Billy Budd
Seen it?1962 | 119 min | Drama, Action
Friday Night Flickearly ratingWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for action fans. If you loved Captain Phillips or Beast, start here.
- The mood
- Exciting.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 59 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1962: an older pace and style.
Billy is an innocent, naive seaman in the British Navy in 1797. When the ship's sadistic master-at-arms is murdered, Billy is accused and tried.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: New Star of the Year – Actor. Also nominated for 1 Oscar, 4 BAFTAs and 1 DGA Award. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$25 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 42K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Peter Ustinov
- Terence StampBilly Budd
- Robert RyanJohn Claggart, Master of Arms
- Peter UstinovEdwin Fairfax Vere, Post Captain
- Melvyn DouglasThe Dansker, Sailmaker
- Paul RogersPhilip Seymour, 1st Lieutenant
- John NevilleJulian Ratcliffe, 2nd Lieutenant
- David McCallumSteven Wyatt, Gunnery Officer
- Ronald LewisEnoch Jenkins, Maintopman
- Lee MontagueSqueak, Mr. Claggart's assistant
- Thomas HeathcoteAlan Payne, Maintopman