Catalogue

THE "BOUNTY" FILMS (Unrealised Film Project, 1977 - 1980)

Note: David Lean's "Bounty" film project was intended to incorporate two films: "The Lawbreakers", examining the story of the mutiny on board HMS Bounty and "The Long Arm", a sequel exploring what happened after the mutiny; both films were to be scripted by Robert Bolt. Initially the project was backed by Warner Brothers, but negotiations broke down due to financial considerations and the project was taken on instead by Dino de Laurentiis Corporation. This deal also foundered, when Dino de Laurentiis experienced financial difficulties and was unable to sustain the cost of production. Lean was unable to find another backer who would consent to producing two films and he was forced to combine the two film scripts into one, calling the new film: "Pandora's Box". Lean decided that Melvyn Bragg should write the script for "Pandora's Box", since Robert Bolt was incapacitated, having undergone heart surgery and subsequently suffering a debilitating stroke. Despite great efforts, Lean was unable to find a backer for the project, abandoning it in 1980. Dino de Laurentiis Corporation released a version of the Bounty story: "The Bounty" in 1984, scripted by Robert Bolt, directed by Roger Donaldson and starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins. NB: For further 'bounty' related material please see: DL/22 Additional donation from the David Lean Foundation [Accessioned January 2003]