Horatio Hornblower: Collector's Edition, Boxed Set -- 8 Discs
The epic saga of the legendary seafaring hero comes to life
in this collection based on C. S. Forester's classic novels.
Directed by Andrew Grieve
Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Robert Lindsay, Dorian Healy, Michael Byrne, Robert Bathurst
Reviewed by Mary Richards
This series reveals the reality of shipboard life in the British Royal Navy in the late 18th century. Powder monkeys (boys as young as nine) race to battle stations; cannon crews load, aim. and fire; officers holler orders; and chaos and noise reign convincingly. Did I mention there is nowhere to hide?
Then there are seamen who race up ratlines to the yardarms to let down or reef sails. Think about it: a mast somewhere in the neighborhood of 190 plus yards sways about while down below, the ship pitches and yaws, and these poor guys have to handle sail with one hand and hold fast with the other. They exhibit all the dexterity and balance of a circus act.
Now, aside from the technical thrills of the story, you have a wonderful assortment of varied conflicts true to the human condition. Five of the seven deadly sins are no stranger to the story thread. I'm skipping gluttony because food wasn't always plentiful and sloth was non-existent because the British Royal Navy not only did not tolerate indolence but punished it severely. Discipline and a well-oiled crew were crucial to the success of a ship's mission. Loyalty, betrayal, envy, murder, love, marriage and death are part of the dramatic mix of these eight serialized episodes.
In matters of character, our hero, Horatio Hornblower adheres to standards of excellence that many of today's public servants would do well to emulate. Honor isn't a vague theory for Horatio; it's his mantra, along with adherence to duty, no matter what. Point of fact, he actually returns to a Spanish prison because he gave his word. Not only that, but a fellow officer and crew members, prisoners all, agreed to return with him.
Adventure, excitement and nail-chewing moments abound. The firearms of the day create believable fighting conditions both on land and the high seas.
If you love an intelligent, good-looking man using his considerable wits to apply out-of-the-box strategies to win battles, both naval and personal, you'll want to root for Horatio Hornblower. This well-written drama based on C. S. Forester's books are acted brilliantly. These episodes are well worth your time. Highly entertaining.
MARY RICHARDS SPENT MANY YEARS TEACHING IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. INOCULATED WITH THE READING BUG IN THE FIRST GRADE WITH THE "ADVENTURES OF DICK AND JANE," SHE HAS HAD A LOVE AFFAIR WITH PRINT EVER SINCE. SHE ENJOYS READING, WRITING, AND PAINTING.
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© The Arts, etc., Copyright 2009
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