Moby Dick 

The sole survivor of a lost whaling ship relates the tale of his Captain's self-destructive obsession to hunt the white whale, Moby Dick.

Stars:

Henry Thomas, Patrick Stewart, Bruce Spence

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Henry Thomas	...	Ishmael 2 episodes, 1998
Bruce Spence	...	Elijah 2 episodes, 1998
Hugh Keays-Byrne	...	Mr. Stubb 2 episodes, 1998
Robin Cuming	...	Peter Coffin 2 episodes, 1998
Shane Connor	...	Mr. Flask 2 episodes, 1998
Patrick Stewart	...	Captain Ahab 2 episodes, 1998
Piripi Waretini	...	Queequeg 2 episodes, 1998
Vivianne Benton	...	Sal Coffin 2 episodes, 1998
Dominic Purcell	...	Bulkington 2 episodes, 1998
Norman Yemm	...	Carpenter 2 episodes, 1998
Michael Jackson	...	Shantyman 2 episodes, 1998
Warren Owens	...	Cook 2 episodes, 1998
Norman D. Golden II	...	Little Pip 2 episodes, 1998
Harold Hopkins	...	Captain Peleg 2 episodes, 1998
John Lee	...	Captain Bildad 2 episodes, 1998
Ted Levine	...	Starbuck 2 episodes, 1998
Gregory Peck	...	Father Mapple 2 episodes, 1998
Matthew E. Montoya	...	Tashtego 2 episodes, 1998
Michael Edward-Stevens	...	Dagoo 2 episodes, 1998
Chris Graham	...	Perth 2 episodes, 1998
Apirana Taylor	...	Dough Boy 2 episodes, 1998
Kee Chan	...	Fedallah 2 episodes, 1998
Bill Hunter	...	Captain Boomer 2 episodes, 1998
Peter Sumner	...	Captain Gardiner 2 episodes, 1998

Storyline

Herman Melville's classic 1851 sea tale about the vengeful sea Captain Ahab who seeks to kill the great white whale who took his leg and is willing to forego the safety and endurance of his crew to do it. The tale is told from the vantage of the only surviving member, Ishmael, a young man who joins the crew of the Pequod for his first seafaring with the aid of his harpoonist friend, Queequeg.

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Plot Keywords:

ship | sea | captain | whale | hunt | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for mild language and for some intense whaling action/violence

Details

Official Sites:

official site (updated)

Country:

UK Australia USA

Language:

English Maori

Release Date:

15 March 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Моби Дик

Filming Locations:

Point Cook, Victoria, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

American Zoetrope,Nine Network Australia,USA Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min 60 min (3 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Features Dominic Purcell (Prison Break (2005), The Flash (2014), and Legends of Tomorrow (2016)) in a small, early role.

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Goofs

As Ishmael enters the church (around 25:30), the congregation is singing the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong To Save", a song which was not written until 1860 or 61.

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Quotes

Mr. Flask: [pointing to Ishmael and Queequeg] Look at them two lovebirds.

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Alternate Versions

The European theatrical release version runs 120 minutes (about an hour from the original TV version was cut). This version is available on home video in the U.S.

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Connections

Featured in American Masters: A Conversation with Gregory Peck (1999)

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Soundtracks

South Australia
Traditional
[Sung by sailors as they swab the deck]

User Reviews

Beautiful Rendition of a Classic

When I sat down to watch a new version of an old classic, I was not quite certain what to expect,particularly from a TV movie. Having seen some of the names listed in the cast, I was hopeful. Happily, I was not disappointed. Not only was the acting superb, but the cinematography was beautiful and the soundtrack stirring.

Patrick Stewart was quite compelling as Ahab and his rendering of a man possessed by his inner demons was excellent. However, it was Ted Levine's Starbuck who truly stole the show. He said more with just a glance than most actors can with an entire dialogue. One truly felt his emotional and spiritual turmoil. Hopefully this very fine actor will have more roles of this caliber in the future that are worthy of his talent.

The rest of the cast was excellent as well. All in all, a very enjoyable viewing experience and a movie I will return to again and again.