PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County Historical Society continues its year-long program celebrating the centennial of the publication of Herman Melville's "Billy Budd, Sailor" on Nov. 13 at 7 pm with a screening of the 1962 film "Billy Budd." 

 

The Beacon Cinema in downtown Pittsfield provides an opportunity to experience this critically acclaimed British historical drama on the big screen. "Billy Budd" is directed and produced by Peter Ustinov. 

 

The film will be introduced by Arrowhead docent Richard Matturro. 

 

Matturro holds a doctorate in English with a specialization in Shakespeare and Greek Mythology. After sixteen years at the Albany Times Union, he taught literature at the University of Albany for fourteen years. He is the author of numerous newspaper articles and six novels. 

 

Purchase tickets at berkshirehistory.org. $15 for BCHS members, $20 for non-members.

 

The film stars Terence Stamp as Billy Budd, Robert Ryan as John Claggart, and Ustinov as Captain Vere. In his feature film debut, Stamp was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and received a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Male Newcomer. The film was nominated for four British Academy of Film and Arts awards including Best Film.

 

After the film, head across the street to Hot Plate Brewing Co. for their limited release beer "The Handsome Sailor" – a traditional English ale brewed in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Billy Budd's publication