Des Königs Admiral

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 ****

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.

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.

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.

.... mainly for a French,who ,like me,is not really a fan of Napoleon! "Hornblower" is a great adventures movie where so many things happen that it's hard to believe the film "only " lasts two hours.It has everything that kind of movie demands: -action: the naval battles are among the best you can see in a movie.

-humour: Peck's face when he learns he has handed over an "allies" ship to his "new" enemy is worth the price of admission.

-and above all,emotion;two scenes are unforgettable: the first one takes place on the ship:the middie is dying and Lady Wellesley kisses him farewell the way his mother did when he sailed away;the second is the scene of the letter Hornblower's wife wrote just before her death: as the officer finds his house empty , a voice-over reads the whole message .

"Captain Horatio Hornblower" is the perfect show for the whole family on a Xmas evening