This has got to be one of the BEST movies ever produced. The special effects are absoulutely fantastic especially as it was accomplished without computer generated images. The story is superb, as it was in the book, but now brought to the screen makes it alive. Gregory Peck is outstanding as Captain Ahab seeking his vengence on Moby Dick, the great Sperm Whale. THe mood of the film captivates the viewer, drawing you into the movie. Richard Basehart seems abit miscast, in my opinion, but does well. Every actor, no matter how minor a role seems to be endowed with their own personalities, not appearing as 'extras' to fill up space. The dialog is dramatic, and powerful, spellbinding to say the least. I was fortunate to have seen this, when it first came out, on the big screen, it was astounding then, and on the little screen is still has a power that mesmerizes. I just had to possess this film, to live and relive the experience of a bygone era. This is one true classic of cinema that should not be missed. No other Moby Dick film can compare to this production no matter what computer they use. The actors, to a one, are all superb. This is about a perfect film as can be.Read full review
I'll always believe that this version of Moby Dick is the best of all . Gregory Peck is the perfect choice for Captain Ahab, and helps to make the movie so stunning. I can still remember being drawn into the adventure through raging sea, dedicated hearty sailors, magnificent human-like monster whale, and the feelings of outrage and pity at the treatment of this creature, and the sadness of knowing how triumphant I felt when the whale got his justice. Deep, and dark, but magnificent! Best features: no nudity, foul language, or pornography. Sandra Hill
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Good copy of one of Gregory Peck's greatest roles. Loaded with great supporting actors. Period piece. Its a doozie! Quick shipment. No problems. Item as described. No complaints. Got just what I wanted.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Even after 50+ years, John Huston's 1956 production of MOBY DICK is still the standard bearer of the film adaptations of this American masterpiece. Whenever MOBY DICK is mentioned, all I can see is Gregory Peck's indelible Ahab, dressed in black, plodding the deck of the Pequod, looking out to sea with his icy stare. There is a great supporting cast; Richard Basehart, Orson Welles, Leo Genn, Harry Andrews - quality acting you don't see anymore. Richard Basehart is inspired casting as Ishmael, the narrator with a beautiful, resonant speaking voice. The film opens with dark, muted colors in the whaling town of New Bedford on purpose, creating a sense of foreboding of the tragic events to come. Sure, the white whale is a mechanical model, but it still holds your rapt attention. This is the iconic tale of obsessive revenge and retribution and is still powerful after all these years!Read full review
This has always been a favorite movie of mine. I eagerly watched the Hallmark version made in 1998 with Patrick Stewart as Ahab and found it completely lacking the sense of wonder that this film inspires. Gregory Peck as Ahab has been criticized by some for a "wooden" performance, but I read volumes in his icy stare. He was one of the old actors who knew a strong glance was all that was needed sometimes. Ahab wasn't one to wear his emotions on his sleeve. Peck's Ahab pep-talk to the crew makes you believe that he could inspire the men to follow him into Hell after Moby Dick; I don't get that same sense from Patrick Stewart in the newer version. The entire cast is just much better too- so what if Queequeg is a white guy in make-up, just because the Hallmark version uses a Maori actor (Piripi Waretini) doesn't make the actor better. (Qeequeg in the novel was not Maori either!) Ray Bradbury's screenplay has the actors spouting difficult, but poetic-sounding Old New England dioliect that may turn some off- but it's pretty authentic to the time. My only real gripe is the DVD print needs a real restoration. There are a few scratches and dirt spots, and I believe the movie was originally widescreen- even if this print shows no obvious pan and scan. The colors are muted as they were in the original release, which Huston wanted to convey a sense of old illustrations to the film. Effects, though dated are still pretty impressive and convey a sense of awe and power completely lacking in the newer version. Skip the newer version and go with Huston's version for an entertaining introduction to this American Classic.Read full review
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