Madness, freedom, love, rebellion and compassion in C18th Bedlam, post Mutiny on the Bounty. Emily Bullock has dazzling talent. AMANDA CRAIG. Based on the true story of James Norris, an American marine and inmate of Bedlam, 1800-1815, chained to a stake for fourteen years. One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest meets Mutiny on the Bounty-an exploration of love, sanity, suffering and compassion wrapped into the sensual and lyrical tale of one man's lonely Odyssey.