Hornblower: The Duchess and the Devil Review
17 March 2013
Well, I finally got my hands on the next two Hornblower movies and I am so excited to be able to join in on his adventures! :)
After finished the third Hornblower film, one thing I will say that is wonderful about this series is the moral and life lessons that are portrayed by Horatio Hornblower in the story. In every one he shows a character quality necessary to the success of young people – young men in particular. Unfortunately, these qualities are almost lost in our modern society.
In this one, Horatio shows us the meanings of the words honour, friendship, and what it means to keep your word. I’ll got into more detail in the STORY section of this review, but let me tell you that it was pretty inspiring.
Also we find out the results of Horatio’s examination done in the previous film. (Read the review here)
*This review contains spoilers from the previous two Hornblower films.*
SYNOPSIS
After finished the third Hornblower film, one thing I will say that is wonderful about this series is the moral and life lessons that are portrayed by Horatio Hornblower in the story. In every one he shows a character quality necessary to the success of young people – young men in particular. Unfortunately, these qualities are almost lost in our modern society.
In this one, Horatio shows us the meanings of the words honour, friendship, and what it means to keep your word. I’ll got into more detail in the STORY section of this review, but let me tell you that it was pretty inspiring.
Also we find out the results of Horatio’s examination done in the previous film. (Read the review here)
*This review contains spoilers from the previous two Hornblower films.*
SYNOPSIS
Acting Lieutenant Hornblower, assisted by only five men, captures the French sloop Le Reve off the Spanish coast – a major feat that does much to enhance his reputation. Hornblower is commissioned Lieutenant due to his ‘exemplary gallantry’.
SCENERY
Again, because this is a naval film, there is a lot of scenery to do with the sea. But most of the scenery is of a Spanish prison. Not much to look at. :)
SCENERY
Again, because this is a naval film, there is a lot of scenery to do with the sea. But most of the scenery is of a Spanish prison. Not much to look at. :)
STORY
This film starts with Horatio and his men laying an ambush for the French ship, Le Reve. They successfully capture it and bring it to their ship the Indefatigable. Captain Pellew is impressed with Hornblower’s actions and commissions him to take the Le Reve back to England so that she can be outfitted for the navy. However, there is one little catch… Horatio is also commissioned to return the strange and eccentric Duchess of Wharfedale to England. Unfortunately the Spanish navy discover the Le Reve and take everyone back to Spain, Horatio and his men to prison and the Duchess to await another ship bound for England.
This film starts with Horatio and his men laying an ambush for the French ship, Le Reve. They successfully capture it and bring it to their ship the Indefatigable. Captain Pellew is impressed with Hornblower’s actions and commissions him to take the Le Reve back to England so that she can be outfitted for the navy. However, there is one little catch… Horatio is also commissioned to return the strange and eccentric Duchess of Wharfedale to England. Unfortunately the Spanish navy discover the Le Reve and take everyone back to Spain, Horatio and his men to prison and the Duchess to await another ship bound for England.
In prison, Horatio discovers his long-lost friend, Archie Kennedy, who is exhausted, wasted, and given up on life due to his time in the prison and the things he has had to endure. Horatio and his men decide that they have to escape, but the strong difference in opinion divides the men. Horatio is determined to wait until Kennedy is strong and ready to leave with them, but his Midshipman Hunter is determined to leave as soon as possible, without Archie, believing that he would just slow them down. Through a failed escape attempt, where Horatio takes the blame and punishment due to him, Mr. Hunter realizes his mistakes and pledges his loyalty to Horatio. Archie then shows unconditional love by tending to Hunter’s wound received during the escape attempt and encouraging him to get strong and be ready for when it was really time to go. Horatio comes out from punishment weak, but still ready to escape as soon as possible.
One stormy day on a walk along the beach, Horatio sees his ship, the Indefatigable, and a Spanish ship fighting. The Spanish Don Massaredo, whose garrison holds the prison, also sees the ships fighting and sees the Spanish ship heading straight for a group of sharp rocks known as ‘the devil’s teeth’. Horatio begs the Don to let him and his men head out there to save the Spanish sailors who would surely drown if left alone. The Don lets him go on the condition that they not try to escape. Horatio gives his word and off they go. The Spanish sailors are heroically rescued and the Indefatigable picks up the boat from among the storm. Even though Horatio is safe and sound and dry onboard his ship, he insists that
he be returned to the Spanish prison so he can keep his word to the Don. Because of their loyalty and admiration of their leader, his men agree to go back with him. As for ever escaping again, well, you’ll just have to see the film to find that one out! :)
he be returned to the Spanish prison so he can keep his word to the Don. Because of their loyalty and admiration of their leader, his men agree to go back with him. As for ever escaping again, well, you’ll just have to see the film to find that one out! :)
CHARACTERS
As we all know, Horatio is played by Ioan Gruffudd. In the previous film, Horatio learned what it meant to be a good leader, this time Horatio had to learn to deal with insubordination in the ranks of his men in and out of prison. Determination, loyalty to his men and his friends, keeping his word, respectfulness to his authorities and his enemies, selfless courage, chivalry to ladies, taking the blame for his men… there are a
lot of really important life lessons that Horatio has had to learn and uphold.
As we all know, Horatio is played by Ioan Gruffudd. In the previous film, Horatio learned what it meant to be a good leader, this time Horatio had to learn to deal with insubordination in the ranks of his men in and out of prison. Determination, loyalty to his men and his friends, keeping his word, respectfulness to his authorities and his enemies, selfless courage, chivalry to ladies, taking the blame for his men… there are a
lot of really important life lessons that Horatio has had to learn and uphold.
Archie Kennedy is played by Jamie Bamber. In Hornblower: The Even Chance (read my review here) Kennedy was set adrift while unconscious by the evil Midshipman Jack Simpson… we assume he is lost. Imagine my joy and surprise when Horatio finds him, broken in spirit, in the Spanish prison! He had been picked up by a Spanish ship and put in prison. After attempting to escape a number of times and being put in a cell with no room to stand or lie down, his spirit is broken and feels he has no reason to live. It is Horatio’s determination to make him well that brings him back to life. And because of his strong friendship with Horatio, Archie regains his strength, his will to live, and his love of life. *sigh* I am so pleased that Archie Kennedy is back! :)
The Duchess of Wharfledale was played by Cherie Lunghi. Although there isn’t much information about her in the STORY section of my review, she does play a very big part in the movie. At first I didn’t like her very much because of her very forward and brash manner. But she plays an important role in helping Horatio throughout the story; she protects some secret documents that Horatio has been commissioned to take to England and in the event of capture was to go to the bottom of the sea, she gets permission for Horatio to accompany her on her daily walks while in prison, and she saves him from being punished as a spy. We do learn something very interesting about her that explains her strange personality. Clue: A Duchess would not act like she did… at all.
Christopher Fulford plays Midshipman Hunter. This is another character that I did not like at all at first. Hunter is constantly jealous with the privileges that Horatio receives
because of his rank and he constantly questions his orders and authority. Even in prison, Hunter splits the men and goes ahead with an escape – against Horatio’s orders – a plan that goes awry, leaves him with a bullet in his leg, and Horatio being punished in his place. Through this and the selfless help of Archie Kennedy, Hunter is plagued with guilt and pledges his loyalty and obedience to Horatio. Spoiler I had come to really like the changed Hunter, so that when he is lost on the expedition to save the Spanish ship I was like, “Wait! … Nooo!!! End of Spoiler
because of his rank and he constantly questions his orders and authority. Even in prison, Hunter splits the men and goes ahead with an escape – against Horatio’s orders – a plan that goes awry, leaves him with a bullet in his leg, and Horatio being punished in his place. Through this and the selfless help of Archie Kennedy, Hunter is plagued with guilt and pledges his loyalty and obedience to Horatio. Spoiler I had come to really like the changed Hunter, so that when he is lost on the expedition to save the Spanish ship I was like, “Wait! … Nooo!!! End of Spoiler
Even after the death of Finch in Hornblower: The Examination for Lieutenant, Horatio’s remaining three men: Matthews, Oldroyd, and Styles are just as loyal as ever. Briefly while in prison, Oldroyd is caught up with Hunter’s scheme to escape, while Matthews and
Styles remain waiting for Horatio’s command. Once again, it is Horatio taking the punishment for Hunter that brings Oldroyd and the other men who sided with Hunter round. When asked by Captain Pellew if they would honour Horatio’s pledge to Don Massaredo and return to prison, Oldroyd speaks for all the men, saying that they will.
Styles remain waiting for Horatio’s command. Once again, it is Horatio taking the punishment for Hunter that brings Oldroyd and the other men who sided with Hunter round. When asked by Captain Pellew if they would honour Horatio’s pledge to Don Massaredo and return to prison, Oldroyd speaks for all the men, saying that they will.
COSTUMES/HAIRSTYLES
As with the previous Hornblower films, most of the costumes are British, French, and Spanish naval-wear which are very accurate to the times. When Horatio tries to disguise the Le Reve while being passed by the Spanish navy as a French ship, we really get to see the differences between French and British uniforms. Most noticeable is the French rosette worn predominantly during this era (the French Revolution), which is recognisable to anyone who knows about the French Revolution… or who has seen The Scarlet Pimpernel. :)
As with the previous Hornblower films, most of the costumes are British, French, and Spanish naval-wear which are very accurate to the times. When Horatio tries to disguise the Le Reve while being passed by the Spanish navy as a French ship, we really get to see the differences between French and British uniforms. Most noticeable is the French rosette worn predominantly during this era (the French Revolution), which is recognisable to anyone who knows about the French Revolution… or who has seen The Scarlet Pimpernel. :)
One noticeable addition to the naval costumes, is the Duchess’ dresses. Quite accurate to the 1790’s fashions, and also very pretty. You can see the multitude of clothing that these women wore when the Duchess hides Horatio’s documents in her underwear.
RATING
Between 1 and 5, this Hornblower film gets a 4.5.
It is rated PG for low level violence. For the same reasons as the previous two films, I would recommend caution for younger viewers. There are numerous battle scenes and a fair amount of swearing. No ‘nudity’ per se, but the Duchess’ dresses are low cut in the front, and there is one scene where she lifts up her skirts to hide the documents in her stockings and some of her leg is seen.