When Hollywood came to Wales: Moby Dick memories celebrated 70 years on.
Nation.Cymru staff
A new exhibition will celebrate the time Hollywood came to a Welsh coastal community for the filming of one of cinema’s most famous movies.
The Making of Moby Dick: An Exhibition of Memories will open at Theatr Gwaun in Fishguard next week, marking the 70th anniversary of the cinematic release of John Huston’s Moby Dick.
Fishguard and Goodwick became major filming locations for the movie in 1954, when the production of Herman Melville’s story of the great white whale brought Hollywood stars and filmmakers to Pembrokeshire.
The film, starring Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab, was released in 1956 and was reportedly one of the most expensive movies made at the time.
The exhibition, which opens at Martha’s Gallery at Theatr Gwaun on Tuesday, September 1, will bring together photographs, stories and memories collected from the local community.
Organisers say it will preserve the recollections of people who remember the extraordinary period and the impact the production had on the twin towns.
A spokesperson said: “And where better to begin than with the memories of the people who were here when Hollywood came to Fishguard and Goodwick?”
Organisers hope the opening will also reunite two members of a Fishguard Sea Cadets rowing crew who famously took on a team of Hollywood actors and stuntmen during filming.
Huw Lewis and Gareth Rees were members of the local crew which beat their Hollywood rivals in a race across Fishguard Bay.
The pair are expected to attend the exhibition opening, which organisers say could be their first meeting in more than 70 years.
The exhibition launches this year’s Ar Ymyl y Tir 2026/On Land’s Edge Festival.
Festival organisers have been gathering photographs and memories from residents and have worked with Hanes Abergwaun and Ein Hanes to preserve material connected with the making of the film.
Graphics for the exhibition have been designed by Julian Jefferson of Fishguard Arts Society, Cymdeithas Celfyddydau Abergwaun, while the project has received support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A festival spokesperson added: “It feels like the perfect place to begin our journey towards this year’s festival.”
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