Damn the Defiant!

Efficiently told story of HMS Defiant in 1797 during the Napoleanic Wars, under the command of stern but fair Captain Crawford (Alec Guiness) and his competent, cruel, and well-connected First Mate (Dirk Bogarde). Bogard is a fine and valiant officer but he has a slight weakness in that he relishes the dealing out of humiliation and harsh punishment. Guiness will have no threats from Bogarde, but Guiness has a weakness too. His twelve-year-old son (David Robinson) is a heart-bustingly vulnerable Midshipman on his first sea voyage. Through an ambitious intermediary, Bogarde has the kid thrashed daily after they sail into the Mediterranean Sea, until he looks positively bloodless. Guiness can't intervene without seeming to give his son special treatment. Guiness guides the Defiant through an engagement with a French ship, sinks the Frog and takes a cargo ship as a prize. He then orders the captured ship to be sent back to England with a skeletal crew aboard, which happens to include his son. Out from under the yoke of Bogarde, Guiness takes back command of the ship. All this time, a collective mutiny is underway among all the ships of the British fleet -- what with press gangs, maggoty cheese, and whimsical floggings, things aren't going well in the forecastle. A climactic battle follows in which all things are cleared up. Dirk Bogarde is an excellent actor but his role is a limited one. He has little to do but insinuate threats and smile in an oleaginous way. Guiness, on the other hand, has more room for maneuvering and gives his role greater depth. His best scene is during a snappish encounter with Bogarde in his cabin. It's truly amazing what Guiness can do with two simple words during the argument -- "Yes?" "IF?" He's a powerful actor with a monumental range. How do the Brits keep producing these guys? Off the screen, Guiness was always polite, cheerful, and a little guarded. I've searched the record and nowhere does he reveal that he kept a collection of pantyhose in his closet. Probably because he didn't do any such thing. It's a rattling good tale. Not the kind of fantasy we associated with an Errol Flynn swashbuckler but a more realistic treatment of conditions above and below decks. It would be an above average film in any case, the the performances add even more in the way of quality.

HMS DEFIANT (USA: Damn the Defiant!) Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (CinemaScope) Sound format: Mono 1797: The captain of a British warship (Alec Guinness) clashes with his second-in-command (Dirk Bogarde), a cruel martinet whose ruthless behavior foments mutiny amongst the crew. Lewis Gilbert's seafaring melodrama stands or falls on the quality of its leading men, and while the tension between Guinness' liberal-minded captain and Bogarde's strict disciplinarian never really amounts to very much (the resolution is particularly weak), they generate enough star wattage to lift proceedings out of the ordinary. Handsome production values, expansive widescreen cinematography, and an able supporting cast (including Anthony Quayle, Tom Bell, Maurice Denham, Nigel Stock and Murray Melvin) make for an entertaining brew, and there's a handful of large-scale battles between British and Napoleonic vessels, rendered confusing in places by quickfire editing which makes the interior of Guinness' craft indistinguishable from its French counterparts! Memorable line of dialogue: After taking the blame for one of Bell's misdemeanors, Quayle is advised by Bogarde not to repeat the mistake, "...otherwise I'll have a look at your backbone." Given the kind of injuries sustained by those who were flogged for their transgressions during this period, Bogarde's threat resonates in a deeply unpleasant manner. UK viewers will recognize a very young Johnny Briggs ("Coronation Street") and James Bolam amongst the crew.

Alec Guiness is the kindly, but unimaginative, captain of a Royal Navy frigate (HMS Defiant)during the Napoleonic wars engaged in a battle of wills for command of the ship with his brilliant, but sadistic, 1st Lieutenant, wonderfully played by Dirk Bogarde. Their conflict is set amongst a crew endeavouring to get a petition going with a view to righting their grievances and joining in a peaceful mutiny with the rest of the fleet. The leader of the mutineers is played most sympathetically by Anthony Quayle. The acting talent ensures that the film is always entertaining to watch and the scenes of ships do not suffer from that disease that permeated films of this era where the waves/water-drops are far too big relative to the size of the ships. The film suffers from many errors and unlikely scenes, e.g. the flagship would have cut her cables and ran on seeing the fire ship heading towards her and no matter how much influence (or 'interest' as it was termed then) the 1st Lieutenant had there is absolutely no way that he could have influenced an examining board to pass the elderly midshipman for lieutenant. In those days when a midshipman faced the examining board he had to produce his sea journals and log book for scrutiny and answer a large number of lengthy and difficult questions on seamanship and navigation. The board was made up of at least three senior captains who were unknown to the midshipman under examination and all three had to agree. This was the only point in an officer's career where 'interest' did not count. Most officers were not rich and 'posh' as some posts seem to imply; most officers were the sons of sea officers or parsons etc, and were usually very poor. Most would never have received a commission in the army!! The mutinies at the Nore and Spithead were to right grievances the common sailors had (though the leadership at the Nore mutiny seemed to have a different agenda) and largely succeeded. Some of the grievances included regular and increased pay (the sailors pay had not increased in 160 years!!), shore leave and the removal of certain bad officers. However, their grievances did not include the abolition of the cat O' nine-tails or the press gang as most sailors approved of the 'cat'. The conditions of sailors and the press gang have been much exaggerated over the years, as their conditions compared very favourably with starving landsmen in England and the press could take up only certain kinds of men, and if an officer leading a press gang made a mistake then he could be taken to court and imprisoned, which did happen; consequently officers were very careful who they had pressed. It is estimated that up to 40% were pressed. Contrary to one comment, sailors always received their share of prize money (eventually sometimes!); their share was stated in regulations and if an admiral, captain or admiralty official had refused to hand it over then they would have been tried for theft.

When I first saw this film, I was still a school boy and the title was DAMN the DEFIANT! Of course I didn't realize how close the action fit to actual history. The battleships were beautiful and the battles they fought were loud and exciting. I now realize and understand the dislike shared between Captain Crawford (Alec Guinness) and Lieutenant Scott-Padget played by Dirk Bogarde. At that young age, the two things I remembered the most was the scene where sailors were given maggot infested bread to eat and the 'cod pieces' the officers wore. Other notable performances were turned in by Nigel Stock, Peter Gill, Anthony Quayle and Maurice Denham. This will always remain a colorful and exciting sea drama.

"Damn the Defiant." a 1962 film directed by Lewis Gilbert, is based on an actual incident, known as the Spithead Mutiny which took place during the 1797 war with France. The ship is led by Captain Crawford (Alec Guinness), a fair man who is afraid to rattle the cage of his next in command, the sadistic Lieutenant Scott-Padget (Dirk Bogarde), who is well-connected and has ruined the careers of previous captains. The ambitious Scott-Padget, however, is determined to take over the ship and wants things his way. To this end, he brutalizes Crawford's young son, who is on board as a midshipman, knowing that the principled Crawford will not interfere. However, there are mutineers on board, led by Vizard (Anthony Quayle) who have written a petition for better food and more money. They hate Scott-Padget, and if they take control, he's in big trouble. This is a very good film with suspense as well as excitement, dominated by the acting of Guinness and Bogarde. Guinness is brilliant - you can see him making an effort to control his anger, and one also sees his great pain. When he at last asserts himself, he is very noble. Director Gilbert had to fight for Bogarde, so devalued was he by Hollywood, but Guinness spoke up for the actor as well, and he was cast. He does a great job - handsome, outwardly polite, and mean as dirt. Anthony Quayle is excellent as Vizard, who, in leading his men, demands patience. Absorbing and entertaining, even if movies on the high seas aren't your thing.

"H.M.S. Defiant" or "Damn the Defiant!" starts by going through the usual motions of a portrayal of the Napoleonic era British Navy, a press gang conscripts men from a port town and supplies are loaded onto the H.M.S. Defiant. However, from there, an interesting rivalry between Captain Crawford, played by Alec Guinness and Lieutenant Scott-Padget, played by Dirk Bograde, develops. Both of these actors gave excellent performances and were supported well by the performances of the ship's crew. The story is supported by a number of battle sequences, which are of high quality. Although this is not the best film portrayal of the British Navy in the Napoleonic era, "H.M.S. Defiant" is solid and worth seeing for the performances of Alec Guinness and Dirk Bograde, as well as its battle sequences.

This sea saga is set during the Napoleonic Wars , Captain Crawford (Alec Guinness) takes command of the HMS Defiant and is ordered to rendezvous with the British fleet in island of Corsica . With his son aboard as a new midshipman , Captain Crawford takes an even friendship with his crew . Defiant's crew is part of a fleet-wide movement to present a petition of grievances to the Admiralty . The continual sadism of Defiant's first officer pits a battle of wits against the captain in this stalwart story set in Napoleonic period . As it pits the first commanding and a hated second-in-command officer and when the captain is wounded , the chance for violence enhances . Scott-Paget (Dick Bogarde) uses Crawford's son (David Robinson as Midshipman Harvey) in an attempt to get the Captain to lash out against him . Meanwhile, some of the crew (Tom Bell) , led by seaman Vizard (Anthony Quayle), are organising to strike for better conditions , in conjunction with similar efforts throughout the British fleet . The men on the verge of mutiny and tension increases when they must also take on the French ships . They eventually pledge virtually the entire crew , then there ensues the mutiny . Dramatic film with impressive battle of wills between humane Captain Crawford in command of the warship HMS Defiant perfectly performed by Alec Guinness against his first officer, the sadistic and supercilious first lieutenant , splendidly interpreted by Dick Bogarde . Authenticity is the hallmark of this breathtaking adventure along with awesome acting , spectacular warships and overwhelming sea battles . Production design , gowns and ambient show great attention to period detail . The support cast performances by all concerned are superb as Maurice Denham as Mr. Goss , Nigel Stock as Senior Midshipman Kilpatrick , Richard Carpenter as Lieutenant Ponsonby ,Peter Gill as Lieutenant D'Arblay ,David Robinson as Midshipman Harvey Crawford , Robin Stewart as Midshipman Pardoe , Ray Brooks as Hayes , and specially Anthony Quayle as Vizard . Very good cinematography in Cinemascope by Christopher Challis and evocative score by Clifton Parker . The motion picture was well directed by Lewis Gilbert . The flick was inspired on actual events as ¨The mutiny at Spithead¨ in 1797. Sailors on 16 ships in the Channel Fleet, commanded by Admiral Lord Bridport, protested against the living conditions aboard Royal Navy vessels and demanded a pay raise. Seamen's pay rates had been established in 1658, and because of the stability of wages and prices, they were still reasonable as recently as the 1756–1763 Seven Years' War . The Royal Navy had not made adjustments for any of these changes, and was slow to understand their effects on its crews. Finally, the new wartime quota system meant that crews had many landsmen from inshore, who did not mix well with the career seamen , leading to discontented ships' companies. The mutineers were led by elected delegates and tried to negotiate with the Admiralty for two weeks, focusing their demands on better pay , and the removal of a handful of unpopular officers; neither flogging nor impressment was mentioned in the mutineers' demands. The mutineers maintained regular naval routine and discipline aboard their ships , allowed some ships to leave for convoy escort duty or patrols, and promised to suspend the mutiny and go to sea immediately if French ships were spotted heading for English shores.Because of mistrust, especially over pardons for the mutineers, the negotiations broke down, and minor incidents broke out, with several unpopular officers sent to shore and others treated with signs of deliberate disrespect. When the situation calmed, Admiral Lord Howe intervened to negotiate an agreement that saw a Royal pardon for all crews, reassignment of some of the unpopular officers and a pay raise . Afterward, the mutiny was to become nicknamed "breeze at Spithead".

I see that mine is the fourth review within a month of this 1962 movie it's as if the film were just released! This is absolutely first rate gripping drama - wonderfully acted by three of England's best, with beautiful production values and a fascinating and varied tale. It is really three tales in one: of naval warfare during the Napoleonic Wars (three wonderfully created battles), of mutiny, and of the conflict between a captain and his first lieutenant. The folding of these three stories is really superbly done - and the characterization is superb - we feel very strongly that we know these very interesting people - and the acting by the three stars: Alec Guinness, Dirk Bogarde and Anthony Quayle is excellent. I take issue with one comment by a poster who wrote that Guinnesss plays a weak character - I don't agree though we are shown the strategic and tactical genius of his first lieutenant with whom he is in conflict. This is British film-making at its best. At least as fine as Master and Commander. I can't imagine anyone who would dislike it - anyone.

It is the Napoleonic Wars and Captain Crawford takes command of the H.M.S. Defiant and sets off with his orders to Corsica. His second in command is Lt. Scott-Paget, a vindictive and bullying man who has moved through the ranks on account of his higher echelon connections. The two men don't see eye to eye from the off, which only compounds the many problems that are reaching boiling point aboard the ship. Mutiny is afoot, just as the French forces are closing in. Lewis Gilbert may just be one of Britain's most undervalued versatile directors. Here's a man that has directed Educating Rita/The Admirable Crichton (comedy), The Good Die Young (crime), Cast a Dark Shadow (Noir), Reach for the Sky (biography), Alfie/Shirley Valentine (romance), James Bond x 3 (multi genre) and sea faring adventures such as Sink the Bismarck! and this fine Napoleonic historical piece, H.M.S. Defiant. Adapted from Frank Tilsley's novel "Mutiny", this is a film built around a true story about what became known as the "Spithead" and "Nore" mutinies in 1797. Where sailors and press ganged inlanders were fed up with the working conditions, rates of pay and the all round treatment from the officers in charge. Also into the mix is a fascinating battle of wills between the two leaders of the Defiant, both men, in the midst of their power struggle, are oblivious to the rumblings and plotting of the crew. I mean you would think that with the French warships possibly around the corner that they would be unified in creating a rock solid front? That they don't gives the film an extra dimension. Thus when the battle sequences do come, and the turn of events perk the piece up, it has a two fold impact that makes all the waters lead to a terrific foggy bound climax. The cast are notable names from a roll call of British performers. Alec Guinness as Captain Crawford plays it spot on. An honourable man adhering to his code of ethics, it's through a plot strand involving his own son being on board that Crawford gets torturous and conflicted by his emotions. Who better than Guinness to layer such a role? Dirk Bogarde steps up to play weasel duties as Lieut. Scott-Padget, suitably handsome in uniform but playing the devils tricks, it begs the question on why Bogarde didn't in fact play more villains? because here he is excellent at it. Leading the mutiny is the looming muscular presence of Anthony Quayle, who along with Nigel Stock leaves a favourable mark in the support cast. Comparisons with other notable genre entries are inevitable, the likes of Mutiny On the Bounty, Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. and the more modern offering that is Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. If you like any of those films then the chances are you are bound to get much from this British production. The ocean scenes are filmed out in Alicante, and they sparkle as a backdrop to the splendid costumes, while the ships design is top draw. Ultimately this a fine genre entry, for as it stirs the blood and tells a great multi stranded story, it's also acted quite superbly by the cast. 8/10

Few films have tried to capture the era of Horatio Hornblower, and even fewer do it as well as this one. It's an extremely well-made movie, though a bit difficult to classify. Traditionally, in a sea adventure, the dashing, sexy leader is the hero; in this case, he's the villain (brilliantly played by Dirk Bogarde, who normally plays more sensitive chaps). The good guy turns out to be a very UNdashing and flawed, but compassionate Captain. I think Alec Guinness is the only actor who can portray a character who is colorless yet also make him sympathetic. Perhaps the World War II era (with its emphasis on teamwork, its glorification of the average G.I., and its near-worship of able, but dull, leaders like Omar Bradley) may have influenced it, because the movie strongly emphasizes the worth of the common man, especially as personified by Anthony Quayle's character. It's an offbeat movie: part sea adventure, part character drama, part historical epic. Critics might say it's not satisfactory in any of these areas, but those of us who love it recognize how special and even unique it is. Now that Columbia has finally released on DVD a letter-boxed version one can fully appreciate its worth, not only for the sea battle scenes, but also the many two-shots of Guinness and Bogarde interacting (or, more often, snarling) at each other.