PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire County Historical Society’s yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the publication of Herman Melville’s “Billy Budd, Sailor” is coming to a close.
Before the celebrations conclude, BCHS has a set of final events that honor the novel and its discovery — a screening of the 1962 British film, “Billy Budd,” and two opportunities to record a piece of your family’s oral history.
‘BILLY BUDD’ ON THE BIG SCREEN
Catch the critically-acclaimed British film, “Billy Budd” — starring Terence Stamp as Billy Budd, Robert Ryan as John Claggart and Peter Ustinov as Captain Vere — with a special screening, 7 p.m. Nov. 13, at the Beacon Cinema. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15,BCHS members, and can be purchased at berkshirehistory.org.
Nominated for four British Academy of Film and Arts awards including Best Film, the film earned Stamp, in his feature film debut, a Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Male Newcomer and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Arrowhead docent Richard Matturro will introduce the film. Matturro, who taught literature at the University of Albany for 14 years, is the author of numerous newspaper articles and six novels.
Berkshire County Historical Society kicking off ‘Billy Budd’ 100th anniversary celebration with mini-marathon reading and beer release
Hot Plate Brewing Co., located across the street from Beacon Cinema, continues to offer “The Handsome Sailor,” a limited-release traditional English ale brewed for the centennial celebration.
SHARE YOUR STORIES
Melville owes his status as a literary giant to his granddaughter, Eleanor Melville Metcalf, and the 1924 publishing of his lost novella, “Billy Budd, Sailor.”
Melville owes his status as a literary giant to his granddaughter, Eleanor Melville Metcalf, and the 1924 publishing of his lost novella, “Billy Budd, Sailor.”
Metcalf found the manuscript for “Billy Budd” in 1906, tucked inside a tin bread box her grandmother, Elizabeth, had hidden in the attic. “Billy Budd, Sailor” remained unknown until 1918, when Metcalf showed the handwritten manuscript to Melville biographer Raymond M. Weaver. Weaver edited it and published it posthumously in a new collection of Melville’s works. The publishing of “Billy Budd” coincided with a renewed literary interest in Melville and in “Moby-Dick.” The revived interest in his works gained Melville a place among the literary giants of his time, most of whom he had known and written alongside.
Written during the last five years of Melville’s life, at his 26th Street home in Manhattan, “Billy Budd, Sailor,” was left unfinished by Melville. His wife, Elizabeth, who transcribed and edited his works, had attempted to complete it, but abandoned the project when she was left with too many unanswered questions. The bread box in which she tucked the manuscript can be seen in the Melville Room at the Berkshire Athenaeum.
To honor Metcalf and her relationship with her grandfather, BCHS is partnering with the Housatonic Heritage Oral History Center at Berkshire Community College and the Berkshire Athenaeum to record and archive stories of grandparents and grandchildren. Both sessions, noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 16 at Herman Melville’s historic home, Arrowhead, 780 Holmes Road, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Ave., will feature a story scavenger hunt for children and their families, which will include tasty treats and art projects. All participants will receive a recording of their story. Both recording events are free.
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