Captain Horatio Hornblower

Product Description:
Studio: Warner Home VideoRelease Date: 03/06/2007Run time: 117 minutesRating: Nr

Amazon.com:
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

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Customer Reviews

Rating: - 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.
Rating: - Arrrrrr Matey
A perfect example of a well done Sea going romance aboard a British Man 'O War.
Rating: - Captain Horation Hornblower - a great classic movie.
I think this movie is one of the better swashbuckler - old sailing ship movies out there.

I have read it is losely based on the life of the great British Admiral Nelson.

The movie takes place during the time period when England, France and Spain were all trying to be the "Masters of the Seas".

It has a great combination of action and a little romance for the women also.
The action scenes are very well done even by todays standards.While maybe not as ... Read More
Rating: - They don't make movies like this anymore
My favorite Genre is high seas adventures, pirate movies and naval warfare movies.If you like tall ships, cannon broadsides and these type of films this one will satisfy you. The film seems fairly historically accurate with a few flaws...but it's a movie not a history book.Gregory Peck is great. The costumes and ships are great. I especially liked how the Captain's uniform at times is worn and tattered...nice effect.I judge all these movies not on sword fighting, but ship to ship fighting.This ... Read More
Rating: - Captain Horatio Hornblower
An excellent movie although I have not seen one with Gregory Peck that was bad.I enjoy the vivid colors of the 1950's - 60's movies.
If you like naval stories you will enjoy this one.