Overview
A naval captain navigates treacherous waters and political intrigue during wartime, testing loyalty and love.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- adventurous
- propulsive
- romantic
- classic movie night
- adventure marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as colorful, energetic adventure entertainment whose naval action and visual excitement outweigh conventional plotting and occasional stilted dialogue.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Hornblower commands HMS Lydia through Pacific missions and battles during England's war with Napoleon.
Hornblower's crew and officers do not initially know why they have been sent around Cape Horn into the Pacific.
Hornblower and Lady Barbara develop affection while he is married and she is engaged.
The film foregrounds HMS Lydia, sea battles, the Pacific voyage, cannon fire, and swordplay in colorful period settings.
Films like Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N., and why
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
classic seafaring adventure, Napoleonic-era naval combat, and charismatic officer protagonist
The Sea Hawk
swashbuckling maritime adventure with historical warfare, shipboard command, and romantic complications
The Cruel Sea
period naval action, strategic missions, and an emotionally restrained military hero
Movie Details
- Director
- Raoul Walsh
- Release Date
- 1951-04-10
- Runtime
- 117 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (149)
Cast
- Gregory Peck
- Virginia Mayo
- Robert Beatty
- Moultrie Kelsall
- Terence Morgan
- James Kenney
- James Robertson Justice
- Denis O'Dea
- Richard Hearne
- Michael Dolan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. about?
- A disciplined Royal Navy captain navigates secret orders, shifting alliances, Pacific battles, and an impossible romance during the Napoleonic Wars.
- What is Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. as moderate.
- What did critics think of Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.?
- Critics broadly regard it as colorful, energetic adventure entertainment whose naval action and visual excitement outweigh conventional plotting and occasional stilted dialogue.
- Which films are like Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.?
- Films with a similar feel include Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, The Sea Hawk, and The Cruel Sea.
- How long is Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.?
- Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. runs 117 minutes.
- Where can I watch Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.?
- In United States, Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
