Customer Reviews

Horatio Hornblower: The Wrong War

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The Wrong War, the fourth episode in the series, introduces Horatio to French royalist aligned with the Bourbons. In the first episode, Horatio is 17 years old. However five years have passed and by the fourth episode, he is 22 years old. Louis XVI and his wife Queen Marie Antoinette have been executed and many of the loyal royalists have left France. They have tried to form a government in exile around Louis XVII and are plotting how to overthrow the new French Republic. These noblemen wish to invade France and they believe they can gather loyal peasants, march to Paris, and over throw the new republic. The English military leadership knows this plan is foolishness but suspect it will cause trouble for the new republic, with whom the English are at war. England was not yet ready for a true republic form of government, and thus when Louis XVI was executed, they declared war as did other royalist countries. Unfortunately poor young Hornblower gets to accompany this doomed expedition into coastal France where the republican forces are waiting to destroy the foolish royalists. This may be the weakest episode of the first 4 since the French royalists are portrayed as homicidal revenge freaks. One Marquis is intent on killing everyone who displayed any leadership or independence after the overthrow of the aristocracy. This aspect of the story was a bit silly and unrealistic. In addition, Horatio seems to meet his first adult love interest, a beautiful young French school mistress. Thus, this is the episode that allows Horatio to become more than an action hero and to become romantic.

I'm a long time fan of Horatio Hornblower books, and when I've read about TV film based on Forester's novels I was worry that TV production cannot bring Hornblower times to life.... I cannot be mistaken more. Quality of production is superb, acting is very good. Some Forester's fans may don't like some changes in story, but I've found them acceptable. As for DVD - image quality is medicore, sometimes there are visible artifacts, but the sound is good (or very good). If you feel exitement when you see frigate under full sails it's a must buy for you !

Are you kidding? This is one of my favorites. Thanks