A Fated Ship

This documentary looks at the construction of a replica of the HMS Bounty, in Whangerei. The ship was commissioned for a film about the famous mutiny, which legendary British director David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia) was originally set to helm. Fidelity to the original is paramount, except the 20th century edition has a steel hull. Construction continues despite the uncertain fortunes of the film, as producer Dino De Laurentiis and David Lean part ways. Lean's two-part project was ultimately abandoned after financing faltered; the ship went on to star in Kiwi director Roger Donaldson's version of the story.