The cover of Melville's novel is shown, then what is ostensibly the first page. But the text shown consists of statements about whaling in general and Moby Dick. The novel, however, is written in the first person, and its first line, establishing this, is one of the most famous in all literature: "Call me Ishmael." This footage was lifted from the 1925 version, 'The Sea Beast'.
The opening shot shows a monument erected in 1838 to those killed by Moby Dick. However, a scene taking place well over three years later has Ahab signing the purchase agreement for the 'Shanghai Lady', dated 23 June 1840.
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