Cast
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Gregory Peck
as Capt. Horatio Hornblower R.N
Virginia Mayo
as Lady Barbara Wellesley
Robert Beatty
as Lt. William Bush
Moultrie Kelsall
as Lt. Crystal
Terence Morgan
as 2nd Lt. Gerard
James Kenney
as Midshipman Longley
James Robertson Justice
as Seaman Quist
Denis O'Dea
as RAdm. Sir Rodney Leighton
Richard Hearne
as Polwheal (Hornblower's Batman)
Michael Dolan
as Surgeon Gundarson
Stanley Baker
as Mr. Harrison (Bosun)
Alan Tilvern
as Hernandez
Alec Mango
as El Supremo (Don Julian Alvarado)
Christopher Lee
as Spanish Captain
John Witty
as Capt. Entenza
Crew
Director
- Raoul Walsh
Reviews
John Chard
Beat To Quarters!
It's fun, it's exciting, and it looks fabulous at times, it is however far from being a great movie. In the absence of Errol Flynn, Gregory Peck steps in to Hornblower's shoes and as much as he gives it his all (rumoured to have been one of his favourite performances), it's a spot of miscasting that thankfully doesn't kill the picture dead, he's just sadly a tad too straight laced to really make the role work. The same can be said for the casting of Virginia Mayo as Lady Barbara Wellesley, pretty as she is, it's an odd bit of casting that never quite comes off, yet as daft as it may sound, neither case of miscasting hurts the picture, and this comes down to the astute direction from Raoul Walsh.
The pace never flags so we are never over concerned with the central actors struggles to make the characters work, backed up by Guy Green's camera work and Robert Farnon's jaunty score, the technical aspects of the piece steer the viewer on to safe waters (ahem). The sets are excellent and the recreation of the ships is first rate, with the final quarter of the movie giving us a blood pumping battle that's full of heroic bluster. It's a film that is easily recommended to adventure fans, though far from perfect and it remains a wasted opportunity in my eyes, but it's still a very enjoyable film for all the family. 6/10
Sep 25, 2014
CinemaSerf
This is effectively three short stories bolted together as Raoul Walsh creates quite an exciting and enjoyable seafaring story based around the Napoleonic Wars. Gregory Peck takes the lead role as the eponymous, rather stiff-necked, Royal Navy captain carrying out a mission to provision a rather unreliable ally with arms and munitions. When events in a Europe being terrorised by Napoleon take a series of more treacherous turns, he must now battle his way across the Atlantic and return to help protect his country from the French. Virginia Mayo provides the love interest and Robert Beatty and a feisty James Robertson Justice work well too, to help keep the ship off the rocks as the battle comes down to tactics and becomes personal! It is a good, old-fashioned and enjoyably paced, boy's own yarn based on the C. S Forester character and well worth watching.
Jun 1, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. represents a fascinating example of Adventure/War/History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Raoul Walsh brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1951, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 207 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1951, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Cabiria, which focuses more on action than character development, Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Australia and Elizabeth: The Golden Age explore similar territory, Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 10, 1951
- Runtime: 1h 57m
Where to Watch
