Raoul Walsh has many great films to his credit and once you see his name as director, you know the man has imbued his work with all the panache of a great artist. To his credit and well placed among his best work is the sea epic " Captain Horatio Hornblower." This story comes from the fertile and imaginative mind of novelist C. S. Forester who's famed hero has spawned a dozen books, films and T.V. specials. In this particular movie, we have legendary actor Gregory Peck playing the gallant and dashing swashbuckler aboard His Majestys' ship Lydia, Her secret mission is placed in the mists of the Napoleonic wars, charged to deliver guns and ammunition to a pint-size delusional dictator Don Julian Alvarado (Alec Mango) who greets him as a ally but later becomes a belligerent adversary. To help him in his quest is, Lt. William Bush (Robert Beatty) an admirable and courageous second in command. Lt. Crystal (Moultrie Kelsall) an excellent navigator. 2nd Lt. Gerard, Gunnery Officer (Terence Morgan) and Mr. Longley, (James Kenny) Midshipman and junior ensign. Together, with James Justice as 'Seaman Quist' they spend five years on the high seas, braving hunger, thirst and war time experiences, including saving beautiful Lady Barbara Wellesley (Virginia Mayo). A fine story fit for re-telling to any generation ****
74 Reviews
A great picturization of C.S. Forester's famous novel of romance , adventure and sea battles
ma-cortes27 November 2018
This is a breathtaking and handsomely story full of remarkable adventures , being adapted from C.S. Forester novel , a much successful seafaring writer.Set during the Napoleonic wars, this movie takes place from 1807 to 1808. It starts in the year 1807 , when Europe has been vanquished by Napoleon, and only the British Navy stands in his way to total victory . Nearly the cost of South America, a new conflict is brewing . As British Navy Captain Horatio Hornblower (Gregory Peck) aboard along with the ship Lieutenant William Bush (Robert Beatty) , 2nd Lt. Gerard (as Terence Morgan) , Midshipman Longley (James Kenney) , and Seaman Quist (James Robertson Justice) , all of them have adventures in Central American waters . Crossing the coast of South America on the lookout for enemies and after various weeks of uneventful sailing they arrive in a dangerous coast where governs Don Julian Alvarado, who is planning an attack against France's Spanish allies on the North American continent . While a Spanish Galleon is en route and Horatio no sooner captures it and hands it over to Alvarado (Alec Mango) . Then , he meets a reluctant host, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wellington, Lady Barbara Wellesley (Virginia Mayo) . Wherever adventure beckons, you'll find Captain Horatio Hornblower!. The sun never sets on his world of adventure.
Epic adventure and seafare story , plenty of action , character studio , a love story and spectacular maritime battles . This rousing adventure/war movie is packed with action , loving drama with interesting human relations, thrills , and impressive maritime battles. The Hornblower series of books were written by C.S. Forester and he adapted his own novels for this movie. As the movie is based on three "Hornblower" novels: ""Beat to Quarters" (or "The Happy Return"), "Ship of the Line", and "Flying Colours". These were all written in 1938, and were the first books of the series. The naval battle sequences are quite good , the movie is well developed because it gets to know the seamen who are locked aboard the narrow quarters of a three-masted frigate HMS and how they relationship everyday .Groundbreaking special effects with splendid scale-model ships and to save costs, the "Hispaniola" from Treasure island (1950) was re-used and renamed "Lydia . The rights to the novel were originally acquired by Warner Brothers with Errol Flynn in mind, but after some financial failures and growing difficulties with the actor, he was not cast. Subsequently producers hired Burl Lancaster but he ruled out , that's way he was playing his successful swashbucklers : The flame and the arrow , The crimson pirate , so Gregory Peck was ultimately cast. .Good-looking Gregory Peck gives an attractive acting as the unflappable Capt. Hornblower of the British Navy who is sent on a secret mission to divert Napoleon's Spanish allies by sponsoring a megalomaniac's Central American revolution . And Virginia Mayo who plays a star-crossed romantic interlude with Peck , she was only cast after several high-profile British actresses were either not available or uninterested . Support cast is pretty good , such as Robert Beatty , Terence Morgan , Christopher Lee , James Robertson Justice , Stanley Baker , Dennis O'Dea, Michael Goodliffe , Diane Cilento , Alec Mango , Christopher Lee and theatrical movie debut of Jack Watson as Captain Sylvester .
Colorful cinematography in Technicolor by Guy Green . The wonderful photography reflects magnificently the marvelous maritime exteriors and adequate interiors . Being shot in several locations as Rye, East Sussex, England , Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes, France , French Riviera, Mediterranean Sea : sea battle scenes and Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK . As well as rousing and exciting musical score by Robert Farnon . This adventure yarn with a romance slipped in was well directed by Raoul Walsh . From his starts in the silent cinema Raoul achieved successful films until the 50s and forward , early 60s , when he was less dominant , but is still stayed lots of lusty adventure , stories of comradeship and friendship , and Raoul makes the most of plentiful action scenes . Walsh was an expert director of all kind genres but with penchant in Western as ¨Colorado territory¨ , ¨They died with their boots on¨, ¨Along the great divide¨, ¨Saskatchewan¨, ¨King and four queens¨ , ¨The sheriff of fractured jaw¨, ¨A distant trumpet¨ ; Adventure as ¨Thief of Bagdad¨, ¨Captain Horatio Hornblower¨, ¨World in his hands¨, ¨Blackbeard the pirate¨ , ¨Sea devils¨ ; Warlike as ¨Objetive Burma¨ , ¨Northern pursuit¨, ¨Marines let's go¨ ; and Noir film as ¨White heat¨, ¨High Sierra¨, ¨They drive by night¨, ¨The roaring twenties¨. Rating : Fairly straightforward movie and above average . This interesting adventure and action film makes it of the finest of Raoul Walsh genre entries
Epic adventure and seafare story , plenty of action , character studio , a love story and spectacular maritime battles . This rousing adventure/war movie is packed with action , loving drama with interesting human relations, thrills , and impressive maritime battles. The Hornblower series of books were written by C.S. Forester and he adapted his own novels for this movie. As the movie is based on three "Hornblower" novels: ""Beat to Quarters" (or "The Happy Return"), "Ship of the Line", and "Flying Colours". These were all written in 1938, and were the first books of the series. The naval battle sequences are quite good , the movie is well developed because it gets to know the seamen who are locked aboard the narrow quarters of a three-masted frigate HMS and how they relationship everyday .Groundbreaking special effects with splendid scale-model ships and to save costs, the "Hispaniola" from Treasure island (1950) was re-used and renamed "Lydia . The rights to the novel were originally acquired by Warner Brothers with Errol Flynn in mind, but after some financial failures and growing difficulties with the actor, he was not cast. Subsequently producers hired Burl Lancaster but he ruled out , that's way he was playing his successful swashbucklers : The flame and the arrow , The crimson pirate , so Gregory Peck was ultimately cast. .Good-looking Gregory Peck gives an attractive acting as the unflappable Capt. Hornblower of the British Navy who is sent on a secret mission to divert Napoleon's Spanish allies by sponsoring a megalomaniac's Central American revolution . And Virginia Mayo who plays a star-crossed romantic interlude with Peck , she was only cast after several high-profile British actresses were either not available or uninterested . Support cast is pretty good , such as Robert Beatty , Terence Morgan , Christopher Lee , James Robertson Justice , Stanley Baker , Dennis O'Dea, Michael Goodliffe , Diane Cilento , Alec Mango , Christopher Lee and theatrical movie debut of Jack Watson as Captain Sylvester .
Colorful cinematography in Technicolor by Guy Green . The wonderful photography reflects magnificently the marvelous maritime exteriors and adequate interiors . Being shot in several locations as Rye, East Sussex, England , Villefranche-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes, France , French Riviera, Mediterranean Sea : sea battle scenes and Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK . As well as rousing and exciting musical score by Robert Farnon . This adventure yarn with a romance slipped in was well directed by Raoul Walsh . From his starts in the silent cinema Raoul achieved successful films until the 50s and forward , early 60s , when he was less dominant , but is still stayed lots of lusty adventure , stories of comradeship and friendship , and Raoul makes the most of plentiful action scenes . Walsh was an expert director of all kind genres but with penchant in Western as ¨Colorado territory¨ , ¨They died with their boots on¨, ¨Along the great divide¨, ¨Saskatchewan¨, ¨King and four queens¨ , ¨The sheriff of fractured jaw¨, ¨A distant trumpet¨ ; Adventure as ¨Thief of Bagdad¨, ¨Captain Horatio Hornblower¨, ¨World in his hands¨, ¨Blackbeard the pirate¨ , ¨Sea devils¨ ; Warlike as ¨Objetive Burma¨ , ¨Northern pursuit¨, ¨Marines let's go¨ ; and Noir film as ¨White heat¨, ¨High Sierra¨, ¨They drive by night¨, ¨The roaring twenties¨. Rating : Fairly straightforward movie and above average . This interesting adventure and action film makes it of the finest of Raoul Walsh genre entries
Britannia rules the waves.
brogmiller16 January 2021
It took Hollywood a while to bring to the screen C. S. Forester's fascinating character Horatio Hornblower but never known to do things by halves it amalgamated in this film not one but three of Hornblower's early adventures, namely 'The Happy Return', 'Ship of the Line' and the short story 'Flying Colours'.
By all accounts it was originally intended as a vehicle for Errol Flynn but alas Mr. Flynn's star was beginning to wane and his unreliable behaviour made him too risky a proposition. As there was no actor on Warner Brothers' payroll who seemed to fit the bill, it fell to Gregory Peck, on loan from David 0. Selznick, to play the part. It turned out to be inspired casting as Mr. Peck captures brilliantly the character's innate courage and intelligence as well as his reserve and introspection. This is a star performance from one of Hollywood's finest. Those who describe him as 'wooden' are not looking at his eyes!
The obligatory romantic interest is supplied by Lady Barbara Wellesley, fictionalised sister of the Duke of Wellington who is played by Virginia Mayo.
Apparently a number of English actresses were considered but were either unavailable or uninterested. This is a far cry from Miss Mayo's role as Verna in 'White Heat' and she acquits herself very well. She is immensely appealing and has a chemistry with her leading man which always helps. Of course Miss Mayo always found an extra vitality for this particular director.
The indifference that director Raoul Walsh felt towards dialogue scenes is legendary but his mastery of action sequences is evident here in the naval battles. He never allows the pace to slacken and is aided by Guy Green's cinematography and a splendid score by Robert Farnon.
As roughly ninety-six per cent of the earth's water is oceanic it is hardly surprising that the genre of 'nautical fiction' has proved so popular. The pioneer in this country was of course Frederick Marryat who influenced both Forester and Patrick 0'Brian. Regarding the preference that some reviewers have expressed for Peter Weir's version of 0'Brian's 'Master and Commander', I can only only echo Hornblower's "Ha-hmm!"
By all accounts it was originally intended as a vehicle for Errol Flynn but alas Mr. Flynn's star was beginning to wane and his unreliable behaviour made him too risky a proposition. As there was no actor on Warner Brothers' payroll who seemed to fit the bill, it fell to Gregory Peck, on loan from David 0. Selznick, to play the part. It turned out to be inspired casting as Mr. Peck captures brilliantly the character's innate courage and intelligence as well as his reserve and introspection. This is a star performance from one of Hollywood's finest. Those who describe him as 'wooden' are not looking at his eyes!
The obligatory romantic interest is supplied by Lady Barbara Wellesley, fictionalised sister of the Duke of Wellington who is played by Virginia Mayo.
Apparently a number of English actresses were considered but were either unavailable or uninterested. This is a far cry from Miss Mayo's role as Verna in 'White Heat' and she acquits herself very well. She is immensely appealing and has a chemistry with her leading man which always helps. Of course Miss Mayo always found an extra vitality for this particular director.
The indifference that director Raoul Walsh felt towards dialogue scenes is legendary but his mastery of action sequences is evident here in the naval battles. He never allows the pace to slacken and is aided by Guy Green's cinematography and a splendid score by Robert Farnon.
As roughly ninety-six per cent of the earth's water is oceanic it is hardly surprising that the genre of 'nautical fiction' has proved so popular. The pioneer in this country was of course Frederick Marryat who influenced both Forester and Patrick 0'Brian. Regarding the preference that some reviewers have expressed for Peter Weir's version of 0'Brian's 'Master and Commander', I can only only echo Hornblower's "Ha-hmm!"
A Serene Noble Epic, Masterfully Told
Kalaman21 October 2003
I don't know that much about the story of Captain Horatio Hornblower, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of this version. I saw it because I was interested in its director Raoul Walsh, who creates another of his roaring and high-spirited masterworks with this serene, honest, swiftly-paced adventure of the 19th-century British Fleet Captain, from the celebrated three novels by C. F. Forester. Walsh depicts Hornblower, fantastically incarnated by Gregory Peck, as a modest man characterized by a sense of duty and honor. Peck is perfect for the role. Aided by stunning Technicolor scenery and marvellous score, this simple epic on the high seas navigates through several battles in Spain, France, and South America. Walsh's staging of the battle scenes is flawless. But I was really impressed by the romantic moments by Hornblower and Virginia Mayo's Lady Barbara Wellesley. Their love scenes are wonderfully gentle and moving without being forcefully sentimental.
"Captain Horatio Hornblower" is a great timeless classic from a master director.
"Captain Horatio Hornblower" is a great timeless classic from a master director.
British swashbuckling heroics.
michaelRokeefe10 July 2004
Raul Walsh directs this action packed adventure, based on three novels by C.S. Forester. Captain Horatio Hornblower(Gregory Peck) is a stern 19th-century seafarer during the Napoleonic wars. He sometimes hides the truth from the hands on the ship Lydia in order to survive battles with Spain and France in Central American waters. Eight months into his mission he takes on board Lady Barbara Wellesley(Virgina Mayo) and her hand-maid for the return trip to England. Their love is professed, but will not continue for she is promised to a Rear Admiral soon to be Hornblower's commander. Along the way back to British shores Lady Barbara comes down ill and Hornblower nurses her back to health. This is a prelude to a serious situation in his own home. He arrives and finds that his wife has died in childbirth. His thoughts return to Lady Barbara, but she has already married. Plenty of action with cannon laden majestic ships in battle. The supporting cast features: Robert Beatty, James Kenney, Alec Mango, Denis O'Dea and Christopher Lee. Almost two hours of sea-going adventure in beautiful Technicolor.
Only in technicolor can you get a sky like that!
Fred-15631 March 1999
This film has a great story (C.S.Forester wrote the script from his novels), solid lead acting from Gregory Peck, Virginia Mayo as the romantic interest, super supporting cast, and that beautiful '50s technicolor! Push the pause button on this film anywhere; the cinematography is lush, gaudy and gorgeous! I don't know how historically accurate the battle scenes are, but they kept me glued. (Questions I had during the battle scene: doesn't it hurt when a mast falls on you? How do they clean up after the battle?) I don't know a yardarm from a topsail, but Gregory Peck convinced me he knew every time he'd squint up at the top of the mast, or yell out "clear for action!" I was a sucker for Midshipman Langley and Lady Wellsely's exchange after the battle but El Supremo's makeup man should have been whipped with the cat'o'nine tails! The ending was "way too" convenient: Let's hope A & E's rendition is a winner!
This British seafaring drama could have been the model for Master and Commander (2003)
jacobs-greenwood16 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
C.S. Forester adapted his own novel for this British military ship adventure drama that takes place during the Napoleonic wars, which was directed by Raoul Walsh; Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts, and Aeneas MacKenzie wrote the screenplay. Gregory Peck plays the title role (R.N. stands for Royal Navy) in this Technicolor movie which could have been the model for Peter Weir's 2003 action drama Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. Other similarities include the point blank, broadside to broadside gun ship battles, action that includes significant (more than is usually shown) cannon damage complete with falling masts, a captain that's a more than capable navigator who's misunderstood by his crew initially, but otherwise beloved, and at least one youthful officer in training aboard.
Unlike the more recent film about the type of warfare waged in that era, this one's middle third is a mushy romance between the titled Captain (who has an annoying habit of clearing his throat for attention) and Lady Barbara Wellesley (Virginia Mayo), who's engaged to a Rear Admiral played by Denis O'Dea; she boards Hornblower's aged ship (another similarity to Weir's film), the Lydia, after he learns that Spain is now his country's ally in the war against France. Unfortunately, Hornblower had just captured a better Spanish warship and turned it over to a near crazy South American dictator rebel self dubbed El Supremo (Alec Mango), who had an alliance with England to attack Spain's colonies from the Pacific. But the Captain's superior tactical knowledge and seamanship enables Hornblower and his well trained crew to defeat El Supremo and sink the ship.
On the voyage home, the Lady gets "the fever" (initially thought to be yellow fever, but actually breaks within 72 hours meaning it was merely swamp fever); the Captain alone cares for her, nursing her back to health, so the stage is set for their romantic entanglement, which is also complicated by the fact that he's married, in addition to her engagement. However, when Hornblower returns home, he learns that his wife died giving birth to a son. Two weeks later, he reads about Lady Barbara's wedding to the Irish Rear Admiral.
But another opportunity presents itself to allow Hornblower to disobey his orders (from O'Dea's character) and perform heroically. Using a re-commissioned French warship, Hornblower and his crew use the subterfuge of a phony flag designation (another similarity) to get close enough to destroy three enemy ships in a protected harbor before their ship is sunk in its channel. After being captured by shore troops, he and his injured Lieutenant Bush (Robert Beatty), along with a strong and loyal seaman named Quist (James R. Justice), escape while being transported as prisoners to Paris. In a small boat, the three of them navigate a stream to the Loire river to a sea port where, thanks to Hornblower's ability to speak the language, they pose as Dutch sailors, free some of their countrymen prisoners to be crewmen, and commandeer a British frigate thought lost, the 'Witch of Endor', to sail home to England. He learns that his Rear Admiral died in battle. So, when Hornblower gets home again to see his son, Barbara (dressed nothing like a recent widow) is there and the two can be together.
Unlike the more recent film about the type of warfare waged in that era, this one's middle third is a mushy romance between the titled Captain (who has an annoying habit of clearing his throat for attention) and Lady Barbara Wellesley (Virginia Mayo), who's engaged to a Rear Admiral played by Denis O'Dea; she boards Hornblower's aged ship (another similarity to Weir's film), the Lydia, after he learns that Spain is now his country's ally in the war against France. Unfortunately, Hornblower had just captured a better Spanish warship and turned it over to a near crazy South American dictator rebel self dubbed El Supremo (Alec Mango), who had an alliance with England to attack Spain's colonies from the Pacific. But the Captain's superior tactical knowledge and seamanship enables Hornblower and his well trained crew to defeat El Supremo and sink the ship.
On the voyage home, the Lady gets "the fever" (initially thought to be yellow fever, but actually breaks within 72 hours meaning it was merely swamp fever); the Captain alone cares for her, nursing her back to health, so the stage is set for their romantic entanglement, which is also complicated by the fact that he's married, in addition to her engagement. However, when Hornblower returns home, he learns that his wife died giving birth to a son. Two weeks later, he reads about Lady Barbara's wedding to the Irish Rear Admiral.
But another opportunity presents itself to allow Hornblower to disobey his orders (from O'Dea's character) and perform heroically. Using a re-commissioned French warship, Hornblower and his crew use the subterfuge of a phony flag designation (another similarity) to get close enough to destroy three enemy ships in a protected harbor before their ship is sunk in its channel. After being captured by shore troops, he and his injured Lieutenant Bush (Robert Beatty), along with a strong and loyal seaman named Quist (James R. Justice), escape while being transported as prisoners to Paris. In a small boat, the three of them navigate a stream to the Loire river to a sea port where, thanks to Hornblower's ability to speak the language, they pose as Dutch sailors, free some of their countrymen prisoners to be crewmen, and commandeer a British frigate thought lost, the 'Witch of Endor', to sail home to England. He learns that his Rear Admiral died in battle. So, when Hornblower gets home again to see his son, Barbara (dressed nothing like a recent widow) is there and the two can be together.
A swashbuckler with a legendary British naval hero
SimonJack29 April 2022
"Captain Horatio Hornblower" is a fun swashbuckler, adventure and romance film. Warner Brothers filmed the sea-going scenes out of Villefranche on the Riviera, near Nice, France. Great Britain had its real naval heroes during its rule of the seas in 18th and 19th centuries - Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson being one of the most prominent.
But still, it had its mythical heroes as well. And Horatio Hornblower is in the company of those legendary heroes who helped perpetuate the legendary greatness of the British admiralty and navy. This imaginary seafaring hero was created by English author C. S. Forester in three novels of the 1930s. This film is a compilation of the adventures and stories of Hornblower from those books..
Gregory Peck plays Hornblower and Virgin Mayo is Lady Barbara Wellesley. What worthy seafaring tale wouldn't have a woman and romance, I ask? The supporting cast are all good. Among the better known actors of the day are James Robertson Justice, Robert Beatty, Terrence Morgan and Stanley Baker.
This isn't a swashbuckler on scale of Errol Flynn's films - after all, our hero here is a gentleman and officer of His Majesty's Royal Navy. But there is some good action with the capture of a Spanish ship, then defeat of such, and finally the destruction of four French ships in harbor. That' enough action to satisfy anyone.
My favorite line from the film comes after Hornblower and his crew are in prison after demolishing the four French ships and they sinking their own to block the port entrance. Captain Hornblower, "Mr. Baker, you and I are to be taken to Paris and tried as spies." Lt. Baker, "Well, I expected to lose a leg, sir, but not all the way up to my neck."
But still, it had its mythical heroes as well. And Horatio Hornblower is in the company of those legendary heroes who helped perpetuate the legendary greatness of the British admiralty and navy. This imaginary seafaring hero was created by English author C. S. Forester in three novels of the 1930s. This film is a compilation of the adventures and stories of Hornblower from those books..
Gregory Peck plays Hornblower and Virgin Mayo is Lady Barbara Wellesley. What worthy seafaring tale wouldn't have a woman and romance, I ask? The supporting cast are all good. Among the better known actors of the day are James Robertson Justice, Robert Beatty, Terrence Morgan and Stanley Baker.
This isn't a swashbuckler on scale of Errol Flynn's films - after all, our hero here is a gentleman and officer of His Majesty's Royal Navy. But there is some good action with the capture of a Spanish ship, then defeat of such, and finally the destruction of four French ships in harbor. That' enough action to satisfy anyone.
My favorite line from the film comes after Hornblower and his crew are in prison after demolishing the four French ships and they sinking their own to block the port entrance. Captain Hornblower, "Mr. Baker, you and I are to be taken to Paris and tried as spies." Lt. Baker, "Well, I expected to lose a leg, sir, but not all the way up to my neck."
Ready to Board!
Tweetienator23 January 2022
In my youth I read a couple of the Hornblower books written by C. S. Forester (well written stuff by the way) and I always liked this movie adaption starring Gregory Peck. The colors alone are most delicious! Sadly, we don't get such colors anymore, sometimes those digital recordings and their coloring (if not "spiced up" in digital post-production) really just look flat and destroy any "vibe". Anyway, if you like adventures on the sea of long gone times, some swashbuckling and a lot of gun powder smoke, this one is made for you. This one ages well with every decade past. Note: the movies made for TV starring Ioan Gruffudd are also entertaining ones.
Just terrific--they don't make adventure films like this anymore!
planktonrules6 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
No, I have not read the Hornblower novels by C. M. Forrester, nor have I seen the recent mini-series, so keep this in mind when reading the following review.
This is a wonderful old adventure movie and highly reminiscent of the old swashbuckling films of Errol Flynn--though a lot more realistic. Gregory Peck plays the title character, a British naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars. When the film begins, you find Peck's ship in difficult straits--they are on a secret mission and nothing seems to be going right--there is no wind, they've not seen land in seven months AND they're practically out of food and water! Fortunately, the good captain is an expert seaman and navigator and they find the fortress of "El Supremo"---a totally megalomaniacal and incompetent revolutionary. The plan is apparently to give him a huge supply of guns and ammunition in order to destabilize the Spanish colonies in the Americas (since Spain is at this point an ally of France). I need to mention that during all this daring-do, he meets up with lovely Virginia Mayo and wins her heart because of his bravery, compassion and overall sense of decency--too bad she's already engaged to Peck's commanding officer! What exactly happens next to is just something you'll have to see for yourself. However, there are some inspiring but realistic adventures through which Hornblower gains the reputation as a great officer.
This is a wonderful film--the sort of adventure film they just don't make anymore. And, it's no surprise then that this was directed by Raoul Walsh--the same man that directed many of Flynn's greatest films. On top of excellent adventure, Peck's hero is a little bit more complex and human than those played by Flynn. Plus, the writing and acting are superb--not a film to be missed.
This is a wonderful old adventure movie and highly reminiscent of the old swashbuckling films of Errol Flynn--though a lot more realistic. Gregory Peck plays the title character, a British naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars. When the film begins, you find Peck's ship in difficult straits--they are on a secret mission and nothing seems to be going right--there is no wind, they've not seen land in seven months AND they're practically out of food and water! Fortunately, the good captain is an expert seaman and navigator and they find the fortress of "El Supremo"---a totally megalomaniacal and incompetent revolutionary. The plan is apparently to give him a huge supply of guns and ammunition in order to destabilize the Spanish colonies in the Americas (since Spain is at this point an ally of France). I need to mention that during all this daring-do, he meets up with lovely Virginia Mayo and wins her heart because of his bravery, compassion and overall sense of decency--too bad she's already engaged to Peck's commanding officer! What exactly happens next to is just something you'll have to see for yourself. However, there are some inspiring but realistic adventures through which Hornblower gains the reputation as a great officer.
This is a wonderful film--the sort of adventure film they just don't make anymore. And, it's no surprise then that this was directed by Raoul Walsh--the same man that directed many of Flynn's greatest films. On top of excellent adventure, Peck's hero is a little bit more complex and human than those played by Flynn. Plus, the writing and acting are superb--not a film to be missed.
Unstructured but Stirring Adventure Tale
JamesHitchcock5 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
C. S. Forester was the Patrick O'Brian of his day. Like O'Brian, he was the author of a series of novels which had as their hero a British naval commander of the Napoleonic Wars and, like O'Brian, he was highly popular with the reading public. Although the exploits of Forester's hero, Horatio Hornblower, have recently been made into a television series, they have only served as the basis for one feature film.
I have not read all the Hornblower novels, and it is a long time since I read any of them. It is, however, quite clear that the film was based upon episodes cobbled together from at least two different novels. During the first half of the film, Captain Hornblower is commanding a British ship off the coast of Central America, where he tangles with a local ruler who has declared independence from Spain and made himself dictator. In the second half, Hornblower leads a daring raid on a French naval base and is taken prisoner by the enemy, but manages to escape back to Britain. The lack of any real connection between the two halves of the film means that it is not completely satisfactory in terms of structure; it might have worked better as two separate films.
There is one thread that links the two halves; the love affair between Hornblower and Lady Barbara Wellesley, the sister of the Duke of Wellington. The two fall in love after the unhappily married Hornblower rescues Lady Barbara, the fiancée of his superior officer Admiral Leighton, during his Latin American adventure. Following their return to Britain, Lady Barbara and Leighton are married, but Hornblower's wife and the Admiral both conveniently die before the end, leaving the lovers free to marry. Hornblower's wife does not appear in the film, so there is nothing to suggest what sort of a woman she was and why he was so unhappy with her. Again, I found this ending unsatisfactory for two reasons, both because it was too neat and because it seemed heartless to kill off two people to provide a "happy" ending for two others. The scriptwriters seem to have been following the plot of the novels too slavishly; it might have made for a better film if they had felt free to depart from Forester's text and make one, or both, of the lovers single.
This was the first of two successive films in which Gregory Peck played an officer in the armed forces; the other was Captain Richard Lance in "Only the Valiant". The two characters, however, are quite different, with very different styles of leadership. Whereas Lance is a strict disciplinarian, Hornblower is more liberal. We do see one seaman being flogged, but the order for this punishment is given by a junior officer. Hornblower reluctantly allows the flogging to go ahead on the grounds that to countermand an order given by a subordinate would undermine discipline, and in the hope that the barbarity of the procedure will persuade the young man to be more humane in future. Although there were exceptions such as his excellent Ahab in "Moby Dick", Peck was often at his best playing rational, liberal men of integrity, and I found this a better performance than the one he gave in "Only the Valiant".
Most people will not, however, watch this film either as a love story or as a study in leadership, but as a swashbuckling historical adventure, and on this level it works well. Although they are not quite as realistic as those in a modern film such as "Master and Commander", the battle scenes are well done. Forester was capable of writing stirring tales of adventure, and, at its best, this film succeeds in capturing his spirit of excitement. 6/10
I have not read all the Hornblower novels, and it is a long time since I read any of them. It is, however, quite clear that the film was based upon episodes cobbled together from at least two different novels. During the first half of the film, Captain Hornblower is commanding a British ship off the coast of Central America, where he tangles with a local ruler who has declared independence from Spain and made himself dictator. In the second half, Hornblower leads a daring raid on a French naval base and is taken prisoner by the enemy, but manages to escape back to Britain. The lack of any real connection between the two halves of the film means that it is not completely satisfactory in terms of structure; it might have worked better as two separate films.
There is one thread that links the two halves; the love affair between Hornblower and Lady Barbara Wellesley, the sister of the Duke of Wellington. The two fall in love after the unhappily married Hornblower rescues Lady Barbara, the fiancée of his superior officer Admiral Leighton, during his Latin American adventure. Following their return to Britain, Lady Barbara and Leighton are married, but Hornblower's wife and the Admiral both conveniently die before the end, leaving the lovers free to marry. Hornblower's wife does not appear in the film, so there is nothing to suggest what sort of a woman she was and why he was so unhappy with her. Again, I found this ending unsatisfactory for two reasons, both because it was too neat and because it seemed heartless to kill off two people to provide a "happy" ending for two others. The scriptwriters seem to have been following the plot of the novels too slavishly; it might have made for a better film if they had felt free to depart from Forester's text and make one, or both, of the lovers single.
This was the first of two successive films in which Gregory Peck played an officer in the armed forces; the other was Captain Richard Lance in "Only the Valiant". The two characters, however, are quite different, with very different styles of leadership. Whereas Lance is a strict disciplinarian, Hornblower is more liberal. We do see one seaman being flogged, but the order for this punishment is given by a junior officer. Hornblower reluctantly allows the flogging to go ahead on the grounds that to countermand an order given by a subordinate would undermine discipline, and in the hope that the barbarity of the procedure will persuade the young man to be more humane in future. Although there were exceptions such as his excellent Ahab in "Moby Dick", Peck was often at his best playing rational, liberal men of integrity, and I found this a better performance than the one he gave in "Only the Valiant".
Most people will not, however, watch this film either as a love story or as a study in leadership, but as a swashbuckling historical adventure, and on this level it works well. Although they are not quite as realistic as those in a modern film such as "Master and Commander", the battle scenes are well done. Forester was capable of writing stirring tales of adventure, and, at its best, this film succeeds in capturing his spirit of excitement. 6/10
In the Age Of Sail, there was no one better . . . .
Paladin-1315 January 1999
Adapted from C.S. Forester's saga, this movie condenses three of his novels from the Napoleonic era into a fine movie well worth watching. From the first few minutes of music and opening narrative where we first meet Hornblower (a captain of steel who uses his brains to defeat his enemies), the audience is hooked. Peck, in one of his best performances, plays the lead role to perfection in every way, right down to Hornblower's trademark "Ha - h'm." Mayo is well cast as Lady Barbara (the Duke of Wellington's sister) who manages to get under Hornblower's skin with the help of Cupid's arrows. This film deftly blends an array of fine performances, excellent camerawork, beautiful scenery, Robert Farnon's spirited musical score, and well- choreographed ship battle sequences into a brilliant work of art that will leave audiences - and fans of Forester's series - wanting to see it again. An excellent choice!
A Good Sea Yarn, Two Of Them In Fact
bkoganbing1 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I don't think the good citizens of the United Kingdom with their proud tradition of sea power could complain too much about the American leads in a film about one of their popular fictional heroes. You can't get too much more heroic than Gregory Peck on screen and he certainly does fit C.S. Forrester's conception of Captain Horatio Hornblower, R.N.
In fact even recently with Russell Crowe's Master and Commander kind of reinvigorating this genre of literature, I still kind of like what Gregory Peck did with the role. The age of Napoleon where Great Britain stood for a time very much alone against his domination of Europe was another their finest hours.
The film is taken from two of the Hornblower novels and sad to say the film's weakness is that the first part of it is much the superior of the second. Personally I think they should have padded out the first part and dealt with it alone.
Recurring characters from the Hornblower novels appear here such as the Duke of Wellington's fictional sister Lady Barbara Wellesley played by Virginia Mayo and members of Hornblowers crew played by Robert Beatty, James Robertson Justice, and Terence Morgan among others. There's also a very touching performance by young James Kenney as the midshipman on board the HMS Lydia.
The first part of the film deals with Hornblower sailing the Lydia to the western coast of Central America in secret to reach a potential rebel ally against Spain which has joined with France. Hornblower makes contact with Don Julian Alvarado, the self-styled El Supremo. Hornblower captures a Spanish ship of the line and gives it to his new ally.
Then he learns that Spain has switched sides in the Napoleonic War while he's been at sea and now this heavily armed vessel is in the hands of a real psycho. Now he has to undo what he did.
If you don't see Captain Horatio Hornblower, R.N. for any other reason, than see it for Alec Mango's over the top performance as the psychotic El Supremo. It's a piece of scenery chewing for the ages and it fits with the character. You take your allies in war where you find them and Spain was not the first or the last country that ever switched sides during a conflict.
The second half concerns Peck and the crew in action off the Bay of Biscay and the vessel Lydia runs aground. Peck and the crew are taken prisoner and the rest of the film concerns with their escape.
These are in fact two different Hornblower stories and the first is much the superior of the second.
Of course another viewer might feel differently and the film is recommended for all of you who like a good sea yarn.
In fact even recently with Russell Crowe's Master and Commander kind of reinvigorating this genre of literature, I still kind of like what Gregory Peck did with the role. The age of Napoleon where Great Britain stood for a time very much alone against his domination of Europe was another their finest hours.
The film is taken from two of the Hornblower novels and sad to say the film's weakness is that the first part of it is much the superior of the second. Personally I think they should have padded out the first part and dealt with it alone.
Recurring characters from the Hornblower novels appear here such as the Duke of Wellington's fictional sister Lady Barbara Wellesley played by Virginia Mayo and members of Hornblowers crew played by Robert Beatty, James Robertson Justice, and Terence Morgan among others. There's also a very touching performance by young James Kenney as the midshipman on board the HMS Lydia.
The first part of the film deals with Hornblower sailing the Lydia to the western coast of Central America in secret to reach a potential rebel ally against Spain which has joined with France. Hornblower makes contact with Don Julian Alvarado, the self-styled El Supremo. Hornblower captures a Spanish ship of the line and gives it to his new ally.
Then he learns that Spain has switched sides in the Napoleonic War while he's been at sea and now this heavily armed vessel is in the hands of a real psycho. Now he has to undo what he did.
If you don't see Captain Horatio Hornblower, R.N. for any other reason, than see it for Alec Mango's over the top performance as the psychotic El Supremo. It's a piece of scenery chewing for the ages and it fits with the character. You take your allies in war where you find them and Spain was not the first or the last country that ever switched sides during a conflict.
The second half concerns Peck and the crew in action off the Bay of Biscay and the vessel Lydia runs aground. Peck and the crew are taken prisoner and the rest of the film concerns with their escape.
These are in fact two different Hornblower stories and the first is much the superior of the second.
Of course another viewer might feel differently and the film is recommended for all of you who like a good sea yarn.
Overrated poor adaptation of the decent novels
Juni78ukr16 April 2005
Not every movie that has been made in 50-s or 60-s is a classic movie and Captain Hornblower is such a case. This sea/war adventure is loosely based on three S.S.Forrester's novels (Beat to Quarters, Ship of the Line and Flying Colours) which for some inexplicable reason were united in one movie. Here's the first and the biggest mistake of the filmmakers. Such decision caused that the movie consist of numerous hardly related with each other scenes and episodes which change each other with kaleidoscopic speed. To fill up numerous gaps and unite the parts screenwriters were forced to invent several short ridiculous scenes (like one-minute journey through entire France and Dutch officers in Nant) and of course such substitutions couldn't save so much flawed script. In fact so many parts of the books have been missed in the movie that those omissions caused inevitable plot holes with many illogical or even preposterous scenes and story lines. Due to lack of screening time majority of characters from the books have been deleted and only three lieutenants, one midshipman and couple of sailors were personalized. The same happened with all the dialogs. They were completely re-written and instead of thoughtful and meaningful lines from the books in the movie appeared only one-lined silly dialogs like in formulaic modern action flicks. Finally, the main character, captain of the Royal Navy Horatio Hornblower has lost all of his charms and instead the excellent development of his character in the novels we got only terribly weak love story and repeated "Ha-hmm" line. I was so much surprised seeing the S.S.Forrester among the screenwriters. How the filmmakers could press him to make such terrible script from his novels? We can only guess about possible answers. Despite such a flawed idea and script I couldn't blame the actors. They did the best at they parts, though the galloping story didn't leave enough place for acting. The cinematography is the only really decent part of the movie as it bring to us the magic of old-fashioned Technicolor. But that's all. I have no idea why so many critics and viewers praised so much about reality and greatness of the sea battle scenes. Sorry but I've noticed there only absurdity, lack of simple logic and reality. Overall this movie is a very good lesson how critical flaws and mistakes of the movie script can cause in the result only a disappointed mediocrity. Especially it's easy to see now when we have such movie like Master & Commander, a perfect masterpiece of film-making. With any unprejudiced look the colossal difference in quality of these movies should be evident for everybody.
My grade 5 out of 10. Not every old movie is a classic.
My grade 5 out of 10. Not every old movie is a classic.
Master and Commander
TheFerryman24 May 2004
It's unfair that Raoul Walsh's name is labeled by the books as a second-level filmmaker in relation with, say, a Ford or a Hawks. He was an extraordinary crafted and prolific director, capable of incorporating standard studio material into his own personal worldview. `Captain Horatio Hornblower' is full of little moments that exceed any genre limitation. These `sparkles of Truth' may be the tracking shot along the empty room while Peck reads the letter of his deceased wife, or when Virginia Mayo kisses the youngster the way his mother used to did. So the adventure film becomes something bigger than life, just as `White Heat' used of the conventions of the gangster film to turn into metaphysics, or `Colorado Territory' departed the western into the depths of existentialism. This film is enjoyable from beginning to end, and it's a clear predecessor of Peter Weir's `Master and Commander', with which it shares a few tone, character and plot elements.
Captain Horatio Hornblower (Raoul Walsh, 1951) ***
Bunuel197630 July 2008
Though it’s been a staple on Italian TV ever since childhood, for some reason I never got around to watching this seafaring epic – given its popular source material (C.S. Forester penned a series of novels about this fictional British naval hero), not to mention the imposing director and star (Gregory Peck) credentials. Anyway, going through a mini-swashbuckling marathon, it seemed the ideal opportunity to check it out; having said that, this is another film to which the epithet shouldn’t perhaps be attached – due to the fact that cannons are the sole weapons that are adopted during the various sea battles (after all, it’s closer to “Mutiny On The Bounty” than, say, the Errol Flynn vehicles made by the same studio, Warner Bros.)!
Unsurprisingly, however, the end result still proved to be extremely typical of its kind and era: a colorful spectacle full of adventure, drama and romance, to say nothing of a stalwart cast. In fact, many a future British star is featured in this Anglo-American production, among them James Robertson Justice (a role he would virtually recreate that same year in another pirate romp, ANNE OF THE INDIES, which I’ve also just watched for the first time), Stanley Baker and Christopher Lee! The film basically resolves itself into a series of vignettes, designed to showcase the many facets of Hornblower’s personality: able navigator, disciplined commander and clever strategist. However, it takes care as well (albeit less successfully) to promote his human side – not merely through the all-too-predictable romantic complications involving the Virginia Mayo character, but the Captain’s rather silly idiosyncrasy of clearing his throat whenever he finds himself at a disadvantage!
CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER, therefore, is an incident-packed and generally entertaining ride – albeit longish at nearly two hours; for the record, Walsh and Peck would collaborate on another adventure film with the same milieu – THE WORLD IN HIS ARMS (1952) – while the star had one of his most atypical and challenging roles in the best cinematic adaptation of an equally famed seafaring source, Herman Melville’s MOBY DICK (1956)…
Unsurprisingly, however, the end result still proved to be extremely typical of its kind and era: a colorful spectacle full of adventure, drama and romance, to say nothing of a stalwart cast. In fact, many a future British star is featured in this Anglo-American production, among them James Robertson Justice (a role he would virtually recreate that same year in another pirate romp, ANNE OF THE INDIES, which I’ve also just watched for the first time), Stanley Baker and Christopher Lee! The film basically resolves itself into a series of vignettes, designed to showcase the many facets of Hornblower’s personality: able navigator, disciplined commander and clever strategist. However, it takes care as well (albeit less successfully) to promote his human side – not merely through the all-too-predictable romantic complications involving the Virginia Mayo character, but the Captain’s rather silly idiosyncrasy of clearing his throat whenever he finds himself at a disadvantage!
CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER, therefore, is an incident-packed and generally entertaining ride – albeit longish at nearly two hours; for the record, Walsh and Peck would collaborate on another adventure film with the same milieu – THE WORLD IN HIS ARMS (1952) – while the star had one of his most atypical and challenging roles in the best cinematic adaptation of an equally famed seafaring source, Herman Melville’s MOBY DICK (1956)…
Great naval adventure
grantss7 September 2019
Great naval adventure, based on CS Forester's series of books. Solid plot, energetically directed. Special effects are great, especially for 1951.
Gregory Peck is his usual brilliant self. Solid support from Virginia Mayo, Robert Beatty and James Robertson Justice.
Great fun.
Gregory Peck is his usual brilliant self. Solid support from Virginia Mayo, Robert Beatty and James Robertson Justice.
Great fun.
Come blow your horn
Lejink18 January 2012
Highly watchable and entertaining old fashioned actioner directed by one of the best action directors of them all, Raoul Walsh. So don't expect much characterisation or romance, rather you'll get plenty of excitement, camaraderie, duty and danger.
There is a touch of romance to be sure, in the person of the lovely Virginia Mayo, an admiral's intended bride, who coincidentally ends up on Hornblower's boat and soon enough in his arms, but even here, you sense Walsh is just paying lip-service to the plot device devoting about ten minutes screen time to it and then abruptly providing a rushed and contrived but completely expected finish between the two of them.
Better then to consider the remainder, a largely rip-roaring tale of the heroic but humble Hornblower's exploits in the Napoleonic Wars as he dispenses with firstly the Spanish and then the French in quick succession, against all the odds naturally.
Walsh demonstrates his age-old flair for battle sequences and crowd scenes, the only let-down being some of the model-work of the ships which occasionally comes across as unconvincing. The acting is fine, Peck excellent as the title character although hardly the most physical of leads, with good support from a largely British crew,Stanley Baker and James Robertson Justice prominent amongst them. The navy terminology spoken at length throughout adds credibility and the sets and cinematography add colour add atmosphere to the whole.
Some of the narrative turns are predictable and even clichéd and you never truly believe it's true to life but it's great fun and as easy on the eye as it is light on the brain, not quite a swashbuckler but more than just another navy lark.
There is a touch of romance to be sure, in the person of the lovely Virginia Mayo, an admiral's intended bride, who coincidentally ends up on Hornblower's boat and soon enough in his arms, but even here, you sense Walsh is just paying lip-service to the plot device devoting about ten minutes screen time to it and then abruptly providing a rushed and contrived but completely expected finish between the two of them.
Better then to consider the remainder, a largely rip-roaring tale of the heroic but humble Hornblower's exploits in the Napoleonic Wars as he dispenses with firstly the Spanish and then the French in quick succession, against all the odds naturally.
Walsh demonstrates his age-old flair for battle sequences and crowd scenes, the only let-down being some of the model-work of the ships which occasionally comes across as unconvincing. The acting is fine, Peck excellent as the title character although hardly the most physical of leads, with good support from a largely British crew,Stanley Baker and James Robertson Justice prominent amongst them. The navy terminology spoken at length throughout adds credibility and the sets and cinematography add colour add atmosphere to the whole.
Some of the narrative turns are predictable and even clichéd and you never truly believe it's true to life but it's great fun and as easy on the eye as it is light on the brain, not quite a swashbuckler but more than just another navy lark.
Wonderful timeless classic
matttaylor-6506519 August 2015
I admit on this particular story I'm not so au fait with they exact facts, so I am just reviewing this film based on what it is. A Truly wonderful timeless classic film. I am a big fan of Raul Walsh whom directed this film, in this film he has created another masterpiece. A 19th Century Captain of a British Fleet, the film is taken from the books of C. F. Forester. Gregory Peck is just amazing in his role of Captain Horatio Hornblower, Hornblower is a simple honest man who believes in his duty and honour. The scenery and film score add to the quality of this film, there are some superb wonderful truly romantic scenes with Lady Barbara Wellesley and also superbly acted by Virginia Mayo. This is just another great time classic film with a truly majestic director.
capt h hornblower
mossgrymk11 November 2020
It's really two movies, somewhat awkwardly stitched together by director Raoul Walsh and a cadre of screenwriters, (inc. the novelist upon whose work the film is adapted). The first, which can be subtitled "Hornblower vs The Spaniards and The Treacherous S. Americans", is the better of the two featuring, as it does, a wonderful naval battle that at times resembles an 18th century painting (bravo to cinematographer Guy Green) and some interesting psychological tension between officers and men over issues of discipline and prize money. The second movie, which can best be described as "Hornblower vs. The French and Admiral Leighton", jettisons any such proto mutinous discord and is instead a straight on Saturday afternoon matinee kind of experience with disguises, daring getaways from captive coaches, piracy and other such Boys Real Adventure stuff. Normally, I have no problem with this swashbuckling, Errol Flynn kind of movie, but when I've been given a "Master And Commander" the first hour only to have it yanked out from under me beginning with that cheesy love scene in the ship's corridor between Greg and Virginia, it's a bit deflating. Also deflating, for other reasons, is the film 's pervasive racism toward the dark races of the Americas, seen here as perfidious and cruel, and the French who are portrayed as inept and faintly ridiculous. Give it a B minus. PS...Peck must be a good actor since at no time did I find his very American accent a credibility problem.
Adventures, battles, and gentle romance
lora6418 August 2001
I've seen this splendid movie many times and it just gets better. There's such a good balance between the spectacles of graceful tall ships at sea, then moments of battle, cannon roars exploding, crashing masts when all h... breaks loose onboard, shipwrecks -- so many exciting exploits of war in the Napoleonic era. Interspersed in all this are the tender interludes of romance, anguished moments of caring for dying crew members, homecomings that are too late, and it goes on.
Gregory Peck as Capt. Horatio Hornblower fills the role superbly, and Virginia Mayo as Lady Barbara is exquisite, tender and sincere. I almost wished those two had really married after the film was completed, but I'm dreaming of course. Denis O'Dea, as Rear Admiral Leighton, is a substantial supporting actor and a favorite of mine. As a rugged seaman, there's a young James Robertson Justice who is also destined for greater roles to come. I particularly liked him in The Sword and the Rose (1953), as King Henry VIII, a lighthearted adventure.
Enjoy this Capt. Horatio action-filled movie. Ah, the days of seafaring adventures!
Gregory Peck as Capt. Horatio Hornblower fills the role superbly, and Virginia Mayo as Lady Barbara is exquisite, tender and sincere. I almost wished those two had really married after the film was completed, but I'm dreaming of course. Denis O'Dea, as Rear Admiral Leighton, is a substantial supporting actor and a favorite of mine. As a rugged seaman, there's a young James Robertson Justice who is also destined for greater roles to come. I particularly liked him in The Sword and the Rose (1953), as King Henry VIII, a lighthearted adventure.
Enjoy this Capt. Horatio action-filled movie. Ah, the days of seafaring adventures!
Stuffed shirt British sea cap'n fights and loves his way across the 7 seas
helpless_dancer13 August 1999
The good cap'n does battle with the evil Napoleon Bonaparte, while wooing the lovely Lady Wellesley. Lots of canvas fell on folks heads as the cannon roared, but Cap'n H. and his lusty lads prevailed. This was a good show with colorful costumes and some nice action sequences, but some of the dialogue was a tad hokey. For my money they could have left Lady W. on shore and had a couple more fights - too much confounded smoochin'. 3 stars.
Rollicking Seafaring Adventure! A True Classic!
Idiot-Deluxe28 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"Starboard battery - Ready! Fire as your guns bare!"
Captain Horatio Hornblower is a highly entertaining big-budget Technicolor seafaring epic from 1951, starring Gregory Peck in the title-role of Captain Hornblower. This classic film is grand in all ways and is one of the very best films of it's kind, that being a naval seafaring adventure, which is similar to, but NOT a swashbuckler movie. Captain Gregory Peck runs a tight ship in this rollicking seafaring classic and was reportedly one of his favorite roles of his long and successful career. Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo, the two leads, are the only two American actors in this movie, the rest is made of an entirely British supporting cast, which certainly helps since it's based on an English naval hero. Warner Brothers entrusted directorial duties to the eye-patch wearing veteran director Roul Walsh (so they say, he lost his right eye by "an errant jackrabbit" which jumped through the windshield of his car while driving!), who had ample experience with expensive large-scale productions. The film is a deft blend of many aspects, such as: great acting (especially Peck), terrific ship battle sequences (the last one is the best of it's kind ever filmed), miniature effects (i.e. the model ship sequences), a bit romance, great scenery/location filming and a high-spirited musical score by the relatively unknown Robert Farnon.
Taking place in the Napoleonic-era, the year 1807 to be exact. The beginning of the film captures well the air of a sickly ship that's running desperately low on provisions and to enforce the captains order aboard, we get a taste of the cat-of-nine-tails early on as well. Travelling half-way around the world, eventually arriving at the fortress one "El Supremo, Don Julian Alvarado" and unload their cargo of guns and ammo, at El Supremo's insistence they capture the Spanish galleon Nativida and turn it over to him for his intended conquests of the nearby countries of central America. However, as fate would have it, a change of sides occurs and allies they are no more and with cannons blazing, a rousing ship battle ensues - full broadside-action! Along the way they pick up "the love interest" a lovely female passenger (and her maid) one Lady Barbara Wellesley and with a boatload of horny seamen - she proves to be quite a distraction, much to the Captian's dismay, though he too has a hard time resisting her charms. Once back in England, Hornblower finds that his wife has died, but not before giving birth to a son, but with a war happening, he's soon off on another mission; that is to take a fortress and a harbor full enemy ships (and the battle sequence that erupts for this scene is truly a spectacle - thee overall best of it's kind I've ever seen and I've seen a lot of the vintage swashbuckler films). Taken prisoner with two other ship mates, they escape while en route to Paris intended to be tried and executed by the decree of Naploeon himself; in disguise they board a stolen English ship and with a crew of prisoners/sailors, they take it over and make sail for England. Ending in with the captain and his infant son, standing in the bucolic setting of a Technicolor rose garden, where then the Lady Barbara appears once again - conveniently recently widowed and presumably becomes the new Mrs. Hornblower.
Captain Horatio Hornblower: A classic and timeless film you can watch many times. A big fan of nautical films (Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The Crimson Pirate, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Moby Dick - the 1950's where the best decade for such films) they don't get much better than this. With it's opulent sets and costumes, stirring ship battles and striking scenery, I find this to be one of the most handsomely-staged films from the Technicolor-era - there's no weak link in The Captain. And little not to like.....................
Captain Horatio Hornblower is a highly entertaining big-budget Technicolor seafaring epic from 1951, starring Gregory Peck in the title-role of Captain Hornblower. This classic film is grand in all ways and is one of the very best films of it's kind, that being a naval seafaring adventure, which is similar to, but NOT a swashbuckler movie. Captain Gregory Peck runs a tight ship in this rollicking seafaring classic and was reportedly one of his favorite roles of his long and successful career. Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo, the two leads, are the only two American actors in this movie, the rest is made of an entirely British supporting cast, which certainly helps since it's based on an English naval hero. Warner Brothers entrusted directorial duties to the eye-patch wearing veteran director Roul Walsh (so they say, he lost his right eye by "an errant jackrabbit" which jumped through the windshield of his car while driving!), who had ample experience with expensive large-scale productions. The film is a deft blend of many aspects, such as: great acting (especially Peck), terrific ship battle sequences (the last one is the best of it's kind ever filmed), miniature effects (i.e. the model ship sequences), a bit romance, great scenery/location filming and a high-spirited musical score by the relatively unknown Robert Farnon.
Taking place in the Napoleonic-era, the year 1807 to be exact. The beginning of the film captures well the air of a sickly ship that's running desperately low on provisions and to enforce the captains order aboard, we get a taste of the cat-of-nine-tails early on as well. Travelling half-way around the world, eventually arriving at the fortress one "El Supremo, Don Julian Alvarado" and unload their cargo of guns and ammo, at El Supremo's insistence they capture the Spanish galleon Nativida and turn it over to him for his intended conquests of the nearby countries of central America. However, as fate would have it, a change of sides occurs and allies they are no more and with cannons blazing, a rousing ship battle ensues - full broadside-action! Along the way they pick up "the love interest" a lovely female passenger (and her maid) one Lady Barbara Wellesley and with a boatload of horny seamen - she proves to be quite a distraction, much to the Captian's dismay, though he too has a hard time resisting her charms. Once back in England, Hornblower finds that his wife has died, but not before giving birth to a son, but with a war happening, he's soon off on another mission; that is to take a fortress and a harbor full enemy ships (and the battle sequence that erupts for this scene is truly a spectacle - thee overall best of it's kind I've ever seen and I've seen a lot of the vintage swashbuckler films). Taken prisoner with two other ship mates, they escape while en route to Paris intended to be tried and executed by the decree of Naploeon himself; in disguise they board a stolen English ship and with a crew of prisoners/sailors, they take it over and make sail for England. Ending in with the captain and his infant son, standing in the bucolic setting of a Technicolor rose garden, where then the Lady Barbara appears once again - conveniently recently widowed and presumably becomes the new Mrs. Hornblower.
Captain Horatio Hornblower: A classic and timeless film you can watch many times. A big fan of nautical films (Treasure Island, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The Crimson Pirate, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Moby Dick - the 1950's where the best decade for such films) they don't get much better than this. With it's opulent sets and costumes, stirring ship battles and striking scenery, I find this to be one of the most handsomely-staged films from the Technicolor-era - there's no weak link in The Captain. And little not to like.....................
Amazing!
Emerenciano23 November 2002
In my opinion it's a little more than just a romance. No doubt the relationship Captain Hornblower (Gregory Peck) and Lady Barbara Wellesley (Virginia Mayo) have is beautiful and important for the movie, but I just can't forget citing the great ship battles we see in this movie. They're really well done, and we must remember this film was made in early 50's!
My rate 7/10
My rate 7/10
Take the rose-colored glasses off!
LydiaOLydia25 April 2008
Captain Horatio Hornblower RN is a 1951 tale of, well, the exploits of an impossibly perfect captain and his ship during the Napoleonic War era of big sail and cannons.
By the standards of 1951, it was an exciting, technologically advanced, swashbuckler. Today, we as audiences are more mature and more demanding, and as such significant portions of the movie have aged very, very badly. Nevertheless, it remains a decent picture - far better than many of its era and is worth seeing by those such as myself who enjoy high seas adventure. However, modern films such as Master and Commander and the updated Hornblower mini-series are infinitely better.
Here are some random observations: - the accents are laughably bad. The Duke of Wellington's daughter in the move has a pure American accent - and that's probably the best accent of them all since this meant that the actress didn't even try to fake a British accent - something many other roles in the film did--and did very very very badly. Perhaps the worst accents I have ever heard on film. I'm amazed - I'm guessing this was a Hollywood picture. Were there no Mexicans around somewhere nearby to at least show them a Spanish (or Mexican, which for the purposes of this movie would have been infinitely better) accent. Were we really so backwards of a people in 1951 that our actors simply felt that they could affect whatever accent they wanted by rolling their Rs in some random way?
This movie today is a solid 5/10. Anybody who gives it more than that is adding extra stars out of nostalgia.
By the standards of 1951, it was an exciting, technologically advanced, swashbuckler. Today, we as audiences are more mature and more demanding, and as such significant portions of the movie have aged very, very badly. Nevertheless, it remains a decent picture - far better than many of its era and is worth seeing by those such as myself who enjoy high seas adventure. However, modern films such as Master and Commander and the updated Hornblower mini-series are infinitely better.
Here are some random observations: - the accents are laughably bad. The Duke of Wellington's daughter in the move has a pure American accent - and that's probably the best accent of them all since this meant that the actress didn't even try to fake a British accent - something many other roles in the film did--and did very very very badly. Perhaps the worst accents I have ever heard on film. I'm amazed - I'm guessing this was a Hollywood picture. Were there no Mexicans around somewhere nearby to at least show them a Spanish (or Mexican, which for the purposes of this movie would have been infinitely better) accent. Were we really so backwards of a people in 1951 that our actors simply felt that they could affect whatever accent they wanted by rolling their Rs in some random way?
- Related to the above, there is a lot of ridiculous ethnic stereotyping and several characters that don't act as real humans do. This movie pretends to be serious, but, it was from 1951. The British are human and basically everybody else is a cartoon. This seems inappropriate, even for 1951. I can excuse the blackface as a technical necessity (of sorts), but the actual characterizations were insulting to anybody with half a brain.
- The basic plot is sound, and could be updated. However, if this movie were done today, the character of Hornblower would need to be completely revamped. He's unrealistically flawless in this movie, and the characters spend a heck of a lot of time standing around saying things like "Hornblower is flawless!". High comedy.
- Special effects are good.
This movie today is a solid 5/10. Anybody who gives it more than that is adding extra stars out of nostalgia.
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