Mutiny on the Bounty Movie Log Book Prop: Rare Book of the Week

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released Mutiny on the Bounty in 1962, its take on the events surrounding the historic events of 1789 when unhappy crewmen took over control of HMS Bounty while sailing through the South Pacific. Starring Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard, it was beset by various issues though still became the fifth highest-grossing film of the year.

The trailer for the film begins with a log book, its pages turning to reveal a page reading “The Greatest Adventure Ever Lived…” followed by another that goes on “Becomes the Greatest Adventure Ever Filmed!” and then finishes on “Mutiny on the Bounty…”.

This 'log book' comes up for auction at Potter & Potter on July 25 in its Fine Books and Manuscripts auction. Measuring approximately 12 ¼ x 16 ½”, it is bound in modern half blue morocco over marbled boards, with blue morocco lettering label on front board (“Log”), marbled endleaves, the first three leaves with attractive calligraphy.

The prop was designed by art director Joseph McMillan (“Mac”) Johnson (1912-1990), one of the leading art directors of his day who began his career on Gone with the Wind as a sketch artist, and worked frequently with Alfred Hitchcock including on To Catch a Thief and Rear Window. The 'book' is accompanied by a typed letter signed by Johnson's son affirming its authenticity. It has an estimate of $500 - $1,000.

A Hogwarts acceptance letter and envelope used as a prop in in the production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) sold at Chiswick Auctions last year for £10,000. It was unlike the many versions that were also used since its envelope featured an unbroken red-wax Hogwarts seal.