That's what you want to say to someone who you like and Billy Budd in this movie is likable and popular for it. What he brings to the crew at sea is something they badly need which is hope and goodness in the midst of hard work and drudgery not to mention some injustice thrown in as well. Budd manages to keep his center even when tested and that is when we find out that he isn't playing at the relationship portrayed in the movie with others but actually is that person something that wins over the men and officers alike in total. Keep in mind that you only have so much room on this little ship for months at a time and how important morale is to being able to maintain a medium standard of life and duty. What a sailor has as far as his belongings are very meager yet that makes up his little world along with chow time and his comrades. That is why Budd makes such a big impact on what is otherwise a dismal repetitive life with no additional rewards except survival and hope for the best. The supporting cast makes for a good mix that compliments the Budd character quite well. We also get to visit with the officers and get insight into their day to day plus their feelings as well. A true test for them comes when they have to administer fairness and justice or support the Kings law and how they debate, negotiate and get penetrated by the subject matter and circumstances is superbly acted out. Here, Peter Ustinov shines brightly showing us what it is like to bear the burden of command. The dialogue is superb so pay close attention as well as the anguish shared by the others as they are forced to see things from different perspectives some of which they never considered. Herman Melville captured life at sea even though I find him hard to read especially with his Moby Dick story. However any effort made to do so is rewarding as his writing is one of a kind. Good snack movie here with popcorn eaten at a steady rate with a break for a tasty sip of drink now and then. I have seen this movie at least five times and will watch it again over the next few days. Every time I do, I am treated to first class entertainment. This is mainly because it has such fine acting, story-line and memorable scenes. Enjoy it all mate

Terrific 1962 film detailing justice, morality and devotion to the law.Robert Ryan is fabulous as the Master-of-Arms, cruel at every step, who believes that flogging is the answer to everything. He is the very answer to Captain Bligh on "Mutiny on the Bounty."Naive Billy, played by supporting Oscar nominee Terence Stamp, conveys the simplicity, and the man who was unfortunate enough to be subjected to military standards.Peter Ustinov is terrific here as the head who sees no way out to free Budd, despite the fact that what he did could easily be justified. The law was the law and it had to be enforced.Melvyn Douglas proves that wisdom comes through age by learning by experience.Finally, the crew, ready to rebel immediately sees that duty comes first when at war.This was truly an absorbing film.

"Keep your mouth shut, except at meal time!" That's what the "pretty boy" (Terence Stamp) title character is advised by the all-knowing Melvyn Douglas, senior crew member on an 18th Century English warship captained by Peter Ustinov with the crew controlled by the sadistic Robert Ryan. He isn't another Captain Bligh: In fact, he can be quite noble (in rare moments) and like "Les Miserables'" Javert thinks he is justified in his actions. There are many moments when his humanity is clearly visible, but all of a sudden, he switches like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.So why the reluctance to fully like this film? It starts off great, with each of the actors introducing their character names as their actual name appears in the credits. Lacking color which would have added more excitement to it, this film is as black and white as the lives of the characters, even though their individual qualities are far from black and white. Being essentially an ensemble piece, I can see why Terence Stamp was nominated for an Oscar in the supporting actor category, even though he's the protagonist and the most mentioned name on every other character's lips. Everybody truly shines and all of the veteran actors are extremely well used. Ustinov as the captain gives a truly layered portrayal, filled with both sympathy and power, and is far from his later mostly comical portrayals. Ryan is extremely intense, especially in a scene with Stamp where the younger man urges him to consider him a friend to which Ryan quietly and slowly builds to a response of anger and vengeance. Newcomer Stamp here is totally likable, almost saint-like, and will never be confused with his roles in "Superman II" and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert".A bit more psychological in nature than normal, it really makes you think into these character's psychologies and not place a label on them as either "hero" or "villain" (or more appropriately in Ryan's case, "tyrant", which he is, but with some gentler facets as well). Unfortunately, it is mostly chat, little action (with the exception of a few battle scenes), and the over length a bit troubling.

In 1797, while waging a seafaring war with France, English sailor Terence Stamp (as William "Billy" Budd) is recruited from a merchant ship called "Rights of Man" to serve on the battleship "Avenger" by order of steadfast Captain Peter Ustinov (as Edwin Fairfax Vere). The young, handsome, and fair-haired Mr. Stamp becomes equally popular with his new crew-mates. Full of innocence and good nature, Stamp wins the approval of everyone except sadistic "Master d'Arms" Robert Ryan (as John Claggart). The antithesis of Stamp, Mr. Ryan derives orgasmic pleasure from flogging his men. Stamp wants to win Ryan's soul from the dark side, but the cause is hopeless… This is Herman Melville's classic "Billy Budd" in the hands of Mr. Ustinov, an actor who should have been asked to direct more films. The project is a near-masterpiece, with Ustinov also credited as producer and co-writer. The film is true to the heart of Melville's story, with Ustinov arguably overplaying his hand only in his own characterization; his "Vere" is a "devil's advocate" who completely ignores Ryan's crimes and Stamp's defense. But, this remains a great allegorical story of good and evil. "Found in a silk-lined basket," the Biblical "Billy Budd" is faithful.Unfortunately, this ship was launched after MGM's Marlon Brando re-make of "Mutiny on the Bounty" had sucked all the water out of the ocean. Even so, Ustinov's film was recognized as the superior work. He received a "Best Director" nomination from "Film Daily" and the film showed up on 1962's "Best Picture" lists. In an unusually strong year, the "National Board" had it finish at #2.In only his second feature, Stamp made an impression that was hard to ignore, winning the "Film Daily" award in the "Supporting Actor" category and a "Golden Globe" in their newcomer category. Inarguably the star of "Billy Budd", Stamp also received his one and only (as of this writing) "Academy Award" nomination - but in the "Supporting" category. None of this helped Ryan, the film's un-nominated best supporting actor. Make sure you have your remote control ready to rewind after about an hour of running time - you may want to re-play the pivotal moonlight scene wherein Ustinov directs Stamp to make his final attempt at charming the pants off Ryan; this confrontation is truly amazing.********* Billy Budd (11/12/62) Peter Ustinov ~ Terence Stamp, Robert Ryan, Peter Ustinov, Melvyn Douglas