Moby Dick

John Huston's 1956 film adaptation of Herman Melville's 1851 classic of American literature remains the most famous screen version. Gregory Peck plays obsessed Captain Ahab, who lost his leg to "the great white whale" that he is determined to hunt down, and Richard Basehart is Ishmael, the young deck-hand who narrates the tale. Huston gravitated toward literary adaptations throughout his career; for Moby Dick, Huston collaborated with Ray Bradbury on the screenplay (it was the celebrated writer's first for the big screen), which remains faithful to the story with only minor changes. Huston shot much of the film at sea with a full-sized ship and a massive model for the whale, recreating the physical labor of whaling in the 19th century with almost documentary-like detail. Huston also worked with cinematographer Oswald Morris to give the film a sepia tone that not only suggests an earlier era, but also contributes to the movie's mythic quality. Peck plays Ahab with a stiff, emotionally unreadable resolve; Orson Welles has a superb supporting role as Father Mapple, delivering a sermon filled with whaling references in a pulpit designed like the prow of a ship; and Leo Genn is first mate Starbuck, who tries to resist Ahab's compulsive drive. Although it was not well received during its original release—with much of the criticism leveled at Peck's stony performance—it carries a power that still endures. Benefiting from a new HD remaster that preserves the unique color quality and correct aspect ratio, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)