Moby Dick 1956
"The man – The whale – The vengeance – The mightiest adventure ever seen!"
John Huston's 1956 cinematic adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel brings the epic tale of obsession to the silver screen. Set in 1841 aboard the whaling ship Pequod, the film follows young Ishmael as he joins the crew under the command of the relentless Captain Ahab.
Director: John Huston
Cast
Gregory Peck
Captain Ahab
Richard Basehart
Ishmael
Leo Genn
Starbuck
James Robertson Justice
Capt. Boomer
Harry Andrews
Stubb
Bernard Miles
The Manxman
Noel Purcell
Ship's Carpenter
Edric Connor
Daggoo
Mervyn Johns
Peleg
Joseph Tomelty
Peter Coffin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moby Dick (1956) about?
The film follows Ishmael as he signs onto the whaler Pequod, where the vengeful Captain Ahab relentlessly pursues the legendary white whale, Moby Dick. Ahab's obsession blurs the line between man and beast, driving the crew toward an inevitable confrontation at sea.
Who directed Moby Dick?
John Huston directed Moby Dick (1956), bringing his signature vision to this adaptation of Herman Melville's iconic novel.
Who stars in Moby Dick?
The film stars Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab, alongside Richard Basehart as Ishmael, Leo Genn as Starbuck, and James Robertson Justice in a supporting role.
Is Moby Dick (1956) worth watching?
Critically acclaimed for its striking visuals and powerful performances, Moby Dick (1956) remains a landmark in adventure and drama. Peck's portrayal of Ahab is unforgettable, and Huston's direction transforms Melville's prose into a cinematic experience worth seeking out.
How long is Moby Dick?
Moby Dick (1956) runs for 115 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Moby Dick (1956) — A Captain's Obsession on the High Seas
John Huston's 1956 cinematic adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel brings the epic tale of obsession to the silver screen. Set in 1841 aboard the whaling ship Pequod, the film follows young Ishmael as he joins the crew under the command of the relentless Captain Ahab. Fueled by a burning desire for vengeance after losing his leg to the elusive great white whale, Moby Dick, Ahab steers his men into uncharted and treacherous waters. The clash between human ambition and the untamed power of nature unfolds in a gripping narrative that blends adventure with deep psychological drama.
Gregory Peck delivers a commanding performance as the brooding Ahab, supported by a stellar cast including Richard Basehart and Leo Genn. Huston masterfully captures the raw intensity of the sea and the mounting tension aboard the Pequod, making Moby Dick (1956) a visual and emotional odyssey. The film's themes of obsession, fate, and the limits of human endurance resonate as strongly today as they did over six decades ago.
