Moby Dick

Date: 1956
Director: John Huston
Production Company: Moulin Productions Inc.

Stars: Richard Basehart, Friedrich von Ledebur, Royal Dano
Location(s): County Cork, County Wicklow

Region(s):

Storyline:

The story of Captain Ahab’s obsessive quest for revenge against the elusive white whale, Moby Dick, leading his crew on a perilous journey marked by madness and tragedy.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Steve Randall

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

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Sailor Ishmael (Richard Baseheart) heads for the whaling town of New Bedford, Massachussets, following a stream to the sea. Powerscourt Waterfall, County Wicklow, Ireland.

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As night falls, Ishmael reaches the town. Youghal Harbour, County Cork, Ireland, facing northwest. These captures have been lightened to aid identification.

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He turns the corner as we face southeast along Catherine Street, Yougal. Ahead to the right of centre lies the old Market House in Market Square, built circa 1870, which survives as the Youghal Tourist Office.

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As Ishmael continues down the street, we see Paddy Linehan's bar and butchers shop, which was renamed the Moby Dick pub after filming and still survives.

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Ishmael enters the Spouter Inn. A shop on the east side of Barry's Lane in Youghal was commissioned for the filming.

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At the town's church the parishioners gather to hear a sermon about Jonah and the whale. This view is facing north on Kent Street towards the harbour at Youghal. Linehan's bar appears at the end of the street with a white "widow's walk" construction on the roof for the film. The church and surrounding houses were also specially-constructed false fronts to existing buildings.

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Ishmael goes to the harbour to join a whaling expedition run by Captain Ahab. Alongside him is Polynesian harpooner Queequeg (Friedrich von Ledebur). Facing northwest alongside the quay.

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Ishmael and Queequeg continue towards the ship. Youghal quayside, facing Grattan Street.

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A man named Elijah (Royal Dano) approaches the pair to warn them about captain Ahab and predict that all but one on the voyage will die. Facing northwest from Youghal Pier Head.

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We see the bow and figurehead of the Pequod, Captain Ahab's ship, with the western side of Youghal quay in the distance. The schooner used for filming was the Ryelands, built in 1887, also used for Treasure Island (1950), and sadly destroyed by fire in 1972.

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Another view of the western side of the quay with what is now the Moby Dick pub taking centre stage.

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A wider view of Youghal harbour is seen as the Pequod starts its journey.

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The Pequod sets off to look for the titular whale. Youghal lighthouse is seen in the foreground, looking across to Monatray. The rest of the film takes place at sea, being filmed off the coast at Fishguard, Wales, Gran Canaria, and a large water tank at Elstree Studios.