Hornblower and the other officers of the Renown must return to Jamaica to face a court-martial and possible execution for their actions in relieving their unstable captain.Hornblower and the other officers of the Renown must return to Jamaica to face a court-martial and possible execution for their actions in relieving their unstable captain.Hornblower and the other officers of the Renown must return to Jamaica to face a court-martial and possible execution for their actions in relieving their unstable captain.
- Awards
- 6 nominations
- Colonel Francisco Manuel Ortega
- (as Antonio Gil-Martinez)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAt the trial, when Hobbs compares captain Sawyer to admiral Nelson, most of the sailors in the audience nod encouragingly, while Commodore Pellew and the other judges seem quite uncomfortable, with Pellew shifting in his seat and Captain Hammond awkwardly muttering "Nelson...Yes". This is actually a very accurate historical reaction, giving the fact that, at the time, Nelson had become a piece of gossip and a source of public embarrassment for the Royal Navy for his open affair with Emma Hamilton, wife of the British ambassador to Naples. Fellow commanders and high society were extremely critical, claiming Nelson put himself before his duty and his conduct was unfit of a gentleman, even considering the option of removing him from command; yet he was loved and revered among the sailors. This makes the scene extremely authentic.
- GoofsWhen the Spanish prisoners break into the captains cabin, Captain Sawyer and Midshipman Wellard are standing behind the table, with Wellard to the Captains left. After they are shot, the scene showing them laying on the deck, now has Wellard to the Captains right.
- Quotes
4th Lt. Archie Kennedy: I remember when you used to be scared of heights, Mr. Hornblower.
3rd Lt. Horatio Hornblower: [Looking at the height he must descend from] Nothing's changed, Mr. Kennedy.
2nd Lt. Bush: They say one must always do what one dislikes.
3rd Lt. Horatio Hornblower: [Nervously] Oh, yes?
2nd Lt. Bush: When I was a boy, I had to eat turnips.
3rd Lt. Horatio Hornblower: Eat them now, do you?
2nd Lt. Bush: [after Hornblower begins his descent] Never touch 'em.
[Smiles]
- ConnectionsFollowed by Hornblower: Loyalty (2003)
This show cost a lot of money, though I don't think they went as far as James Cameron did in `Titanic' and build a full-sized replica of an 18th century ship of the line. The re-creation of the period detail weapons, uniforms, boats and tackle, the wardroom, even the brutal medical procedures, brings you right into the action. The personality clashes between officers seem a bit contrived at times particularly the Billy Budd syndrome older officers of marginal competence resenting their brighter juniors but the fellowship amongst Horny and his mates rings true.
Ioan Gruffudd is darkly romantic in appearance but uses this somewhat brooding exterior to show Horny as someone who thinks a bit and then acts quickly and decisively, a very good combination in military matters. He makes it plausible that his friends, Kennedy (James Bamber) and Bush (Paul McGann) should support him, even at considerable risk to themselves.
As is usual in this sort of production, the major and minor roles are all well done. David Warner is convincing as Captain Sawyer, a sort of nautical King Lear, and Nicolas Smith as the aging, fearful first lieutenant Buckland, fits the bill well (albeit playing the role as a less devious version of Jeremy from Kavanagh Q.C.) There is a nicely judged performance by David Rintoul as the wily ship's doctor, and Dobbin is very effective as the Captains's loyal supporter Hobbs. Robert Lindsay does a good senior partner number as Commodore Sir Edward Pellew, actually an historical figure with some islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria named after him, though Hornblower himself is total fiction.
It's funny. In some ways it might have been a film about a law firm, such is the universality of professional culture. Deference to seniority has to be matched against the need to exercise independent professional judgment. Just obeying orders is the lot of the mere technician. A professional officer has to cultivate independence of mind in a milleu that demands obedience to orders. Not an easy task and we can well understand how it proves too much for the unfortunate Buckland.
Anyway, good derring-do stuff, even if Horny doesn't get to kiss anyone.
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