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Poster for Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.

Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.

Seen it?

1951 | 117 min | Adventure, War, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for adventure fans and history buffs. If you loved The Guns of Navarone or Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 57 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1951: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Captain Horatio Hornblower leads his ship HMS Lydia on a perilous transatlantic voyage, during which his faithful crew battle both a Spanish warship and a ragged band of Central American rebels.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 50K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Raoul Walsh

  • Gregory PeckCapt. Horatio Hornblower R.N
  • Virginia MayoLady Barbara Wellesley
  • Robert BeattyLt. William Bush
  • Moultrie KelsallLt. Crystal
  • Terence Morgan2nd Lt. Gerard
  • James KenneyMidshipman Longley
  • James Robertson JusticeSeaman Quist
  • Denis O'DeaRAdm. Sir Rodney Leighton
  • Richard HearnePolwheal (Hornblower's Batman)
  • Michael DolanSurgeon Gundarson