Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.

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 ****

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!"

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.

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.

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.