Horatio Hornblower: Novels, Film & Telefilms

[Loz]

Hello :)

This is a thread dedicated to the wonder that is Horatio Hornblower.

I am referring, of course, to the dynamic character demonstrated by C.S. Forester in the books;


Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (collected short stories)
Lieutenant Hornblower
Hornblower and the Hotspur
Hornblower and the Atropos
Hornblower and the Crisis (collected short stories)
The Happy Return (called Beat to Quarters in America)
A Ship of the Line (called simply Ship of the Line in America)
Flying Colours (spelled Flying Colors in America)
Commodore Hornblower
Lord Hornblower
Hornblower in the West Indies


The books span Horatio's career in the Royal Navy. Historical Fiction set during the time of the Napoleonic Wars, the setting is romantic, politically volatile and full of adventure.

The first three books were even adapted into a film (Captain Horatio Hornblower) in 1951 starring Gregory Peck!

More recently a series of Telefilms (TV films) have been produced by American and British companies with all British (and Irish) actors to bring the nautical character back to our screens.

These include;


The Even Chance (called "The Duel" in America)
The Examination for Lieutenant (called "The Fire Ships" in America)
The Duchess and the Devil
The Frogs and the Lobsters (called "The Wrong War" in America)
Mutiny
Retribution
Loyalty
Duty


Feel free to discuss the novels, the film or the telefilms here!

[nrogara]

I love the Horatio Hornblower movies they do for A&E. And I have read the books, but I must admit to being more of a fan of the movies.

Of the books, I have read up to Beat to Quarters, but I don't remember much about them as I read them when the first movies came out. I do remember that my favorite was Lieutenant Hornblower.

However I do have all the movies on DVD and watch them every so often.

[Liselle]

Excellent....now where do I begin! :lol:

Unlike some adaptations of books to movies/telefilms I think that these were done really well :tu:, of course the casting helped!

[nrogara]

One of the things that I liked better and helped me connect more with the movies (other than the visual concept) was the continuity of character sthat we don't get in the books. I am sure the changing of crew from ship to ship in the books is more accurate, but I've become attached to the characters in the movies and that helps to transition from one to another when they are years apart.

[Picko]

I've never watched any Hornblower but if Loz likes it it must be somewhat entertaining.

[Loz]

:rotfl: Picko :p Yes! You should go buy the DVDs of the telefilms now!

I must admit, I have only seen the Telefilms, but I can't wait until I have enough time to read the books. My Dad is a huge fan and we've discussed them in minute detail.

Regarding the telefilms, like nrogara ( :welcome: to CoSForums btw :) ), I think it was a very smart idea to give recurring characters that the audience could relate to. So much of a written narrative is internalised, and without a lot of dub-overs, it would be difficult to translate thoughts onto the screen.

Horatio has all of these feelings that he can't express because of his nature, but other characters that we're familiar with can express them with no troubles. I especially like the addition of Archie Kennedy for this very reason. He's like the other side of Horatio :D.

I could see why Book fans would get annoyed at a new character appearing as a conglomerate of minor roles, however. What do others think?

[Tim the Wiz]

YAY! Someone who's a bigger Hornblower fanatic than I am.

I'm not sure on the current statis of the telefilm's but I sooo want to see the movie as we see Hornblower as a Captain.

Back onto the telefilms, I heard they created a series in 2003 but I'm not sure if it was the series I just watched with Hornblower being promoted to captain at the end.

Otherwise I'm soon to be getting the Hornblower books specially ordered for me at Dymock's. I can't wait.

I've tried my second hand bookshop (Sold Out) and my library (Only have the DVDs but I guess its better than nothing) but I'm finally getting them.

Anyhow its good to see some other Hornblower fans (short for fanatics) out there!

Must get round to buying the DVD's! Available at all ABC stores around the nation, if you live in Australia.

[Liselle]

I must get me some DVD's!!! I can see why purists would get annoyed with a character appearing as an umbrella covering a few minor characters but I think it works well. I saw the one fairly recently where Hornblower was promoted to Captain...poor old Archie though :(

The continuity is also important IMHO, there's nothing worse than warming to a character portrayed by a specific actor/actress only to have it snatched away! I say the new craze in the forums should be hornblower sigs....we will beat the cats and dogs any day :lol:

[Loz]

:rotfl: Liselle! I agree!

Hey Tim the Wiz :D! Was Horatio promoted to Captain of the Retribution? If so, there's two more after that; Loyalty and Duty! I've only seen them once each and I want to see them again. I can't quite remember what happens.

On the one hand, I really loved Archie and thought it was a clever stylistic device to incorporate him the way they did. On the other, if they added a new character for Harry when he was at the Dursleys so that they could convey his disillusion and depression I would be angered because they changed something so drastically. I really love Archie, though. The writers did a good job of constructing a realistic and likeable character.

[Tim the Wiz]

Its sad that Archie dies in that episode where Hornblower is promoted

Otherwise I'm going to go out and buy or rent (from my library) those to DVDs of Loyalty and Duty.

But are you sure those two episodes are not just when he was promoted to second left-tenant (sp)?

[FuruiousThird]

I've been a Hornblower fan for a while now and I just don't like the guy that plays him in the TV versions, he just seems a little too dispassionate and he doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would last more than a week at sea.

[Loz]

FuruiousThird - you don't like Ioan? Wow, you're the first person I've met to say that. Although I have to say, one of the things about Horatio in the books is that he isn't the type you would expect to survive at sea... he constantly goes through seasickness, is terrified of heights and awkward as a leader. That's what my Dad says anyway :rotfl:.

Tim - I think something happens and he gets demoted?! As I said, I cannot remember. I don't remember him being an actual Captain in the films so far. I know he is about to get married...

[Tim the Wiz]

Yeh, what you're saying is in the books, Loz.

In a small patch of peace between France and England he has nothing to do, and his virtually stranded in London. Then the War is on again, he eventually become's a Commodore and he marries twice.

I've read the summaries on the Internet, just in case I never find the books. :D

Otherwise are you sure those two episodes ( Loyalty and Duty) are not just when he was promoted to second left-tenant (sp)? You know on that ship with that crazed old captain?

EDIT: Ahh, yes Loyalty and Duty IS when Hornblower is Capt'n. I'm buying 'em as soon as possible. Otherwise the actor who plays Horatio is perfect for the part in my eyes.

[Loz]

Ahh Tim, thanks. My memory is so wonky. Bush is Horatio's first Lieutenant isn't he? (left-tenant is actually spelt "Lieutenant", it's a strange English pronunciation thing). I am getting the DVDs of Loyalty and Duty too, I have the first six. :D

[Tim the Wiz]

Well actually technically the term, left-tenant does mean leiutenant. But I'm too tired to go in a rant and explain it. Too complicated. Getting a Hornblower book in a month and the two DVDs this weekend.

[Liselle]

Hmm I think Ioan is a good Hornblower myself, and yes it was sad that Archie died when Horatio was given a promotion, actually I think that was my favourite of all the mini-series, that whole time on the boat with the insane captain...slightly mutinous crew....it was done very very well.

I think alot of the reason we all warm to Hornblower as he doesn't seem like the likliest chappie to survive everything he does...flaws in a leading character are always interesting :tu:

[raeredeyes]

Woo! There be some more Hornblower fans around these boards :)

Man, i could go on forever with my love of Horrie, and Archie and Bush and Pellew (*gasp*), but i shall just shut my mouth and smile.

I think i need a new signature though.

[Loz]

No, please tell us how much you love them raeredeyes :D

Tim - the word "Lieutenant" is pronounced "leftenant", and it is the same word with the same meaning.

Liselle - I agree completely. Though my favourite is "The Duchess and the Devil"...

[raeredeyes]

You really want me to get started, dont you Loz :)

Well, i may have to refrain.

Hmm, when it comes to favourite episodes, i loved Mutiny. That was quite good. That nutty captain drew out some very negative vibes from me. I wanted to slap him down for making poor old Horrie stay up all those hours.

The ep where he got married was a sad one too. Not so much with the fact that he got married, as regrettable as it is, but the fact that they are so badly matched. I think he really needs to be a little bit harder in some ways. Being nice like that will not be a good thing.

But he knocked her up now, so there is no escape. :(

I'd knit him some rainbow mittens. You think that that would go down well on a captain?

[Loz]

I really need to see those last two again :(

I think Rainbow mittens would look great on a Captain. I can see Hornblower and Pellew looking particularly fetching in rainbow mittens.

[raeredeyes]

Fetching, fetching indeed.

What say you to matching beanies? Their heads would get rather cool out on the open seas. And those hats are rather disgraceful...

Yes, beanies would be much nicer. And maybe i could make them some happy coats, so they look happy. Drab old uniforms dont suit them. :)

You do need to see the last two eps again. I have a lovely tape of them supplied by a friend. Oops. I think i had better give it back to her.

[Loz]

I actually think the men look rather lovely in their Uniforms.

I never even thought about the way they wear their hats in Mutiny and Retribution before reading someone online getting annoyed. Apparently they look dorky wearing the hats with the corners forward?

I'm not a big beanie fan.

[raeredeyes]

Lol, i actually am quite partial to their uniforms. It would just amuse me to put them in rainbow coloured, tye-dye tees, and pink tutus.

In fact, i never liked a man in uniform before i saw Ioan in one. Hmm. I like them lots now, i can finally see the attraction.

As for the hats... I think Ioan would look alright in one, but Pellew? Maybe it would be better if he just kept his hat, yeah?

[Tim the Wiz]

How did you guys first discover Hornblower?

For me it was late at night, everything was boring and I flicked the TV onto the ABC channel and ta-da ...

[Liselle]

Yup same for me pretty much, although I do like period dramas so I am drawn magnetically to them (much to the chagrin of my family!). I haven't seen the one where he gets married though....I thought he was married to his career but obviously not!

raeredeyes: definitely the uniforms are dashing :) but you can never have too many pairs of gloves....or stripy socks maybe with the knee britches....smashing definitely!!

[raeredeyes]

Tim the Wiz: It was exactly the same for me. I used to dag mum off about watching it without actually viewing it for myself. *sigh*

How ashamed am i :)
*kisses ABC*

Liselle: Lol! Stripey socks for sure! And maybe Horatio will have to stuff them. He really has dashing calves ;)

[Loz]

Tim :D Great question!

My parents. My Dad is a huge Horatio Hornblower novel fan and was very keen to see the telemovie adaptation. When it was on in the Primetime slot we'd sit and watch it. At first I'd generally drift off and not pay much attention. Then I became more and more impressed/obsessed with it. I discovered how much fun it was and that was that, I was a fan.

[Liselle]

Liselle: Lol! Stripey socks for sure! And maybe Horatio will have to stuff them. He really has dashing calves
:rotfl:

[Tim the Wiz]

Well I used to see these Hornblower commercials while watching the ABC sometimes, and as I love anything to do with that sea-faring time and other works similiar to that. (Alexandre Dumas, R.L. Stevenson)

I put my mind to it that I would watch it someday, then two years later something happened as I mentioned before:

For me it was late at night, everything was boring and I flicked the TV onto the ABC channel and ta-da ...

Well from the 1st moment I layed eyes on it, I loved it! It was like reading a Dumas book with added Brittish-ness and a dash of sea-faring nautical adventures.

I instantly fell in love with this series. I also loved watching Master and Commander and I'm getting the book series behind the movie in awhile as well.

But then that's just me.

[Loz]

I have to read Far Side of the World (Master and Commander) for my Historical Fictions course. I'm really looking forward to it :D :agree:.

I think Historical Nautical Adventure is so appealing because in some senses it is so different from what we're used to. On a ship, things change, duties and actions have significance. And with it being in a different time as well, it can give us a real escape.

Also, according to Aristotle's Poetics, the best dramas occur in one place and time, and this is what happens on a ship.

Who is everyone's favourite character?

[Tim the Wiz]

Hmmm, that's a hard one, Hornblower!

[raeredeyes]

Lol!

Let me think...

Well, it has to be Horrie, now doesnt it? :)

But i love Pellew. Archie is great, and Bush is too. Those four are lined up for my love pentagon ;)

[Loz]

:D I love Horatio too. And Pellew. And I love Archie. I also adore Matthews and Styles. Oh and Hobbs. Oh and Kitty!

Dear me this is getting difficult. Uhmmm... I'll settle for Horatio. He's a fine eponymous hero.

Edit: Forgot Bush. I love Bush.

[raeredeyes]

You forgot Bush?!?!

*dies*

[Liselle]

It has to be Horatio doesn't it, I agree Loz, a fine example of the eponomous hero :)

[Tim the Wiz]

3 weeks 'till I get the books. When I get them I'll review them ...

In the meantime, why don't we start reviewing the tele-films?

[Liselle]

thats quite the idea......:tu:

[Loz]

Oh yes, let's review :D!

Okay, well I think the first film: The Even Chance is just a great start to the series. You really get to know the characters, you are set firmly in the world and the time.

The plot is slightly disjointed and it seems a shame that you get to know some characters who then promptly die, but from another perspective, at least its realistic in that sense. The characterisation really is very good, and its actually quite easy to tell who will be the main characters in the films to come.

The acting is fantastic - especially by Dorian Healy as the horrible Mr Simpson *shudder*. Now there's a fantastic secondary character - he is creepy, intimidating and yet you can see his weakness. Also, all the staple cast play their roles to perfection. I think Ioan does a great job as this poor lad Horatio who is being launched into a new and frightening world. Jamie as Archie is also extremely good with the cheerful grinning and teasing dramatically transforming into silent and staring when Simpson is around. Then there's the fits, poor boy.

The sets and costumes are generally amazing, the detail that goes into them is mindboggling. One thing that annoys me though (and has throughout the series of films) is the fake blood and bad extra acting. Those extras really need more direction and that blood is just so bright! Another thing that irks me is the score. I like it, at first, then it just gets incredibly intrusive and predictable. By "Frogs and Lobsters" I was muttering "hero Horatio score flairs up now" or "cue sinister music" whenever I knew it would occur.

I think the story is really absorbing, if not a little slow at some points and quick at others. That pacing problem is something which happens a lot with scripts adapted from novels and short stories. Mostly I think the film copes well with a lot of information.

The direction in general is good. I like the long shots of the ships and the shot-reverse-shot within conversations. Whilst the camera work is conventional and somewhat predictable, it's well done and the editing keeps with continuity and the realism you expect from this sort of film.

Despite its flaws I think it's a great film, it definitely made me want to watch the others!

[Lady Greyjoy]

I just rented the first Horatio miniseries from Netflix on account of all of your recommendations...I loved it.

That's not suprising seeing that i'm a history major and a huge fan of nautical adventures in particular (esp. Napoleanic era British Navy epics).

I have only seen "The Duel", but i thought it was great and didn't drag in the least.

[Loz]

:clap: :D

Nice to see we're starting to convert followers Lady Greyjoy! That was a very wise choice! Who was your favourite character?

[Lady Greyjoy]

Horatio of course ...followed by Miles the rat biter :)

The Villian was suberb, everything a villan should be mean, understandable (he's a mediocre man, and mediocre men are petty) and well-portrayed...the old captain was great as well his cough seemed more than just acting.

[Loz]

Ahh, the rat biter is "Styles". I love Styles. I agree about the villain. Simpson is one of the better bad-guys I've seen. Genuinely disturbing but just as equally genuinely pathetic.

More reviews?

[Tim the Wiz]

Ah yes, on the whole (The whole series) , I thought that the director did a great job on the film. However the Producer ... he was good when it came to the ship scenes and that great fire-ship scene in "Examination for Lieutenant" ... but as you pointed out Loz, the fake blood and the really fake being-hit-by-an-explosion-and-diving-like-you're-going-into-a-pool thingy they always do.

Of course I'm just mentioning the production and direction of the movies and am not reviewing. As I have forgotten the 1st tele-film.

I think Loz did a great job reviewing the first one though.

[Liselle]

good point about the blood being fake, I tihnk thought that it gets better as the series of telefilms continues...either that or I'm less bothered by it.

[Loz]

Thanks Tim and Liselle :D

Well, I can't 'member Loyalty and Duty so perhaps the blood is less bright by then. I know that in Retribution it still looks like Strawberry Sauce because I was thinking that when dearest Archie was shot.

That was my thought process, "Oh no, not Archie! Hmmm, that looks like Strawberry Sauce. Yum."

[Liselle]

:lol:

[Tim the Wiz]

:D Well I just bought Duty and Loyalty on VHS ... It was great!

Hornblower seems darker when he goes to sea but at the end of Duty when he finds he is to become a father its back to the good ol' Horatio.

Anyways I just hope they make more Volumes of this truly great series, 2 more weeks till I get the novels!

[Loz]

Oh yay, you lucky thing.

Tell us, Tim, did the blood look like Strawberry Sauce? :D

[Tim the Wiz]

Actually I noticed that the blood was much better this time although the sword-fighting was obviously fake ...

I'll be puting down in-depth reviews of Duty and Loyalty barring a female poster saying how beautiful Horatio's eyes are and how they want to marry him ... and no this is not an invitation!

*coughraeredeyescough*

[Lady Greyjoy]

Just watched "The Fire Ship" and "The Duchess and the Devil". What great films, i'm so glad i started to watch them.

Acting Standouts:

Ioan of course :)

The Envoy- Played by Ian McNeice the Baron Harkonnen from the Dune Mini-series. He stole ever minute of film he was on.

The Duchess- What a great performance, I still have her shrilly saying "Mr. H." in my head.

Can't wait for the rest of the Hornblower films.

[Lucius]

Wow, I didn't expect to see a Horatio thread in the Harry Potter forums....but it's a good thing!

Ioan is just gorgeous, I practically melt every time he's on screen; and when he takes his shirt off to do the 'save the damsel in distress' bit? Argh!!! :) I've seen him in a couple of shocking mini-movies though, needs to pick some of his roles better.

Bush and Archie are my other favourites. Boring, yes I know...but Bush is fantastic. I'm not sure what my favourite episode is but when I get enough money I'm going to buy the series, I think it's out in ABC shops in Australia.

[Tim the Wiz]

$160 Australian dollars for the whole series on VHS. ;)

[Loz]

Yay... :welcome: to the thread Lucius :D

The whole series is approximately $160 AU on DVD too :D. DVD is lovely. I made a couple HH ship films with it that I may post another time. I had one as my signature once.

Oh Tim, thanks for the info on the blood :D. The Swords are real, though, so they have to be extra careful with them. We don't want an actor or an extra losing an eye! I think the special effects, the ships and cannons and things are all done extraordinarily well considering the tight budget!

Lady Greyjoy - Cherie Lunghi as the Duchess is excellent isn't she? She's one of the reasons "Duchess and the Devil" is my favourite. The other reason has absolutely nothing to do with the return of Archie or that great moment when Horatio has to carry him to the guards... in the rain... with Archie's shirt plastered to his chest... *cough* (sorry Tim, raeredeyes isn't the only one ;) ).

Can't wait for your reviews!

[Tim the Wiz]

sorry Tim, raeredeyes isn't the only one

As long as you keep it to the bare minimum. ;)

[Loz]

;) :D Tim, I do try. You are at an unfortunate disadvantage aren't you?

Where are your reviews?

[Tim the Wiz]

I'll be posting them tomorrow, as I'm rewatching the 2 tele-films for the second time today.

I'm trying to track down the original movie (with Gregory Peck) as well.

[Lucius]

Yay... :welcome: to the thread Lucius :D

The whole series is approximately $160 AU on DVD too :D. DVD is lovely. I made a couple HH ship films with it that I may post another time. I had one as my signature once.



*Gulps* Youch, okay it might be awhile before I'm able to get them then. *wow* Cheers for the information though, I guess it's worth it for the whole series. *slaps self for doubting the worth of HH*

Definitely post them hey, there isn't enough Horatio information on the internet! And thanks for the welcome guys!

[Loz]

Ahh Lucius, you can get a DVD or Video at a time. I myself don't have Loyalty or Duty (but will soon).

Here's one of the animated HH gifs I made...

[Lady Greyjoy]

Wow I just finished all the Hornblower films this week, and I want more :upset:.

here are my impressions

The Wrong War- The return of Archie to heath, and what a return...man do i understand all the Archie obession around here now, what a great character.

Another highlight was the English captain and the French Lord, two opposites who i felt i understood. When the French peasants used his paintings for firewood I understood his anger, however not enough to start chopping off heads :huh: .

The only thing that put me off it was the female lead...i felt that she didn't have much chemistry with Ioan, and I couldn't wrap my mind around their relationship. I felt they handled his wife much better.


Mutiny and Retribution-Probably my favorite HH films yet, the story was fascinating...how could one handle obeying every order of a madman? My favorite characters were of course Archie and Mr. Bush, but i qute liked the portryal of the mad captain Sawyer, the yound midshipman and the spainish Captain and his wife. Archie's death almost made me cry :sad:. Realistic though. The Admiralty wanted someone to hang, Archie knew it would be for the best.

Loyalty and Duty- I'm so sad i won't be able to see any new HH for a while, because these two were wonderful. The best part was the portrayal of Horatio and his wife. You can tell that every time they are together, Horatio doesn't love her, but he marries her to help her. Best quote " I pity your wife Mr. Hornblower" HH " I pity her too".

Three cheers for the film.

[Lupin_Lady]

I am quite like Liselle... utterly and completely in love with Horatio... :love:

[Bee]

Are you KIDDING me?! Horatio Hornblower is a BOOK?! My grandfather used to tell me Horatio Hornblower stories all the time... but I thought he made them up! :D:D:D

[Tim the Wiz]

Are you KIDDING me?! Horatio Hornblower is a BOOK?! My grandfather used to tell me Horatio Hornblower stories all the time... but I thought he made them up!:D:D:D

Well thats a shock!

Anyway its been a long time coming and I forgot all about it but here is a review on Loyalty (one on Duty comin' soon) ...

Loyalty*

The Plot

After the war seemingly ends Hornblower is made once again a Lieutenant, becomes a little on the poor side and lives in a house with a Widow (Mrs Mason) and her daughter (Maria; who is his age ;)) as a lodger.

He then meets Bush on the street and of course they become friends again. Hornblower plays cards to make ends meet and has an interesting confrontation at one of his game's.

Later on he is re-instated as Captain and sets off on a reconnaissance mission off the coast of France. From there on in we get the usual Hornblower sea adventures with his crew of Bush, Styles, Matthews and an ex-French nobleman.

With lots of action, explosions and fighting (on-sea and off-sea) we see Hornblower become the master of battle's that he is. He makes a startling discovery and deception ensues as Admiral Pellow and other old "friends" with Hornblower make a pre-emtive strike at France.

Betrayal is deep in the story as a vice to the title. At the end of the story we see him ask someone to marry him.

The Characters

Ioan as Hornblower is fantastic. The only thing I did in the story was I thought Hornblower made a mistake in choosing his wife. It wasn't love that drove him to the decision and it shows evidently to me. Otherwise in action Hornblower is a great Captain making lots of clever decisions. One such scene in which a French boat went straight past them, Horatio decided to salute the passing boat in stead of starting a fight in which they most probably would have lost.

Bush is a great character although he comes across a little more with emotion than Horatio which doesn't seem right.

Styles and Mathews are as usual quite funny, especially Styles with his cooking skills.

Admiral Pellew (Robert Lindsay) is very convincing as the Admiral of the Brittish fleet. I think I've even heard him quoting Plato in one of his scenes. He's one of the best characters in the series.

And Maria (Horatio's love interest) is quite pretty and seems to be in love with Horatio as some of the girl's in this thread. 'Nuff said.

The Production/Direction

Basiclly I loved the sea battles and the ships. Its brilliant how real it looks as well as the sea, everything about the sea and boats in this series is magnificent and it doesn't stop here.

Otherwise on land the fighting could be done much better with some of it looking pretty fake. But at least no strawberry blood.

The direction of the characters in the Napoleonic era is fabulous. Everything is as it should be. I think the performance of Julia Sawalha as Maria was again fabulous. And Hornblower looks much more darker than earlier in the series.

Final Word

Hornblower is much darker in this episode but the good ol' Horatio shines through-out as we have some great ship to shore adventure on the high seas.

This episode of the Hornblower series was one of my favourite's and I'm sure you'll love it when you see it.

9/10

Review of Duty coming soon ...

* This review was written 4:03 AM when I was bored and half-asleep. If you think the review wasn't that good, write one your self.

[Liselle]

Wahoo when my exams are done I'm borrowing all the movies from my friend and having a Horatio Hornblower marathon!!! I can't wait!!! :lol:

[Loz]

Tim, your review was fantastic, thankyou :D!

I've been so busy lately, I've neglected Horatio and the crew. I was very tempted to pop "The devil and the Duchess" in the DVD player yesterday, but watched another film with Jamie Bamber (Archie Kennedy) instead.

Speaking of Horatio Hornblower actors - has anyone else been tempted to see them in other works, just to see how they act in different siutations? Ioan Gruffudd is going to be in King Arthur which will be released mid-July, so watch out for that!

Can't wait for your review of "Duty"! Anyone else is perfectly welcome to provide reviews as well. I'd love to see someone else's take on "The Frogs and the Lobsters".

Hopefully I'll be able to buy these last two DVDs some time soon... hopefully also we'll get some news that they're producing some more Horatio Hornblowers!

[Tim the Wiz]

Ioan Gruffudd is going to be in King Arthur

Sweet. I'm smiling ear to ear. :D

[Loz]

Sweet. I'm smiling ear to ear. :D

Yes me too :D. Unfortunately the film doesn't look like it's going to bare any resemblence to the original tales, but hey - Ioan = good!

Have you been reading the books?

[Tim the Wiz]

Well, I've been surfing the 'net trying to find ANYTHING on a new HH TV series and I found this site ... http://www.aetv.com/tv/shows/horatio_hornblower ... In the discussion forums I've heard that Ioan wants to do more HH and that the ratings were really good for the last HH series, so we could see it next year (usually they make two tele-films every two years) ...

Anyway about the books they've told me there is some sort of delay to get them, etc. , etc. ...

But I think I'll tell them to get me all the books and give me a ring around Christmas time. :D

[Loz]

Christmas? You realise that's half a year away? :lol:

Oh yes, I've read interviews where Ioan has said he'd love to play Horatio when he's 60 :rotfl:, he thinks that would be very apt, considering the books span that long. Obviously his career might not allow that, but I too think it would be fantastic!

[Tim the Wiz]

Maybe he could go beyond 60 and show life in the Navy retirement home. He could play cards with Bush and thwart the dastardly attempts of a French spy trying to steal pills so that all the old war hero's would die ... :D

[Loz]

:lol:

Hmm, somehow I doubt that :D. Shame Archie wouldn't be there. That's one thing I wanted to ask you - do the last two films seem lost without Archie - or does William take up the space now left by our dashing and devoted young Lieutenant?

[Tim the Wiz]

Well since you ask, I personally think that you can't compare them and that although its sad Archie is dead, its nice to see new characters and how they move forward as characters in the story. I'll always miss Archie as a character in the story but I also enjoyed the two movies without him.

That pretty much sums up my opinion.

[Loz]

Yes, well, you aren't madly in love with Archie are you? ;) :D

No, you're right. I remember thinking that the story progressed well at the time. Of course, at that point I thought Archie was supposed to leave because I was under the silly notion he was actually in the books. I really need to get these last two DVDs...

Meanwhile, I want to ask;

Who has been your favourite villainous character in the films so far?

[Tim the Wiz]

Hmmm, my fave villian has to be a certain Captain in the Brittish Navy ... But I don't want to ruin the last two films for you ... But what made him so great was the fabulous double cross he did and I never saw it coming ...

[Loz]

Hammond, right? Irish - not British...

[Tim the Wiz]

Captain in the Brittish Navy

Didn't say he was Brittish. :D Nah I edited it straight after posting it. He is Irish.

[Loz]

Oh good. I remember that, vividly. He was rather charismatic wasn't he? Evil person!!

[Tim the Wiz]

Don't read if ya don't want Loyalty spoilers. ;)

:D Yes, he is pretty evil in the end of Loyalty, but he redeems himself a bit for mourning the death of his nephew and commiting suicide. It was a bit stupid that he and Wolf thought that Napolean would continue thinking of Ireland's well being after they helped him destroy England.

[Loz]

Tim - I love your signature :D

I feel a bit sorry for this thread. There must be other Hornblower fans out there?

[Tim the Wiz]

Thanks Loz. :D

I feel sorry for the thread too. Buck up though ... I've got a lil' news ... Ioan, as you know: the star in the Hornblower Tele-Film series is set to appear on Rove Live this Tuesday! Mainly to do with the upcoming film Arthur, but I hope we get a few tidbits on Hornblower from this. Anyway, anyone in Australia should watch, but I'm pretty sure you already knew this Loz ...

Otherwise I just have to say what a great channel the ABC is!

The quality of the shows on there are fantastic. Recently with the Kubrick movies, the upcoming (Agatha Christie's) Poirot mini-series, the Glass House, At the Movies, Andrew Denton, many more and of course our very own Hornblower; I could kiss the ABC staff member responsible for bringing us all these great shows!

OK, end rant moment for awhile, I'll go back to lurking around ...

[Loz]

Paul McGann (William Bush) is in one of the Poirot telefilms :D. I used to watch the Poirot series starring Suchet when I was a kid and he's excellent.

And no I didn't know that about Ioan, Tim! Thanks so much for telling me!

[Tim the Wiz]

Paul McGann (William Bush) is in one of the Poirot telefilms . I used to watch the Poirot series starring Suchet when I was a kid and he's excellent.

I love that series and I never knew about that Hornblower actor in the series. But the new series of Poirot is starring new actors, as it was made in 2004.

Thanks so much for telling me!

No problem. ;)

[Loz]

Tim, I'm sorry I confused me in my fan girly-ness. Paul McGann should be in one of the new films. I saw him in the advert at any rate.

Also, Jamie Bamber was in one of the earlier telefilms.

But back to the actual Hornblower books/film/telefilms... :D

[Tim the Wiz]

In a few message boards around the 'Net I've picked up the rumour that filming will be happening by this Christmas for the new series of HH!

Hope its true, but I've gotta call it a night. Tommorow I'll be posting my review of Duty. Till then Loz!

[Liselle]

I like Bush, I'm just after watching Mutiny and Retribution....I think he's very good...nice character, suitably on the fence about things....although I do have a soft spot for Horatio of course ;) although I find him a wee bit smug at times (and I know he's not meant to be)

[Loz]

How was your day of Hornblower watching, Liselle?

I like Bush. He's Horatio's rightful best friend in the books so he must be a man of good character :D

[Katarzyna]

Hello! Lovely to see Horatio fans on this forum! I've been a fan for a few years--I've got all 8 DVDs, and adore Horatio/Ioan, Archie, Pellew... can't say I really like Bush, though... (please don't hate me!).

Also, I never realized they changed the titles for American releases. (And I feel like an idiot for not knowing, since I was the one who had to explain why I kept refering to Sorcerer's Stone as Philosopher's Stone to all my co-workers.) I hope none of the content within the movies is any different.

Speaking of Horatio Hornblower actors - has anyone else been tempted to see them in other works, just to see how they act in different siutations? Ioan Gruffudd is going to be in King Arthur which will be released mid-July, so watch out for that!

I saw King Arthur last night, and... well, it was an interesting story that bore little resemblence to any of the King Arthur legends I'm familiar with. But... the important part... Ioan was gorgeous as Lancelot! Utterly, swoon-ily gorgeous, so much so that he won over the friend I went to see it with... the person who doubted my sanity and good taste when I told her I found Horatio incredibly good-looking. She ordered the Horatio DVDs, all of them, as soon as she got home that night.

And, a bonus--Styles was in the movie! Sean Gilder (Styles) played... well, some guy I never learned the name of. But I definitely recognized his pock-marked face. Very nice that Horatio has crewmembers that are that loyal, to follow him through centuries. ;)

[nrogara]

My gosh, it's been forever since I've been to this thread. So they are going to be making more HH movies? I can't wait. I love this series of movies.

Hello! Lovely to see Horatio fans on this forum! I've been a fan for a few years--I've got all 8 DVDs, and adore Horatio/Ioan, Archie, Pellew... can't say I really like Bush, though... (please don't hate me!).

Bush is one of my favorite characters in what books I've read. But I love Bush as played by Paul McGann in the movies especially. The one thing that gets to me with him is how he talks kind of soft but when he bellows, his voice is all gravely and drops so deep. Love to hear that.

Also, I never realized they changed the titles for American releases. (And I feel like an idiot for not knowing, since I was the one who had to explain why I kept refering to Sorcerer's Stone as Philosopher's Stone to all my co-workers.) I hope none of the content within the movies is any different.

I have all the movies on DVD as well and I am sad to say that there are a few missing scenes in what they showed on A&E in America. Little things here and there but sad that I might not have ever have seen them. The one I really thought was criminal was the scene where Horatio asks Bush to be his first mate in Loyalty. They took out a bit from that scene that I thought really showed more of their relationship. But fortunately on the DVDs you get everything.

I saw King Arthur last night, and... well, it was an interesting story that bore little resemblence to any of the King Arthur legends I'm familiar with. But... the important part... Ioan was gorgeous as Lancelot! Utterly, swoon-ily gorgeous, so much so that he won over the friend I went to see it with... the person who doubted my sanity and good taste when I told her I found Horatio incredibly good-looking. She ordered the Horatio DVDs, all of them, as soon as she got home that night.

And, a bonus--Styles was in the movie! Sean Gilder (Styles) played... well, some guy I never learned the name of. But I definitely recognized his pock-marked face. Very nice that Horatio has crewmembers that are that loyal, to follow him through centuries. ;)

I didn't know Sean Gilder had a part in that. Something to keep an eye out for when I go see it.

My daughter personally loves Ioan from 102 Dalmations but I don't think I've seen him in anything other than that.

[Katarzyna]

Bush is one of my favorite characters in what books I've read. But I love Bush as played by Paul McGann in the movies especially.
I'm going to have to eat my words about Bush--I was mistaking him for another character. Because... well, because I haven't watched my DVDs in a while, and because I'm an idiot. I do like Bush. And I'm too embarrassed to admit who I mistook him for.
:blush: :blush: :blush:

[Loz]

I'm going to have to eat my words about Bush--I was mistaking him for another character. Because... well, because I haven't watched my DVDs in a while, and because I'm an idiot. I do like Bush. And I'm too embarrassed to admit who I mistook him for.
:blush: :blush: :blush:

It wasn't... Simpson was it? The evil bloke who beat Horatio up? Or Hobbs - the gunner in Mutiny and Retribution who seems to be against Horatio? (I actually love Hobbs)

:welcome: to the thread Katarzyna, and :welcome: back nrogara :D.

I'm seeing King Arthur on Thursday. I can't wait.

As for why they changed the titles - I think it was to make them sound punchier, more concise and interesting. Would you watch a telefilm called "Frogs and Lobsters" or "The Wrong War" if you didn't know they were one in the same? I personally prefer the british titles, but I understand why they changed them.

[Tim the Wiz]

Wow, the boards have been turbulent recently ...

Anyway, the Rove Live interview was OK. They talked about Hornblower for awhile and Arthur too, however I'm sure we'll be seeing more Hornblower from Ioan, as he seemed quite happy about the series.

Duty Review ... Coming Soon.

[Loz]

Tim :D! I wanted Ioan to say if he was going to be doing any more HH :(. Apart from that, the interview was ace. Him joking about trotting about on deck in the high heeled shoes, and the poor DoP spending the first shoot crouched in the corner of the ship :rotfl:.

I hear Ioan may be in a Fantastic Four movie, so I'm worried about potential HHs... they've only gone a teensy weensy way into the books (the first four films were all from the first book...) so they have to continue.

[Tim the Wiz]

Yeah, I love your reasoning!

BTW Nice avatar, Loz.

[nrogara]

Yeah, I love your reasoning!

BTW Nice avatar, Loz.

I agree - avitar is great! I love puppet Spike!

Anyway, I sincerely hope that the continue to make the HH movies and Ioan continues in them. Though I will be sad that it looks like they won't be trying to find a way to get Admiral Pellew in anymore what with his last promotion in the last movie. But he didn't stay throughout the books either. Then again, no one really did but I like that they keep people like Matthews and Styles with HH from ship to ship. I don't think it's that bad a stray from the books. But the book I can't wait to get to is Beat to Quarters. It's the first time I was introduced to HH with the movie with Gregory Peck, then I read that book before finding out there were more. So I have a fondness for it.

[Loz]

Thanks guys :). The only thing that could possibly be better than puppets Angel and Spike are puppets Horatio and Archie!

Tim - where's your review?

nrogara - I love Matthews and Styles, and I'm glad they stay, even if they don't in the books. I do wonder what happened to Oldroyd, though.

I really need to actually read the books at some point... :scared:

[Tim the Wiz]

Tim - where's your review?

Its still in the pipeline. :D

nrogara - I love Matthews and Styles, and I'm glad they stay, even if they don't in the books.

Yeah, I couldn't imagine HH without Styles and moreso Matthews ...

I really need to actually read the books at some point...

I'm getting them soon. October to December I'm being told. The bookstore certainly is taking its time. :sad:

[Loz]

Has anyone else been to see King Arthur? Did you notice Sean Gilder/Styles? :D A friend so loyal he shall follow throughout the centuries...

I've started to go into Horatio Hornblower withdrawl. I'm really hoping to get the Loyalty and Duty DVDs within the next two weeks because I feel like there's a whole lot I've missed out on.

[FoxyKnoxy]

I have been a huge fan of Horatio Hornblower since it first aired on A&E. I loved Mathews and Styles they were great comedic asset to the shows. I was deeply saddened by the passing of poor Archie, as he was my favorite character.

But I will still get to see the wonderfull Jamie Bamber as Captain Apollo on the new Battlestar Galactica tv series next January on the Sci-Fi Channel (in the US) or on the Space Network (in Canada).
Check out a great Jamie site at: http://www.jamiebamber.co.uk/

Check out a great picture of him here :love: :
http://www.jamiebamber.co.uk/jamieindexpic.jpg

Ioan Gruffudd has been cast as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) in the Fantastic Four movie with Jessica Alba as Sue Storm (The Invisible Girl), Michael Chiklis as rock-skinned strongman Ben Grimm(The Thing), and Chris Evans as Johnny Storm(The Human Torch). Filming starts in two weeks in Vancouver.

Check out this great website about Ioan at: http://www.ioan.palacecreations.com/

[Tim the Wiz]

Nice info, although the fangirl drooling is still taking a long time for me to get used to.

A new update, you'll be seeing the review of Duty soon. Seems like you'll be waiting one or two weeks though ...

[Loz]

Foxyknoxy - isnt that the best site ever? :D Battlestar Galactica is airing in January is it? I'm very much looking forward to it. I liked the mini-series a lot. I may have to change my signature, though, if it's going to be 2005... :huh:

(sorry Tim ;) )

Looking forward to that review. Why one or two weeks?

[Tim the Wiz]

Looking forward to that review. Why one or two weeks?

Just messing with your heads. :p

Hornblower: Duty (Vol. 8) a review by Tim. [*WARNING: High Voltage Spoilers Below*]

If you're reading this, you by now know the premise of Hornblower. That grand naval hero, one of the bravest and brightest of the Royal English Navy during the Napolean wars. After the events of the previous volume, Hornblower is getting married (somewhat prematurely) and is thrust back into the ongoing war as a Captain of a war vessel.

The Plot.

At the start we see Hornblower getting married to Maria. We also see the doubts as to whether he truly wants to marry (more on that later). However we move on to more serious matters, as he is given a mission by Admiral Pellew to search for the missing sloop Grasshopper under the command of one of Hornblower's old friends - Bracegirdle.

On the way they encounter a couple, the lady being American and the husband claiming to be Swiss but is also suspected as having strong french ties. The lady tells Hornblower where to sail in order to save a crushed and defeated Bracegirdle.

On upon finding him an old villian creeps up, in the shape of the renegade Wolf. A terrible plan is being set in motion against England on the shores near where the Grasshopper sunk. And Hornblower must find it out before the French can have the chance to engage in a massive strike against England.

There are also numerous sub-plots in the story, such as Hornblower's new cook and the couple aboard his ship.

The Characters.

Ioan Grufudd is strong as the leading man, as per usual. He strongly represents the essence of Hornblower greatly. Although the only critism would be that he should show his emotions a little more strongly.

Admiral Pellew is definitely one of the best played characters here. Robert Lindsay is pure genius in this role. But of course he has to be, as one of the best actors on BBC television. (He also stars in the comedy My Family) As the Admiral he is a joy to watch, he sprouts philosophy with ease and his wit is long surpassed. No-one else could play his role. Although this could be his last time playing it ...

Maria is grandly played by the beautiful Julia Sawalha. Her strong emotions for Hornblower are well shown and she does show one of the strongest performances in the story. Her mother is also played in great fashion. As she is one of the most charming on the screen.

Bush and Hornblower's crew is played to grand effect. Oric, Bush, Matthews and Styles are of course the main focus. All well done, and I think without Styles and Matthews, Hornblower wouldn't be the same. (Akin to C-3PO and R2-D2 in Star Wars)

Bracegirdle is played well, although nothing stellar. Same with the husband of the couple aboard Hornblower's ship. The wife however is played to great effect, is probably one of the best on screen and has some good dialogue.

Wolf, the villian is played very well and delivers one of the best lines in the tale. "I admire you Hornblower, I really do. But I loathe and hate everything you represent" That quote is to memory and might not be exact but its basically the line. Otherwise he has good motives towards wanting to kill Hornblower and is shown as a humane person. Not your basic and typical 2-D villian.

The Romance.

You can see it coming from the last volume, Hornblower isn't to sure about marrying Maria and it definitely shows. In the relationship and more. You can see the affection for Maria really stops with friendship and we all should know what does happen in the end, if the tele-films aren't changed too drastically from the books. However Maria does drop a bombshell and Horatio does make a resolution, so the relationship could pique up a bit more.

The Action.

As per usual the action is delivered wonderfully. The ship to ship action definitely is nice to watch in this series and there is no change there. The gunfighting is average fare, however a few explosions look a bit fake while others are tremendously well done. There is not much blood in this one, so nothing to report on the strawberry blood front. So I'd say the action is as usual. Grand at sea and just plain average at land, with a few good explosions thrown in for good measure.

The Final Word.

Good plot, acting, action and adventure on the high seas with a dash of romance, sets this up to be one of the finest Hornblower tele-films. Here's to the next! :D

9.2/10
Not an average.

[Loz]

Excellent review, Tim :D

You'd be a good review writer for writing or film journals!

[Tim the Wiz]

Thanks, Loz.

Thats actually one of the careers I could see myself doing, so you're not off there! :D

Anyway I just saw The Even Chance on VHS again. The only thing I took real notice of was the fake blood. Ah and of course Simpson, perhaps the most evil villian in the HH series? Not the best though, that place is reserved for Cap'n Hammond. :p

[Loz]

Simpson is the most unambiguously evil character. He's a coward, he's vicious, and he's hurt our boys in the most atrocious ways. Mister Kennedy especially. He's awful!!!!!!

[Tim the Wiz]

Still Hammond the double-crosser is way more evil! :p

[Liselle]

:rotfl: excellent review Tim....even down to the strawberry blood!

Robert Lindsey is wonderful as Pellow alright isn't he, just grim enough and just entertaining and cheeky enough. I've not read any of the books (shame on me I know) in my defense before I ask this question....Is Hornblower Pellow's son???

[Loz]

No he's not Liselle - Horatio's father is a Doctor. And their (Horatio's and Pellew's) relationship isn't nearly as cosy, either. It's like the magical appearance of Archie --- some screenwriter embellishment. This isn't to say Pellew's role is insignificant, just to say he's not quite as "a boy as near to me as my own son," *sob* *snerkle* like in the films.

As for Hammond vs Simpson (amusing they're both Jack), I still think Simpson is worse simply for the fear he instills in the Midshipmen.

[Tim the Wiz]

With your knowledge of the books, Loz ... Would you say we'd see Pellew again in the Hornblower tele-film's?

[Loz]

My knowledge of the books is entirely second-hand, :blush:. But I'd say it's likely, simply because they've changed so many other things they may as well change this, and Pellew's a popular character :D. Then again, they killed off Archie :grumble:.

The films really are based on the books, as opposed to being an adaptation of them. Forester didn't write chronologically, and the first 4 films are only based on the first book, which is more a collection of short stories than a novel (I know I'm repeating myself). My point? Pretty much anything's fair game :lol:. They just have to be internally coherent.. no characters who've been killed off magically appearing again (shame), no turning Horatio into a drunken lout.

Hey, did you know that if you key in "horatio hornblower novels pellew" into Google, this thread is number 6! :lol: It's a post of Tim's as well. MNet has HH pages as part of the Book Trolley. Cool. HH and HP meet together in more ways than one.

[Tim the Wiz]

Hey, did you know that if you key in "horatio hornblower novels pellew" into Google, this thread is number 6! It's a post of Tim's as well. MNet has HH pages as part of the Book Trolley. Cool. HH and HP meet together in more ways than one.

:lol:

You've just cracked me up in more ways than one.

[Liselle]

:rotfl: Loz you have too much free time!

That line about being like a son got me wondering....I really do have to hunt down some of the books.....

[nrogara]

From the books I have read, no, Horatio and Pellew's characters are not as close as they are in the tele-movies. But as I'm not a HH book purist, I like that they've made that change. I hope if they do more movies they find a way to bring back Pellew, but it seemed with his last promotion that if we see him at all it'll probably be brief.

[Loz]

nrogara, yes I agree that if we do see Pellew it probably will only be for a short time. Still, a little Robert Lindsay is better than none. I do think we'll see him again.

Tim and Liselle - what's so funny?!

:rotfl:

We've discussed the most evil character (and Tim, I don't think we're ever going to agree). How about the most supportive character? Who has been of most benefit to Horatio?

[toryvic]

great thread, I lurve Hornblower (although haven't watched my films for years)
I saw King Arthur last night, very very good film and Ioan was obviously great in it, and Stiles was in it as well as some sort of groom or somrthing who served the Knights...it made me hark back to the glorious Hornblower days and wish sincerely that they'll roll round again.
Am off to watch the videos again, this thread has reminded me what I loved about those swashbuckling adventures :D

[Tim the Wiz]

How about the most supportive character? Who has been of most benefit to Horatio?

Archie.

I know the book purists will be mad, but still he is the most supportive. But for them (the book purists), Bush is the only real alternative (is he in the books even?).

Otherwise the runner-up is that guy that faught Horatio's duel for him in The Even Chance.

Just like to go in a small rant over something ... I think the tele-film's show Horatio as too much of a "goody two-shoes". In the novels we see Horatio drunk and do murder on the high sea. I want to see that on screen! Sure swash-buckling adventure with a clean-cut hero is good, but I want drama and heart-ache added in too.

Duty (Vol. 8) of the tele-film's was a step in the right direction for this effect. Seeing a colder Horatio, one who is more battle-weary and troubled than the Hornblower of yore was good, but still I don't want to have our adventureous Horatio completely changed.

The last scene at the end of Loyalty is a testament to what I mean. After Horatio proposes, and his face afterwards with the great music. I want more of those scenes!

We've discussed the most evil character (and Tim, I don't think we're ever going to agree).

I second that comment, Loz.

Hammond for most evil character, forever! :D

[Charmed]

Sorry to burst in. A friend just leant me The Examination for Lieutenant and The Frogs and the Lobsters. I have almost finished watching The Examination for Lieutenant. And so far I'm loving it. I quite enjoy the subtle humour between Hornblower and Tapling.
I must say Horatio is everything he is cracked up to be.
*Waves a Hornblower newbie sign*

[Loz]

Charmed - :clap: :clap: - :welcome: to the thread :D

I'm glad you're enjoying it. He really is.

As for Tim's answer - very well written :D. Anyone else want to offer their opinion?

EDIT:

And Toryvic! :welcome: to you too :D

We like the new (strawberry jam looking) blood :evil:.

[Liselle]

Long time no post here!

********

Last night, "Duty" was on TV so of course yours truely watched it. Wonderful!

Duty starts with a flash back to our hero being promoted to Captain with command of his own ship and proposing marriage to Mariah. Cut to Horatio being rather ill the morning of his wedding, Bush as his best man tries to make him feel better in the church....saying there's still time to change his mind. Horatio mumbles something about having given her his word (hence we have duty which is the recurring theme through out this tele-movie).

THe plot here is quite good, Napolean's young brother and american wife are rescued by Hornblower's ship (where did Horatio learn to swim? I thought he couldn't?!)....as france are at war with England the Boneparts give an assumed name and Napolean's brother (Jermone) tries to pass himself off as Swiss. Queue the politics of all kind getting involved and screwing everything up!

I have to say for the first time I really realy disliked Hornblower. He was a **** to his wife on more than one occasion and about as thoughtful as the keyboard upon which I type. Yes, he could have done better than Mariah but he did propose to her and went on to treat her like a child and a stranger...even trying to blow himself up when the 5 inch shell hit his ship....and then breaks up the Bonepart's marriage by leaving Jerome off at france and taking his wife to her father and back to America.

However most of this nastiness on our hero's part is resolved when Mariah tells him he's to be a father :)...Oh and yes, another promotion for our hero after our friend the Admiral is prompted!

[Tim the Wiz]

Anyone heard when they're making more episodes? Certainly haven't seen this thread for awhile. Besides that I bought a couple more HH videos recently, just two more and the collection is complete! :D

[chronium]

I have all of them and I love them, never read the books i might be interested in reading them sometime.

[Potions Mistres]

Horatio Hornblower and Harry Potter? This just rocks! I was a fan of the movies (cute guys, good plots, cool action sequences) and then read about half of the books (I'm currently working on the other half.)

********

THe plot here is quite good, Napolean's young brother and american wife are rescued by Hornblower's ship (where did Horatio learn to swim? I thought he couldn't.

Horatio can swim, it's Bush who sinks like a rock.

[Liselle]

Horatio can swim, it's Bush who sinks like a rock.

:lol: Thanks! For some reason I couldn't get that one straight in my head, I kept envisigning the scene where Archie, Bush and Horatio jump from the cliff top but I thought it was Hornblower in the middle, thanks for clearing that up!

Anyone heard when they're making more episodes? Certainly haven't seen this thread for awhile. Besides that I bought a couple more HH videos recently, just two more and the collection is complete!
I've not heard that....hmmm I must investigate that :) Hopefully its the case!

[chronium]

it might be a while before they make another HH, the guy who plays horatio is to busy playing MR. Fantastic in the fantastic four movie

[Molko]

The Hornblower movies are outstanding, Ioan is indeed a marvolous acter. I only managed to watch the last episode in the series (thus far, hopefully) today. The last time they showed it on T.V (as repeats) where I am they didn't show the last two episodes on normal t.v, and seeing as I didn't watch it the other times it was on I hadn't seen those episodes. But, luckily, a friend taped it for me off foxtel.

It was as brilliant as ever, but now I am left feeling rather sad as that is the last we shall see of Horatio unless they make more movies.

My favourite characters are Horatio (of course), Bush and Orick (sp?). In fact I love pretty much everyone from Hornblower, except Maria.

For me, one of the best aspects of the show is how Horatio, as the hero, isn't two-dimensional. He shows doubt and trepidation, as well heroics and bravery. Not everything he does is perfect - he makes mistakes. In other words he's human.

[Loz]

For me, one of the best aspects of the show is how Horatio, as the hero, isn't two-dimensional. He shows doubt and trepidation, as well heroics and bravery. Not everything he does is perfect - he makes mistakes. In other words he's human.

:welcome: to the thread Molko :D

I couldn't agree with you more. One of the things I really love about Horatio is that we see him make mistakes, and say silly things, and have problems and hang ups.

Though that's what I loved about Archie too :).

[Loz]

I'm using gratuitous double posting (months apart) to say that Jamie Bamber, a.k.a Archie from the first 6 Hornblower films - is going to be in the new Battlestar Galactica which is being advertised as "coming soon" on Network Ten.

:D

E.T.A: Oh yeah - that's for Australians. It's already airing on Sky One in Britain, and will start on the Space Channel in Canada and the Sci Fi Channel in America around the middle of January.

[FoxyKnoxy]

Shameless plug!!! You can check out the Battlestar Galactica (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=40820) Thread which has our lovely Jamie Bamber as Apollo!

Also check out my new thread that I just started: Ioan Gruffudd Fan Appreciation Thread (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=42267)

Feel free to post your views on the outstanding careers of these two terrific British actors! :tu:

[Tim the Wiz]

Interesting, hopefully this new Battlestar Galactica series will do well.

Besides that, its pretty quiet on the HH front, but I guess its because I'm still waiting for my order of the books. The first retailer I went to Angus and Robertson, have now told me that they weren't able to retrieve them. I'll be going with Dymocks now, so the wait is on, once again. :D

Reading the Sharpe series will tide me over in anycase. ;)

[Liselle]

Was thinking about this thread last night actually :lol:

Must get my hands on some of those books too......

[Molko]

I've seen the Hornblower books in lots of shops, I must be lucky, I didn't realise others had had to order them in.
I was watching a tape of Hornblower the other day, when Horatio was captain and it struck me how ragged the midshipmen's uniforms looked, yet when Horatio and Archie were midshipmen, they always looked so presentable and well-dressed in those uniforms. It's amazing what Ioan and Jamie did for those uniforms.

[Loz]

:rotfl: Molko. Yes.

And it's amazing how the leading actors can always get nice shiny uniforms, when extras and secondaries get tattered rags :D ;)

I've seen the books in Dymocks here too Tim. I almost bought some for Christmas but didn't have the dosh.

[Tim the Wiz]

But remember in Examination for Lieutenant, how Horatio's hat was less than well presentable?

And darn, you guys are amazingly lucky, I haven't seen neither hide or hair of the books in my nearby bookstores. However the guy who talked to me at Dymocks says he's already successfully ordered them, so I have hope. :D

[Loz]

I watched Duty the other day... Horatio annoyed me to no end.

I find that The Duchess and the Devil is still my favourite.

[Tim the Wiz]

I loved Duty, it showed Horatio as more than just your normal hero, he could also be overcome by human emotions - brooding, anger, cynicism, etc.

[Loz]

Tee hee, oh so did I. I was impressed that I ended the film still loving Horatio to bits. It is lovely to see he is not perfect.

But he did annoy me so!

The story of Duty is extremely clever, also.

[Liselle]

Yeah, Horatio in Duty is a pain in the pants to say the least, at the end though you still love him and forgive him!

I've discovered that its next to impossible to find any of the books in Ireland! I'm going to continue on my hunt for them when I get home this weekend....failing that I'm just going to bite the bullet and order them (and possibly a DVD or two )

[Loz]

I think I should buy the set of books and send 'em off to Tim and Áine!

I really want to read them, but I also don't want the impression I have from the telemovies to change. I think the writers did an amazing job with the series of films. The characters are all so believable, and whilst they're based on the books, they're definitely not adapted from them.

[Tim the Wiz]

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish thoughts."

Delivered by Admiral Pellew at the end of Duty when he leaves Hornblower with a higher station in the navy, indeed himself leaving to a higher station he speaks these words. One line in the whole series I never understood. And I continue not to understand. Infact I thought he was speaking from the works of Plato, however I was indeed surprised to find out that it was actually from the bible. Corinthians (1) Chapter 13, Verse 11.

So can anyone make more sense of this than I can?

[Lady Greyjoy]

One line in the whole series I never understood. And I continue not to understand. Infact I thought he was speaking from the works of Plato, however I was indeed surprised to find out that it was actually from the bible. Corinthians (1) Chapter 13, Verse 11.

I think we can say that the Admiral is saying that Hornblower will have greater responsibilities in the future, so he must "put away childish things".

Here's the whole thing...makes it even more intresting... :)

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
Does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

[Tim the Wiz]

What version of bible is that? In King James it is quite different. In any case thanks for clearing that up.

[Lady Greyjoy]

It's King James. Slightly innaccurate (OK very :)) but it has a certain poetry.

[Loz]

Ahh, I remember that.

I also think Pellew may have been saying to Horatio that he was already growing older.

We got the final in the series so far at Christmas but not the penultimate one. I was a touch annoyed when I realised we'd got the wrong one.

So, to get this thread moving again;- who has been your least favourite character so far?

[Tim the Wiz]

Good ol' Cap'n Hammond. ;)

[Dreamless]

Horatio Hornblower is sooo coooool! I only have three of the books though. I read them as fast I have read any of the HP books. HH is also a very well made TV movie (with commercials). I love Ioan too, khe is a very good actor and he is good in King Arthur (sp?) too. Yes, he is in that movie, saw it with Emi (my Best Friend) when I spent the night at her house.

[HesHPfan]

I have seen all the movies, and I love Horatio.

[Dreamless]

Horatio is the coolest character!