John Dexter’s brilliant production of Britten’s searing opera stars Dwayne Croft in the title role of the handsome young sailor whose kindness and innocence cause his downfall. The great James Morris is Claggart, master-at-arms on the 18th-century warship Indomitable, who falsely accuses Billy of inciting a mutiny. Philip Langridge sings Captain Vere, the honest commander who knows that Billy is innocent but finds himself unable to save him. Steuart Bedford, Britten’s close collaborator during the last years of the composer’s life, is on the podium.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
8 people
Philip Langridge
Captain Vere
Also in
Peter Grimes
La Clemenza Di Tito
Dwayne Croft
Billy Budd
Also in
Il Tabarro & Pagliacci
The Metropolitan Opera: Madama Butterfly
James Morris
Claggart
Also in
Das Rheingold
Die Walküre
Julien Robbins
Lieutenant Ratcliffe
Also in
Le Comte Ory
Un Ballo in Maschera
Anthony Dean Griffey
Arthur Jones
Also in
Tristan und Isolde
Britten: Peter Grimes
Paul Plishka
Dansker
Also in
Boris Godounov
Turandot
Thomas Hammons
Bosun
Also in
Die Meistersinger Von Nürnberg
Nixon in China
James Courtney
Mr. Flint
Also in
Tosca
Air Strike
John Dexter Director · E.M. Forster Writer Eric Crozier Writer
United States release March 11, 1997
Languages
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English
Release dates
United States · March 11, 1997
Theatrical
More from John Dexter
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked Billy Budd
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
