Hornblower: Duty (TV 2003)

Admiral Pellew interrupts Hornblower's wedding reception and tasks him to locate a British ship which has disappeared off the French coast, where Napoleon's troops are engaged in covert activities.

Director:

Andrew Grieve

Writers:

Stephen Churchett (screenplay), C.S. Forester (novel)

Stars:

Ioan Gruffudd, Robert Lindsay, Paul McGann

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ioan Gruffudd	...	Hornblower
Robert Lindsay	...	Sir Edward Pellew
Paul McGann	...	Lieutenant Bush
Lorcan Cranitch	...	Wolfe
Tony Haygarth	...	Prowse
Julia Sawalha	...	Maria
Barbara Flynn	...	Mrs. Mason
Paul Copley	...	Matthews
Sean Gilder	...	Styles
Jonathan Coy	...	Bracegirdle
Jim Carter	...	Etheridge
Ron Cook	...	Doughty
Jonathan Forbes	...	Orrock
David Birkin	...	Jerome
Camilla Power	...	Betsy

Storyline

Now married to Maria, Horatio Hornblower is soon sent by Admiral Pellew in search of the sloop Grasshopper captained by their old friend, Bracegirdle. The ship had been patrolling a stretch of French coast but had not sent in a report for over two weeks. During a raging storm they take aboard two passengers, an American woman and her French speaking Swiss husband. They are not what they pretend to be. Horatio and his men also encounter Wolfe, the Irish rebel turned traitor and now fighting France. They also realize exactly what Wolfe's plan is when they see three French frigates riding high in the water near his encampment. At home, Horatio is getting used to marriage and having to share his life with someone.

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Plot Keywords:

french | ship | duty | water | british | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | War

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 December 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hornblower - L'arte del comando

Filming Locations:

Falmouth, Cornwall, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

A&E Network, Meridian Broadcasting, United Film and Television Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The blue and white print gown worn by Julia Sawalha (Maria) to church is the same costume worn by a guest at the Easter Ball in Wives and Daughters.

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Goofs

When Jerome Bonaparte introduces himself he presents as Jerome Lucien Bonaparte. Lucien was his other brother. His name was Jerome Bonaparte, born as Girolamo Buonaparte.

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Quotes

Admiral Sir Edward Pellew: You see things, sir, that others do not. One thing you do not question is your loyalty to your King. One day, Hornblower, you'll fight for more than England.
Commander Horatio Hornblower: What is there more than England?
Admiral Sir Edward Pellew: [He pointedly does not answer]

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Connections

Follows Horatio Hornblower 3 (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Yankee Doodle"
Traditional
Performed by Sean Gilder

User Reviews

A totally different story

If you have read CS Forester's "Hornblower and the Hotspur" you are wondering where it went. While a few incidents are present here from the book, the story line has nothing to do with the book. You will be disappointed that the main themes and character of Horatio have been lost. While the series is entertaining, do not expect the TV movies to be the books. "Based on" is used in its very broad sense.

So watch the movies first. Then go read the books, they are much richer and complex. However, the character of Hornblower will be vastly different and the historic settings as well. Unfortunately, another example of taking the reputation of a book, some names and some of the incidents and then writing your own story without the depth of the original.

So, just treat them as separate works with name connections only.