In this classic adventure film, based on the story by Herman Melville, young Ishmael (Richard Basehart) signs up for service aboard the Pequod, a whaler sailing out of New Bedford. The ship is under the command of Captain Ahab (Gregory Peck), a strict disciplinarian who exhorts his men to find Moby Dick, the great white whale. Ahab lost his leg to the creature and is desperate for revenge. The captain is so overwhelmed by his desire to kill the whale that he is prepared to sacrifice everything, including his life, the lives of his crew, and even his ship. The screenplay was co-written by director John Huston and acclaimed sci-fi author Ray Bradbury.