtroom drama built on moral dilemma, and black and white seafaring films. Who it's not for: The dialogue is dense and philosophical and there is almost no action. The characters also remain symbolic rather than realistic portraits.