The Bounty
1984
Seaman John Adams: Any fool can steer a ship, sir. It's just knowing where to take it.
Bligh: (in his log) I hope never to see Fletcher Christian again. Unless it is to see him hanged.
Bligh: Goddamn you, man. Don't you bloody contradict me.
Bligh: The Royal Navy is not a humorous institution, sir, and insubordination is no laughing matter.
Christian: William, about your decision to round the horn. Bligh: William? Not sir, not captain... William. Christian: I don't think the men will have it. Bligh: Oh, the men won't have it. Are they in charge of the Bounty. Christian: They might be if you insist. Bligh: Again would you repeat that please. The men might be in charge - what are you threatening me with? Christian: It's not a threat, it's a warning. Bligh: (sarcastically) Oh, there are rumblings, are there? Christian: No, there is fear. Bligh: Around the horn is the easiest way, the better way and that is how we will go, anything more? Christian: Don't put Adams under the lash. Bligh: He was insubordinate, cowardly and insubordinate, he frightened the men, I did not put that fear there, he did. So he will be lashed and we will go around the horn. Are you frightened to go around the horn Mr Christian, are you a coward too, sir?
Bligh: Well gentlemen, between ourselves and home lies 2300 sea miles the endeavor straights and the great barrier reef. Now the crew is deeply demoralized and I must accept as every captain must accept the inevitable and theoretical responsibility for that. The actual and immediate responsibility, however, I place on you, my fellow officers who met this crisis with lethargy, impudence and flagrant defiance, publicly uttered. And perhaps for that I am also to blame. I counted on a strength of character which you do not possess. However, the cure for our predicament is discipline and I shall apply it with an even hand of course, but most where I feel it is most required.
Bligh: So, you think I'm harsh with you, hey? I've been at sea many years Fletcher, since I was 12, and in that time I've seen many men, many good men fall for island women in these waters. I've never once seen it come out well. Of course I understand the excitement and the... but think to yourself, man. Could you bring a woman like that home to your friends and your family? No, of course you couldn't. They're not like us, Fletcher. You think I was harsh with you, but you needed someone to show you where your duty really lay, because you were at a loss, my friend. You may not thank me now but you will eventually. So, let's get the ship running again and get back to where we were before.
Bligh: Three men jumped ship last night. Churchill was one of them. You don't seem surprised? Christian: Well no, now that it's happened I'm not, I'm not surprised. Bligh: Well, I must say I'm no longer surprised myself now that I see the example that's being set by my first officer. Just look at yourself, man, look at the way your dressed. Come on, you're no better than one of these natives. Christian: Well, at least I am no worse. Bligh: Mr Christian, I think your brain has received too much sunlight and your body overindulged in sexual excess. Christian: I have done no more than any natural man would do. Bligh: No, you've done no more than any wild animal would do. It always makes me laugh that whenever men lose their self-restraint they always say they're "natural". Christian: They are more natural then men who have nothing to restrain. Bligh: Mr Christian, you will report to the ship by sundown tonight. Christian: No. Bligh: What did you say? No? Is that what you said? Is that what you said? No? All right, you will report to the ship immediately and you will stay on the ship. There'll be no more fraternizing with the damned degenerate natives of these islands by any of my officers or any of my crew. You comprehend my meaning, sir? (shouts) Good!
Bligh: You will clean up this ship and yourselves!
Bligh: Take no prisoners Mr Christian!
Christian: I am in hell, sir! I am in hell!
Bligh: Do you really think you'll be able to command this rabble? Christian: I'll do my best. Bligh: Well I did my best, and I had the authority of the law. You're a dead man Fletcher.