Screen legend Gregory Peck brings to life C.S. Forester's classic nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower. Hornblower battles the French and the Spanish forces during the Napoleonic wars, but also finds time for romance in this story from director Raoul Walsh.
The much-loved novels of C.S. Forester come to life in Captain Horatio Hornblower, a solid, engrossing seafaring tale. Forester himself worked on the script for the 1951 film, which mines its plot from three Hornblower books. Set during the Napoleonic era, the movie kicks off by steering British captain Hornblower (Gregory Peck) into the middle of a nimble cat-and-mouse game with anti-Spanish rebels in the New World--only to find that in the months since he set sail from Old Blighty, national alliances have changed, causing a reversal in his original mission. The action later shifts to Europe, and throughout there is a love story involving a noblewoman (Virginia Mayo) who takes unexpected lodging aboard Hornblower's ship. The film has an intelligence that keeps it watchable, although it's definitely not one of the more buoyant films of the robust director Raoul Walsh. Perhaps the movie falls short of classic status because of the casting: its sober nature might stem from the personality of Gregory Peck, who looks marvelous but remains stolid throughout, while Virginia Mayo is, well, Virginia Mayo, a league away from British aristocracy. The sea battles don't have the technical dazzle of Master and Commander but they look acceptable for their time, and the movie's fondness for detail is gratifying. Forester's tales later became a series of British TV programs, with Ioan Gruffud as Hornblower. --Robert Horton
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
capt h. hornblower:
based on c.f. forester's series of a british naval officers career during the napoleonic era.
A BRILLIANT PRECURS0R TO STAR TREK!:
This is an excelent movie! Gregory peck is inspirational and courageous in this Seafaring Saga. Star Trek Fans will here the familiar adventure fanfare and if you look closely, you will see the familiar dialoque of a Captain and Doctor.
In 1807, Royal Navy Captain Horatio Hornblower (Gregory Peck), commanding the 36-gun frigate HMS Lydia, is on a lengthy secret mission to Central America. He is to provide arms and support to a megalomaniac calling himself "El Supremo" or "The Almighty" (Alec Mango) in... more info
Captain Horatio Hornblower:
For sure one of the best adventure movies of all times, if you enjoy the clasic adventure movies you need to see this one. And of course, whit grate actors like Gregory peck, Robert Beatty and Virginia Mayo.
Arrrrrr Matey:
A perfect example of a well done Sea going romance aboard a British Man 'O War.
