Mutiny on the Bounty (1962 film) was announced Paramount would make a rival Bounty film to be written and directed by James Clavell called "The Mutineers", which would focus on the fate of the Muntineers on Pitcairn Island. However this project was not made. Brando eventually was signed, with Carol Reed to direct. It was decided to shoot the film in Tahiti itself to take advantage of color and widescreen, being shot in Cinema 65. Robert Surtees would be the cinematographer, The film was to start 15 October 1960 and the film was called "MGM's "Ben Hur" of 1961." A replica of the "Bounty" was built
Mutiny on the Bounty reduced crew. Reluctantly they obeyed, beseeching Bligh to remember that they had remained with the ship against their will. Bligh assured them: "Never fear, lads, I'll do you justice if ever I reach England". Samuel saved the captain's journal, commission papers and purser's documents, but was forced to leave behind Bligh's maps and charts—15 years of navigational work. The launch was supplied with about five days' food and water, a sextant, compass and nautical tables, and Purcell's tool chest. At the last minute the mutineers threw four cutlasses down into the boat. Of "Bounty"'s complement—44 after the deaths of Huggan