Billy Budd (1962)

Sweet-natured Billy (Terence Stamp) is requisitioned from his merchant vessel to serve aboard a British warship. He's almost laughably agile at winning over the hearts of almost every single man aboard the ship. It's a testament to the story-telling and acting that I didn't laugh at him. He won me over, too! But master-at-arms Claggart isn't like me and all the other men on the ship. Rather than a mascot, Billy's his personal demon: confusingly and maddeningly pure.

Peter Ustinov directed and picked a beauty of a role for himself in Captain Vere and he's simply magnificent. Forced to uphold justice when he knows it shouldn't apply, he's conflicted, steadfast, and undeniably righteous.

Great film.

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