Mutiny (1928 film)

Mutiny is a 1928 American silent historical drama film directed by Arthur Rosson. It is based on the novel "Mutiny on the Bounty" by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, though the film is often mistakenly associated with the more famous 1935 and later adaptations of the same source material.

This early version of the story depicts the infamous mutiny against Captain William Bligh, focusing on the events leading up to the revolt, the act of mutiny itself, and its immediate aftermath. Unlike some later versions, the 1928 film simplifies some of the plot elements and characterizations for dramatic effect.

Key differences from later adaptations can include the specific portrayal of characters, the length dedicated to certain plot points, and the overall emphasis of the story. As a silent film, it relies heavily on visual storytelling and intertitles to convey the narrative. The film stars Monte Blue as Fletcher Christian and Noah Beery Sr. as Captain William Bligh.

The film's release predates the establishment of the Hays Code, allowing for a potentially different level of on-screen depiction compared to later adaptations that were subject to the code's restrictions. While relatively obscure compared to the later versions, Mutiny (1928) remains a significant early adaptation of a well-known historical event and literary work.