By early afternoon on Wednesday at Mystic Seaport, expect small fowls to fly screaming over the yet yawning Mystic River. A sullen white surf will probably beat against its banks; then, after all collapses, the great shroud of the sea will roll on as it rolled 5,000 years ago.

Seriously, how else could the seaport's 27th annual "Moby-Dick Marathon" conclude? At noon on Tuesday, on the seaport's Charles W. Morgan wooden whaleship, a gathering of professor types, Herman Melville fans, seaport visitors and staff, and sundry literature-folk will indeed take turns reading aloud the entire "Moby-Dick."

This year's festivities kick off with a special 8 p.m. Monday showing of the 1956 film of "Moby-Dick" starring Gregory Peck.

- RICK KOSTE

"Moby-Dick" Marathon, Mystic Seaport, Route 27, Mystic; noon Tues. to noon Wed., with 8 p.m. Monday "Moby Dick" film; included with museum admission ($24, $22 seniors and students, $15 ages 6-17, free for members); registration required for overnight lodging on ship; (860) 572-0711.