Admiral Hood Quotes in The Bounty (1984)

[last lines]

Admiral Hood: This court finds that the seizure of His Majesty's Armed Vessel Bounty was an act of mutiny by Fletcher Christian and others of her crew, and that her captain Lieutenant William Bligh is, in the opinion of this court, to be exonerated of all blame on this occasion. Indeed in the matter of his command of the Bounty's open launch we commend Lieutenant Bligh for his courage and exemplary seamanship. Will you please come forward, Lieutenant?

[hands Bligh his saber]

Bligh: [Bligh sheathes his saber] My lord, thank you.

Captain Greetham: [after learning at the trial that Bligh told King Tynah that Captain Cook is still alive] You told that to this man Tynah?

Bligh: King Tynah, sir.

Admiral Hood: A savage king.

Bligh: A king, milord, descended from many kings.

Admiral Hood: As our King George is descended from many kings?

Bligh: Yes, in a way, sir.

Captain Greetham: Then why did you lie to him? Why did you not tell him Captain Cook was murdered in Hawaii ten years before?

Bligh: Because they believe that Captain Cook is immortal.

Admiral Hood: Literally?

Bligh: Yes, I think so, sir. They seem to regard his likeness as a sacred image.

Admiral Hood: Interesting.

Bligh: They also believe that every British officer is more or less related to him.

Admiral Hood: So you were more or less immortal too.

Bligh: It would appear so, sir. And I also needed their assistance. Captain Cook was our guarantor.