MovieChat Forums > Moby Dick (1956) Discussion > God, that sermon.

God, that sermon.

posted 12 years ago by bastasch8647
8 replies | jump to latest

You're all prepared for a typically fire and brimstone sermon from the stout, bearded minister. But as he re-tells the story of Jonah, one's attention is grabbed, never to be let go. He crescendos the story, and ends it on a note of heavenly humility, grace, and beauty. Brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. Other posters have said that Welles was permitted to modify the sermon to his taste. If so, accolades to him. It is one of the very best sermons ever delivered in a film.

[–] wrfarley 12 years ago

I'm having a bit of trouble finding out who actually wrote that sermon. When I read the biography, "The Hustons," by Lawrence Grobel, it was contended that John Huston and Ray Bradbury wrote the speech. I forgot who was quoted, but it was claimed that Huston shot the scene twice, once his way, then as a courtesy to Welles, a second time using Welles' writing, but never intending to use it in the final cut.

However, about a year or so ago, I bought a copy of Ray Bradbury's original screenplay of MOBY DICK, and the sermon is different than the one delivered in the film, which leads me to believe that the version in the film is Welles' own writing.

[–] dmariat55 12 years ago

But I don't recall that it's much different than the book. I would credit Melville not Bradbury or Welles

[–] wrfarley 12 years ago

You're absolutely right. Most of the screenplay lines are derived from Melville's text; so it's more a matter of who did the adapting.

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

Welles as Father Mapple delivering that sermon from the pulpit shaped like the prow of a boat was a movie highlight for me. Very canny of Huston to hire Welles for that cameo.

[–] montgomerydou55 9 years ago

Jonah? Right away Father Mapple gives away the movie's plot!

[–] bradford-1 9 years ago

Welles staged a version of MOBY DICK in a London theater, either in 1955 or '56. Because there was little money, the stage was virtually bare with few props, ala OUR TOWN. The cast played multiple roles. I know Welles played Ahab, I don't know if he played Father Mapple, too.

May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?

[–] 9 years ago

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