Billy Budd

N.p. N.p., 1961. First Draft script for the 1962 film.

Based on Louis O. Coxe and Robert H. Chapman's 1949 play, which was based in turn on Herman Melville's 1924 novella. A seaman's innocence and optimism win him the affection of the entire crew except the abusive master-at-arms, who eventually wrongly accuses the seaman of conspiracy to mutiny. The feature film debut of Terence Stamp, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his performance.

Yellow wrappers with a die-cut title window in the British style. Title page present, dated March 21, 1961, noted as FIRST DRAFT, with credit for screenwriter Peter Ustinov. 127 leaves, with last page of text numbered 123. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only, with pink and blue revision pages throughout, dated variously between May 5 and August 22, 1961. Title page lightly toned, else pages Near Fine, wrapper about Near Fine, bound internally with three silver brads.

[Book #166734]