Horatio Hornblower: The Duel
From Hornblower
The film opens as seventeen year old Midshipman Horatio Hornblower (Ioan Gruffud) comes aboard The Justinian. His first day does not go off as well as expected, he gets a rude greeting from two other midshipmen Hether and Cleveland and has a bad case of seasickness, and which he is taken care of by an older midshipman named Clayton (Duncan Bell). The past week gets better, Captain Keene {Michael Byrne} see's a somewhat rather fine potential in Hornblower, and the midshipmen have warmed up to him. Particulary, Clayton and fifteen year old Archie Kennedy (Jamie Bamber). Everything goes bleak and black when Midshipman Jack Simpson (Dorian Healy) arrives on the scene. The very first night that Simpson is there, Archie has a terrible fit which is settled by Clayton and Horatio. It is now confirmed that Archie was, most likely, abused in someway by Simpson. One day, Styles, a seaman, says that Lieutenant Eccleston wants to see Horatio up in the tower. Horatio is terribly afraid of heights but climbs up anyway, only to let his foot slip. Simpson appears at the top of the tower, and, despite being a coldhearted scoundrel, helps Horatio.
A few days later, the Midshipmen (which oddly enough, is missing Clayton) present mathmetical caculations for Captain Keene. The Captain is not very pleased with Simpson's work at all, but is VERY pleased with Horatio. This simply angers Simpson to another level, later that night he, Hether and Cleveland force Horatio's body onto the table. And to which Simpson beats Horatio to the ground with nothing but a rope and his fists, Hether and Cleaveland beg for Simpson to stop whereas Archie tries to pound out the noise by reading a book. Clayton can bare it no longer and threatens Simpson with a pistol, the older midshipman finally let's go of Horatio. Clayton orders for them to take Horatio to Doctor Hepplewhite, the men do so and leave Clayton and Simpson alone in the cabin. Simpson whacks the pistol out of Clayton's hand and tightens the rope around his knuckles, symbolizing that he most likely beated Clayton this night as well.
Lieutenant Eccleston wakes up one morning, in search of Horatio. He is at first angry with Horatio, but this anger turns to concern when he see's just how badly beaten Horatio was. He asks Horatio to tell what happened, Horatio lies and says he fell down the stairs; Eccleston can tell clearly that Horatio was beaten, and asks "with whom did he fight?" and again, Horatio says he just fell down the stairs. Eccleston sighs deeply and tells Horatio that he shall see a spell in the riggings for lying straight to another officer. Just as Eccleston walks away, Simpson shoots Horatio a brief but evil stare before continuing on his way. We hear Horatio write a letter to his father as we see him tied to the rigging in the cold rain, the last words we hear in his letter; "I am happy here." A few hours later, Clayton offers Horatio a mug of ale with just a drop of grog to warm him. Horatio is silent before he finally confesses he was thinking on his own death, Clayton suggests that Horatio could desert. Horatio says even then he wouldn't be free of him, and that would give Simpson full victory. Horatio suggests to Clayton that someone should stand against him, Clayton warns him that the beating that he recieved is just the LEAST that Simpson can do. Eccleston and Simpson join the couple where Eccleston gives orders to Horatio to take a party of men ashore to rendevou with Lieutenant Chalk of the Goliath, he also mentions that Simpson will accompany him.
Things aren't exactly off to great start when Simpson embarrasses Horatio in front of Lieutenant Chalk, by mentioning the fact about his seasickness. Horatio paces outside The Lamb Inn, when he spots Simpson inside the inn, drinking and debauching. Horatio enters the inn, Simpson is a bit drunk and demmands that he has a drink and makes a toast, Horatio just nervously makes a quick cheer for the king. Lieutenant Chalk and one of his men join Horatio and Simpson in a rousing game of Robber, a sneaky little card game. Later in the game, Horatio scoops up the bits of the gamble pieces and says the rest are his, Simpson is a bit confused. Chalk says Horatio had five tricks and reminds the midshipman that the game is robber. Simpson and Horatio get into a bit of a debate about the game, Horatio says he won by a simple math cacluation. Simpson mutters "He knows the back of the cards as well as he knows the front" Horatio hears the insult and demmands that Simpson apologize. Chalk jumps in and says that Simpson was probably speaking subconciously and suggests that they call for another bottle of wine and toast in the vain of friendship, Horatio says he would do so and gladly if Simpson admits that he spoke subconciously and apologizes for insulting him. Simpson refuses to do so and slaps another insult in Horatio's face, Horatio says there is only way to settle this.
Horatio challenges Simpson to a duel, despite Archie's protests to the contrary. Horatio notifys Archie that whether he wins or loses, Simpson will be gone forever. Archie argues that Simpson is the best shot in the Navy and that he will kill Horatio for sure. Clayton says he will be Horatio's second for the duel but asks him if he's fought one, Horatio is silent. The next morning, Clayton watches as the longboat carrying Simpson pulls away. He grabs a special tool and steps down into the dark cabin, he asks Horatio to hand him his cloak and as Horatio does so he is knocked out by him. Archie and Clayton arrive in the woods, Simpson asks where Horatio was, Clayton says that he met with an accident and he can't fight in the duel, and so he will take his place. Hepplhewhite isn't sure if that is legal, Clayton says it doesn't matter and that Simspon was afraid of Horatio, but not of him. Horatio regains concious, and rushes to seek out them out. Clayton and Simpson are ready to fire, both guns go off at once and Simpson is shot in his shoulder. Clayton suddenly collapses as blood spours from his mouth and his gut. Horatio arrives at The Lamb Inn, he see's Simpson is fine & well but he can hear shouts of pain, Cleaveland points out that it is coming from up the stairs. Horatio follows the cries that lead him straight to a fatally wounded Clayton, Horatio goes by his bedside and cuffs his hand in his. Clayton castigates himself for not killing Simpson, and sadly dies with Horatio at his side. Horatio gets one last warning from Simpson as he steps out of The Lamb Inn. Archie tells Horatio that King Louis is dead and this could only mean one thing...war is coming.
A few days later, the Midshipmen are waiting anxiously in the cabin. Archie arrives and says that half of the crew is to remain aboard the Justinia and the other half is to be granted a transfer, Hether begs Archie to spill it out. Archie says that the captain wishes for the midshipmen to transfer to the HMS Indefatigable, Hether hits the ceiling (literally) wheras Cleveland is too excited about the prize money. Horatio shows no emotion at all, just continues to stare blankly at the wall; feelings of guilt and signs of mourning absorbing his body. The following night, Horatio goes to Captain Keene and tells him that he wishes to remain on the Justinina with him, Keene admires Horatio's loyalty but he tells him that this is an opprotunity that he will never recieve again. Horatio agrees and is transferred to the Indefatigable, where there is at first a long speech and hail led by Sir Captain Edward Pellew. The Captain wishes to speak to Horatio in his cabin, Pellew first starts out by saying that Simpson is well and will rejoin the navy but he is going to remain aboard the Justinina. He also mentions that Keene is getting caught up in age, but Horatio says that he is great captain. Pellew scolds Horatio in saying "It is not your job to damn nor defend him." Horatio remains silent again, Pellew tells Horatio that he never judges a man by his actions BUT his actions have already cost the Navy two men one injured and one dead. Horatio protests in saying that no one has mourned Clayton more than him and that he resents that comment. Pellew shouts; "Damn your impudence, sir!" but quiets down quickly. He then orders Horatio to never try to fight a duel ever again, and Horatio agrees. Pellew then tells Horatio that the seamen of the Justinina are now in his charge.
Horatio is introduced to the seamen; Stevens, Williams, Oldroyd, Matthews, Finch, and a cheeky and plaster face Styles. Horatio asks Styles what happened to his face, Finch is about to say something when Matthews nudges him and so he remains still. Styles says that he just gets boils, Horatio asks if he does anything about it and Styles say he just plasters them. Oldroyd begins to snicker, Horatio says that everything looks well but orders them to never disobey them, he silences Oldroy before finally stepping away. Styles whacks the back of Finch's head for almost blabbing the secret. Later on, Horatio wonders onto the bottom deck where he hears shouts and jeers coming from a corner. He stays hidden in the shadows as observes the seamen gamble by killing numerous rats without the use of their hands, Styles is bitten as tries to catch a rat; which he succeeds. Oldroy calls time and says that Styles' final count is five, Styles says it was six because he just killed the last rat, the men begin to argue when Horatio finally comes into their view. Styles say they aren't on duty, but Horatio says they are gambling which is even worse. He warns them that they could be condemned, flogged, or sentenced to death; Styles shoots him a foul look, Horatio warns him that one more look like that and he will do it. Matthews warns Styles to ease off, Horatio continues in saying that he doesn't want his men sulking around like a damned frenchmen. Matthews says that Simpson allowed this, Horatio argues that Simpson is not in charge of them anymore and that he is the one they should obey. Horatio tells them to get to work, Styles tries to say something but Horatio YELLS at him that he gave an order.
Soon after this, a battle ensues. Cannons fire with loud booms echoing through the air, the Indefatiable is hit and Williams' leg is torn off. Horatio and Styles help him down to the cabin where Doctor Hepphlewhite is patching up Lieutenant Chadd, Horatio says that Williams is in more need. Chadd seems like he is going to protest, but instead he allows Hepphlewhite to tend to him. When Horatio and Styles return, the battle is over as quickly as it started. Archie runs up to Horatio, bragging about he killed two men...or one, at least. He tells Horatio that he should've been there, Horatio again thinks about the friend he lost in the beginning. Later in the day, a funeral service for Williams is held by Eccleston who has to turn to Horatio to help him remember his name, Horatio reminds him and Danny Williams is condemned to the sea. Everyone goes about their regular duties when Styles approaches Horatio and thanks him for trying to save Williams, Horatio tells him to tell them that he is very welcome, Styles leaves Horatio with a salute. Horatio says that it's a start. Later, the Indefatigable comes aboard a French frigate which has a few men aboard; Eccleston (who speaks excellent French) says that it is a simpe ship just carrying rice to France and that most of the crew was lost. Pellew tells Eccleston that they will lead the ship back to England; he orders Horatio and his men to get aboard the frigate and to lead to a safe port in England. Archie congratulates Horatio for recieving his first command.
Styles, Matthews, Oldroy, Finch and Horatio get aboard the ship and find all of the crew is drunk. The men come face to face with Captain Forget, the captain of the ship. Who says he refuses to be involved with anything assosicated with Horatio and his men, Horatio says it is best if he doesn't want to be hanged. Horatio tells Styles to stop drinking, as he orders for Finch to take Captain Forget down below. Horatio asks Matthews if he's had the longest time in the navy, Matthews proudly says that he's been involved in 13 years of service, and so Horatio appoints him as first mate. Horatio orders them, but Matthews and Oldroy aren't moving. Matthews says they are going to need some extra help and they hope that Horatio was thinking of releasing the men, Horatio smiles and says that it was his intention to do so. Horatio tells Matthews that the men are drunk and might be stubborn, Matthews tells him not to worry and that they can get them to work drunk or sober. Horatio naps in his cabin where he has a brief nightmare about Pellew, but he quickly remembers his job.
Captain Forget points out that there is a large hole in the ship, Horatio uses some netting skills to patch up the hole. But a few days later, there is a bigger problem. Matthews notices that the rice is swelling up and it won't be long before the hole bursts and the boat is loaded with rice so heavy that it will sink the ship. Captain Forget tells Horatio there is no choice but to abandon ship, Horatio agrees and everyone abandons the ship and watch it sink with despair. Now, the Frenchies, the seamen, Horatio and Captain Forget are together in a tiny longboat and hardly have any wind to set the sail. Horatio argues with Captain Forget and makes him swear that he won't try a mutiny on him, both Forget and his crew seemingly swear that they won't. Everything goes well for awhile, Finch is serving water to the men when he accidentally trips and is grabbed by one of the Frenchmen and has his pistol taken from him. Horatio and the seamen take out their pistols, and hold them to the man who has a hold on Finch. Forget draws his pistol as well as his men, he orders for Horatio and his men to drop their guns. They obey reluctantly as Finch apologizes to Horatio for being clumsy, Forget approaches Horatio and demmands his belongings. Horatio hands him his maps as the seamen give up their pistols, Forget demmands Horatio to give him his compass. Horatio takes out his compass and throws it overboard, only to be punched by Forget.
Forget is now in charge, leaving Horatio and his men to do all the rowing. They wonder why Horatio threw his compass overboard, Horatio says because Forget only knows how to sail by the sun and not the night. The men tell him that they are heading straight for France, Horatio says it's the other way around. He knew that Forget was thinking that they were sailing to France, when in fact they were heading further away and which they still are. An argument suddenly breaks out between one of the Frenchman and Forget, Forget gets angry and slaps the man. Horatio quickly swipes his pistol back and holds it to Forget, just as the Indefatigable comes into plain sight. The men are greeted with open arms by the other men, the seamen can't help but brag about Horatio, who is just as happy to be back as they are. The French are taken to the brig as Pellew welcomes Horatio back. This happiness is dashed when early the next day, they are put under attack. The Indefatigable loses after losing track of the ship, but then it's spotted; another ship! A ship that has obviously been attacked! They recongnize it as one of their own, Pellew sends Horatio and his men to search for survivors. And so, they set out to the ocean to search for living souls, they find at least five men alive and well. And then Horatio see's it, a skull tattooed on a very familiar knuckle, the man looks up to Horatio. And to Horatio's much suprise, there he is...Jack Simpson.
Simpson tells the story of what happened to the Justinina and forges sadness in front of Archie and Horatio, who have their minds drawn on the past. Pellew, Mister Bowles, and Eccleston discuss overtaking the French ship that attacked them earlier in the day, they all agree it is a wonderful plan. Horatio and Archie are too distracted to understand what is going on around them. Pellew tells Eccleston that he will lead his men aboard at night and overtake it, and since Simpson is their only guide; he must accompany them, Eccleston skeptically agrees whereas Horatio and Archie are not very happy about this at all. Archie goes down into the cabin to retrieve his hat, Simpson startles him and tells him just how much he missed him. And just as he is about to advance on him, Horatio enters and tells Simpson, clear to his face, that he has no hold over them anymore and that the past is well behind them. Horatio leads Archie away from the menancing brute. The men fall in later that night, Horatio asks Archie if he is nervous; but the young teenager is silent. They all sneak into the longboats and begin to row quietly towards The Papillion, the french ship. Suddenly, Archie falls to the ground; having another one of his frightening fits. Archie begins yelling an awful lot, Oldroy tries to cuff his hand over Archie's mouth; but it does no good. Horatio has no choice, he lifts a tool (quite similiar to what Clayton used to knock him out), and knocks out Archie.
Horatio tries to quietly get aboard, but he falters and trips over some cannon balls. He shoots the two men who were on the watch, and soon all of his men come out to attack the Frenchies. The fighting is going well when Eccleston notices that the sail must be unknotted so they can set sail and meet up with the Indy, he orders Horatio to climb up and tie it lose. Matthews, Finch, and Horatio climb up to helps Stevens, only to watch him fall to his death. Matthews says it's no use, that the pole is too narrow. Horatio orders his men to follow him across the beam, Horatio lets out a triple damn as he crosses the 20-feet-high narrow pole without assistance from anything, Eccleston watches in amazement from ground level. Simpson wishes to distract Horatio from his task, and so he knows the only way is to kill him. He takes out his knife and cuts the ropes free to the longboat, leaving unconcious Archie inside and leading him into the ocean. He grabs a pistol off a dead midshipman from the Indy. Horatio, Matthews, and Finch finally get the sail lose; until Horatio notices Archie & the longboat. Simpson shoots Horatio in the eye causing him to collaspe in the ocean, he then walks up to Eccleston and announces that the ship is theirs. Eccleston thanks god and tells Simpson to give him his compliments to Horatio. Simpson says that Horatio fell from the watch because he saw him. Horatio is saved by Finch and thankfully, he has not sustained any major injuries.
The next morning aboard the Papillion, Horatio is getting cleaned up by Finch. Finch says it's a nasty cut but he'll mend, Horatio asks about Archie. Styles and Oldroy tell him that they never found him, and he's probably lost forever. Horatio remembers just exactly who shot him and goes to tell, a bloody, but happy Lieutenant Eccleston. Horatio tells him Simpson is the one who shot him and not a Frenchman, Eccleston says that is a serious accusation; Horatio says he is not lying. A cannon suddenly booms, Eccleston quickly tells Horatio that he will see charges are brought against Simpson when they rereach the Indefatigable. Suddenly, another cannon fires and sends Horatio flying through the air. He is helped by Matthews and Oldroy, he finds Lieutenant Eccleston and Lieutant Chadd both crushed and wounded underneath a pole. Eccleston mistakes Horatio for Chadd, Horatio tells him that it's only him; he summons for a surgeon. Eccleston wants to know where Chadd is, Mister Bowles checks the pulse on Chadd and finds that he has none. Horatio tells Eccleston that Chadd is dead, Eccleston leaves his final order; that Horatio is to be Captain of the Papillion, he tells Horatio to reach the Indy safe and sound and with that; he closes his eyes and passes on.
Horatio is clearly distraught, but Simpson shows no emotion at all; only begins to order everyone. Horatio says that Eccleston left him in charge and asks Mister Bowles to tell Simpson what he heard. Mister Bowles agrees with Horatio, who orders Styles and Matthews to take Simpson to the brig. Simpson gets angry and says that he runs the ship, Horatio tells Mister Bowles to assist the gentlemen into helping Matthews and Styles get Simpson to the brig and if he gets out of order, he has his permission to shoot him. They soon arrive back on the Indefatigable, Pellew sadly can tell that Eccleston was killed. He sighs and asks Horatio how he sustained his injury. We cut to Pellew's quarters where Simpson is angry and accuses Horatio about lying about he got shot, he calls him a coward and such like. Pellew tells Simpson not to talk out of order, and he also says that Horatio is unable to fight in another duel due to the comission he gave him earlier. Pellew removes the comission and tells Horatio that he can fight the duel, but he strongly advises against it. Horatio says he wishes to be done with Simpson and since he cannot prove this in no other way then with his body, he has no choice but "to accept his challenge." The next morning on the beach is where the duel begins
Simpson and Horatio stand back to back as Hepphlewhite goes over the rules, Simpson whispers to Horatio that he is going to kill him just like he killed Clayton, Horatio tries to his best ignore the comment. He then tells him he'll also kill him the same way he killed Archie. Horatio pauses for a moment but then realizes it is time to focus on killing the bastard. They stand five feet apart and hold up their guns, before Hepphlewhite can call fire, Simpson shoots Horatio and wounds his shoulder. Horatio grunts for awhile, but picks himself up quickly and throws himself at Simpson and snatches his pistol away. Simpson begs for mercy, Horatio (with a remorseful look) shoots up in the air and tells Simpson that he isn't worth the powder. Horatio walks away, unaware that Simpso is lunging at him with a dagger; another gunshot rings out. Horatio turns around and see's Simpson was shot in his chest, he soon dies shortly after. Horatio is very relieved that the monster has finally been killed. But who fired? We scan to the rocks and see Mister Bowles and a sastisfied Pellew standing together. A few hours later aboard the Indefatigable, Horatio thanks Pellew for killing Simpson. Pellew tells Horatio that he is welcome, he also tells him that he fought one duel and that is fine; but to never fight another is better. The film ends as Horatio and Pellew stand and overlook the men of the Indy and sail off for another adventure.
