I just read an interesting editorial in the paper regarding A&E's Horatio
Hornblower. I've been following that series, but hadn't read the books. The
author of the editorial, Spider Robinson, said he was very impressed by the
show in all respects except the depiction of Horatio Hornblower. Specifically,
Robinson remembers a Horatio Hornblower who is nagged by self doubts and who
is far from a perfect specimen of British seaman. I know there are fans of the
novels on the
list. Could you give me your impressions by private e-mail ?
> In a message dated 4/27/99 11:43:23 AM EST, tmcarth@fox.nstn.ca writes:
<< Specifically, Robinson remembers a Horatio Hornblower who is nagged
by self doubts and who is far from a perfect specimen of British seaman.
> [quoted text omitted]
Yes, he had constant internal dialogues about what wouod happen if others
discovered he was not the paragon of nautical virtue. As a midshipman he
"seasick at Spithead" (mal de mer at anchor in a sheltered bay). He is a
great character and great characters have to have flaws. He is always totally
competent however, just nagged with self doubt. Read the books to see what its
all about. It is very difficult to portray "internal" dialogue in a screenplay
without resorting to constant voice overs which get a little old after awhile.