McCallum-Vaughn Monday: "Billy Budd"

I saw "Billy Budd" on YouTube about a year ago and enjoyed it so much I bought a copy (yes, it's another of my David movies that Michael has appropriated). 

Since my son, Jordan, is working on a double major in media studies and political science, I thought "Billy Budd" would be a worthwhile movie for him to watch.

The movie is based on Herman Melville's hand-written manuscript, found after the author's death.  It is believed that "Billy Budd" was written by Melville as a statement against capital punishment.  There is some question if the book accurately conveyed Melville's text and odd notes.

In its most generalized interpretation, the message of "Billy Budd" is clear.  It is a story of good vs. evil; and, in this case, evil prevails.

In Peter Ustinov's production of the movie, Billy Budd was a good-natured young sailor, well-liked by the crew, except for Claggert.  The master-at-arms, Claggert, was ill-willed and vile-natured, and was intent upon destroying Billy. 

Budd was drawn into  circumstances which caused the death of Claggert.  As a result, Budd, though a victim of circumstance, faced court-martial and death.

David McCallum portrayed the young Gunnery Sargeant, Steven Wyatt.  Wyatt, as an officer aboard the ship, was required to hear the case for the court-martial of Budd.  Wyatt believed killing Budd was unconscionable and made an empassioned plea to spare Budd's life. 

Captain Vere, who acted as witness, defense attorney and prosecutor, maintained that though his conscience wanted to spare Budd's life, the law must be upheld.  Failure to maintain the law would bring about chaos aboard the ship; and, regardless of carrying out the law, the officers could face the possibility of mutiny.

Until his death, Budd remained positive, willingly accepted his fate, and his last words to the crew were, "Long live Captain Vere".
 
Cousins, what are your thoughts on the movie "Billy Budd" and on our young Steven Wyatt?