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Mutiny on the Bounty

Screenplay (1935)

Talbot Jennings (1894-1985),
Jules Furthman (1888-1966), and
Carey Wilson (1889-1962)

Jennings, Furthman, and Wilson were nominated in 1936 for the Academy Award for Best Screenplay for Mutiny on the Bounty. They lost to Dudley Nichols for The Informer. Nichols refused to accept his award because of the antagonism between several industry guilds and the academy over union matters. This marked the first time an Academy Award had been declined. However, Mutiny on the Bounty did win the 1936 Oscar for Best Picture.

The Royal Navy Prayer

The script incorporated this prayer, which is used in her Majesty's Navy every day.

ETERNAL Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea; who hast compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end: Be pleased to receive into thy Almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us thy servants, and the Fleet in which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea, and from the violence of the enemy; that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King GEORGE, and his Dominions, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of our Island may in peace and quietness serve thee our God; and that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours, and with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies to praise and glorify thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--Book of Common Prayer, 1662

The Mutiny


...
   
CHRISTIAN:  I'm sick of blood! Bloody backs! Bloody faces!
            Bligh, you've given your last command!
            We'll be men again if we hang for it!
            You say you're ready for anything?
            Release them!

MAN 1:      You're taking the ship?
            Mutiny?

CHRISTIAN:  Yes, mutiny! Pass the word.
            Seize the arms chest.
 
. . .

MAN 1:      What's the matter?
            What's happened? 
            Have we been attacked?

MAN 2:      No, we've taken the ship.
            And old Bligh's a prisoner.
     
MAN 1:      Mutiny?
     
. . .

CHRISTIAN:  All right. Your turn, Mr. Bligh.

BLIGH:      Mr. Christian, I give you your last chance to return to duty.
     
CHRISTIAN:  I'll take my chance against the law. You'll take yours against the sea.
     
BLIGH:      But you're taking my ship! My ship!
     
CHRISTIAN:  Your ship? The king's ship, you mean, and you're not fit to command it.
            Into the boat!

. . .

BLIGH:      Casting me adrift  miles from a port of call.
            You're sending me to my doom, eh?
            Well, you're wrong, Christian!
            I'll take this boat as she floats to England if l must!
            I'll live to see you, all of you...
            ...hanging from the highest yardarm in the British fleet!
 
CHRISTIAN:  Yardarms, is it? l'll give you yardarms.

. . .

CHRISTIAN:  These men have been in hell. I couldn't stand it.
     
BYAM:       Then I must go with Bligh.

CHRISTIAN:  There's no room.

BYAM:       Then I call on you men. All of you, in the name of the king, return to duty.
     
MEN:        Cock-a-doodle-doo!
     
BYAM:       Give me that gun! Give me that!

CHRISTIAN:  Take him below.

. . .

MAN:        What course, sir?

CHRISTIAN:  West-northwest, Tahiti.
            Tahiti, lads!

MEN:        Tahiti! Tahiti!