| Hornblower (tv Series) |
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The series stars Ioan Gruffudd in the title role and is produced by the British broadcaster Meridian Television , and shown on ITV1 in the UK and A&E Television Networks in the U.S. Several other well-known actors have appeared, sometimes in continuing roles. These include David Warner , Philip Glenister , Paul McGann , Samuel West , Cherie Lunghi , and Robert Lindsay , as Hornblower's superior Captain Edward Pellew . EPISODES The series currently consists of eight made-for-television movies, which are notable for their high production values. All were later released on DVD. In the U.S. the series was retitled ''Horatio Hornblower'', and some of the episodes were known by different titles.
A&E has said recently that it is not interested in funding more Horatio Hornblower movie episodes, even though Granada (the British production company that produces Hornblower) has cleared it with the Forester estate and was working on new scripts. Without A&E, who is more interested in reality TV, Granada can't afford to shoot another film. Gruffudd himself has stated that he'd be glad to participate in more Hornblower efforts, even lobbying recently for Hornblower on the big screen. EPISODE DETAILS = The Even Chance = The first episode in the series, it charts the first adventure of newly rated Mr. Midshipman Horatio Hornblower. The episode begins with Hornblower coming aboard his new ship, HMS Justinian at anchor in Spithead. He first meets his long-term companion, Midshipman Kennedy, or "Archie". After a bout of seasickness and a stern interview by the ship's commanding officer, Captain Keane ("never was a man so wrongly named"), we meet the episode's main antagonist, one Jack Simpson. Simpson, as senior Midshipman (after failing his examination for Lieutenant) levies a toll on the other Midshipmen on food, spirits and clothing. Hornblower points out that nowhere in King's Regulations does it say that he has that right, and is beaten for it (I piss on your regulations, sir!). An insulting remark from Simpson over cheating at a game of Whist compells Hornblower to challenge him to a duel, which he is unable to participate in due to the actions of another of the Midshipmen, who is ashamed of that he couldn't stand up to Simpson himself unlike Hornblower. It goes wrongly however, and ends with Simpson winning the duel, at the cost of a bullet in the shoulder. Hornblower, along with Kennedy and all other Midshipmen apart from Simpson, is reassigned to HMS Indefatigable, under the command of Captain Sir Edward Pellew , brilliantly played by Robert Lindsay . After distinguishing himself in his first battle, Hornblower once again meets with Simpson, rescuing him from the wreckage of HMS Justinian. The first major piece of action takes place when the crew of the "Indy", as it is more popularly known, attempt to board, capture and take command of a French vessel, the Papillon. Simpson, a member of the boarding party, is a nominal ally of Hornblower, but attempts to shoot him. Lying unconscious, Kennedy departs the series after his boat is cut away by Simpson. The French Ship, Papillon, now under the capture of the British is sailing back to the Indy when the Indy comes under fire from three French ships. On the way back to the Indy, the Papillon comes under fire from shore batteries, killing the two officers outranking Hornblower and Simpson. Shortly before the most senior officer is killed, he tells Hornblower to take command. Simpson and Hornblower then argue over who should take command. Hornblower tells Mr Bowls (the ship's master), that if Mr Simpson resists "you have my permission to shoot him". Simpson is then taken below whilst the Papillon sails back to the Indy. The Indy is now taking heavy fire from the three French ships, and Hornblower orders the Papillon not to lower its French colours. The Papillon then engages the French ships forcing them to surrender. After the battle, Mr Simpson and Hornblower are called to the Captain Pellew's cabin, where Simpson Challenges Hornblower to a duel, which he accepts (after receiving permission from Pellew). A second duel then takes place. Simpson and Horblower then aim their guns at each other, but before they are told that they may fire, Simpson shoots Hornblower, who falls to the ground. Simpson then asks if he has killed him, claiming a misfire, but Hornblower is not dead. Simpson is then told that he must stand his ground and take fire, where he then begs Hornblower not to shoot him. Hornblower fires into the air, claiming he's "not worth the powder". Simspon then grabs a knife and runs towards Hornblower, but is shot just before he reaches Hornblower by Captain Pellew who is standing on some rocks above the duel. Mr Bowls is standing with Pellew, saying "an exceptionally fine shot sir, if I may say so sir". Pellew replies by saing "you may Mr Bowles, you may". Hornblower and Pellew then talk whilst on the deck of the Indy, where Pellew informs him that if he continues in the service as he has begun, a bright future awaits him. |
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