August 25, 2025 • 19 mins
https://www.solgoodmedia.com - Listen to hundreds of audiobooks, thousands of short stories, and ambient sounds all ad free! "Old Time Radio Horatio Hornblower" brings the timeless naval adventures of Captain Hornblower to today's audience in this engaging podcast series. Experience the drama of historical sea battles and strategic maneuvers, all through the classic format of old time radio shows.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Hold all hands back the quarters.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
A good turn by this cab battery.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
One broadside didn't want it to please. Captain Bush fint
us on target, didn't stop.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Ready, eyes already fire.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Possessing Michael Redgrave as CS Forester's Indomitable Man of the
Sea Ratio Hornblower.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
I shall never forget my eighteenth birthday.
Speaker 5 (01:56):
Usually when a man's young, birthdays are joyous occasions. But
there I was in the year seventeen ninety four, young
midshipman Hornblower, and I was a prisoner on board a
French privateer. It was the saddest birthday I ever had.
And here's the way it began. A week before my birthday.
Was adrift on the Bay of Biscuit in an open
(02:17):
boat with four British sailors and ten captured frenchmen. The
Midshipman Hornblower had lost his first command. Don't take it
so are mister Hornblow, Sir. We're bad to get picked up.
Sometimes I'd even be by our own ship, the indefatigable, Sir, wish.
Speaker 6 (02:33):
We'd never left the indefatigable matters.
Speaker 5 (02:35):
It wasn't your fault that blasted brush ship floundered under us.
I don't remember to patch up that hole in the
hole matters.
Speaker 4 (02:41):
If I'd remembered in time it was below with the
water line, sir.
Speaker 6 (02:44):
Below or above, I should have had my wits about me.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
It was that cargo rise down the damage, Sir, soaking
up every drop of water to come in.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
By the time we.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
Realized it, it swirled all up, spit that cargo ship apart.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Like it was a pea pod.
Speaker 6 (02:55):
The Merry Gallant, my first command.
Speaker 5 (02:58):
Signed think could happened to any the old man take
a pardon, Captain below, won't blame you for it.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
I blame myself, But don't you see, Matters.
Speaker 5 (03:07):
I was ordered to take over the Mary Gallant after
the indefatigable stopped him. She was a prize of war.
I had orders to sell it to England, not to
the bottom. I blame myself, and I shall tell Captain Belue,
sir when I make my report.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
Yes, sir, mister rone blow, sir, but come the wind's backing.
Speaker 6 (03:30):
Yes, I noticed, Matthews.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
We better take Hi the sea anchor, no sales.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
If it holds, we may manage to clear Ushant and
set a true course for England. Hunter. All in that
sanchor hunter, call our prisoners to attention me. I still
rated my petty officer.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You know I are there.
Speaker 5 (03:47):
Father, You marshars, wake up on your feet.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
What he's unnan?
Speaker 6 (03:55):
We're hoisting sail.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Have your man stand by the halliots?
Speaker 6 (03:59):
L now?
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Oh tah?
Speaker 1 (04:02):
How come.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
I don't want t shirt?
Speaker 5 (04:06):
They're arguing with their officers. So there it comes.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Now that's far enough stands, I asked father. In this
small open boat.
Speaker 6 (04:18):
People from where you are?
Speaker 1 (04:19):
I ordered your men to make sail. We may eat
that fears. You are setting a strange course.
Speaker 6 (04:24):
And what's strange about it?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
You have terms that you are to wear west. That
is no way to reach the coast. It is the
coast of England channel monsieur fluent for England.
Speaker 6 (04:39):
This is insane.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
A small open boat, it is hundreds of miles, yes
it is French coast. Is no more than thirty or
forty miles. No, I'm not a lieutenant, I'm a midshipment.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Yeah yeah, keep your distance.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
This is badness.
Speaker 6 (04:54):
My man will not obey paste.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
How old are you? Sixteen seventeen?
Speaker 6 (05:00):
I shall be eighteen next week.
Speaker 5 (05:01):
A child in me? A child?
Speaker 1 (05:03):
How can you give all else?
Speaker 4 (05:04):
I am more than twice.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
Your age is season niner.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
There it's only one cross to eight fossil fans or
what they're right?
Speaker 1 (05:13):
That does not one step further than this pistil will
go on?
Speaker 6 (05:16):
Are you you.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Would should one step and I'll pull the trigger you
want to. I'm in the host sale.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
The first one that disabeys will be sat.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
I mean must use you give that order?
Speaker 5 (05:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Is here a world?
Speaker 5 (05:34):
Okay, well that's a hi, mister Ormblowers, a proper ferocious.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
You're up with that pistol?
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Mind if I make one suggestion.
Speaker 5 (05:44):
To someone next time, you have better cocked the pistol, sir?
Speaker 6 (05:49):
Why it is now? It wouldn't even fire.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
There's many things I had to learn when I was young,
midship horn Blow.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
I remember how.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
My knees shook as I sat in the stern sheets,
and how furious I was with myself.
Speaker 6 (06:07):
For getting to cock a pistol.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Well, the tiny open boat sailed westward, and for two
days there was no sign of a sail anywhere except mine.
Speaker 6 (06:17):
And then at dawn of the third day.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Mister Rongbo, wake up, Oh, there's a sail.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
Bearing down on the sail where off.
Speaker 6 (06:26):
The port quarter. Well, it might be our own ship, Matthews.
I plump that the indefaticle will pick us up.
Speaker 5 (06:32):
Oh yes, sir, it's still far from full daylight.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
But the top end of that vessel is clear to
make up. It ain't the indefatigable, sir. Sorry, no, it's
not still and all. There might be other British ships
standing blockade off this coast.
Speaker 6 (06:47):
Night the French.
Speaker 4 (06:48):
Ay, sir, it might. We'll know soon enough. It's coming
right down on us.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
Welcome aboard, sir, to the French privateer peak.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
I am capital new.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Villain, and you am Midshipman Hornblower. This Britannic medicine ship indefapitable.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
You were in an open boat.
Speaker 6 (07:11):
We captured the prize. I was put aboard in command.
It sank regrettable.
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Now the tables are turned, the queue of your prize
are free.
Speaker 4 (07:21):
It is you what wisidesses? No?
Speaker 5 (07:23):
No, no, your pistols please, and that derk.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
I show you to your quarters. Will you come?
Speaker 6 (07:35):
Well?
Speaker 4 (07:36):
Now this I'm bad, mister owne Blair, and.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
You like the quarters matters.
Speaker 6 (07:40):
Come in, Oh, Captain.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
Nerville, you are surprised, Monsieur Hornblower. There is a reason
for my quick return. Two of your crew are proving difficult.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
Carson and Hunter perhaps whatever their names. They have been
ordered to do work aboard the peak, and they refuse.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
And why'm bridegate. Shouldn't they refuse?
Speaker 5 (07:59):
That's a Matthews, Captainville, My men and I are prisoners
by the International Code governing Treatment of prisons.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
I anturn with the code.
Speaker 5 (08:08):
You forget.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
I'm a privateer. I set my own rule. But no,
but my dear young.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Man, they shall work or I will have them.
Speaker 4 (08:16):
Thrown over the side.
Speaker 6 (08:17):
Wouldn't there?
Speaker 5 (08:18):
I assure you it is highly probable. And this man
also his name Matthews. Matthews. Well, Monsieur Monborne Matthews. You
will go between decks and tell Hunter, Carson and Smith
to comply.
Speaker 6 (08:34):
And you also, Hi, eye, sir.
Speaker 4 (08:40):
I make an exception only in the.
Speaker 6 (08:42):
Case of officer. It's my thanks.
Speaker 4 (08:44):
How old are you? What's never mind? Very young?
Speaker 5 (08:47):
I am certain, but you will become more ardent with age. Now,
my friend, is there any courtesy I can extend?
Speaker 6 (08:56):
I don't know what. Perhaps some well reading.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Matter my p one of professional books, Rajan's Principles of
Navigation and Lebron's and book.
Speaker 6 (09:05):
On Sea the French.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
You're gonna read French.
Speaker 6 (09:08):
Badly, But well I might as well learn.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
You shall have them, and you shall also have the
freedom of the ship, Monsieur Romblois.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
But do not attempt anything.
Speaker 6 (09:18):
My co have most sharp eyes.
Speaker 7 (09:25):
S I light the lampser, Yes, well, well I might
as well read. Yes, my despair was as deep as
the pit, as wide as the endless, as all the
sorrows of use, and I felt most particularly low spirited
on that one special.
Speaker 5 (09:45):
Day, today's date, sir, when did youly the fourth? Well,
congratulate by Matthews. It's my birthday now, born eighteen years ago,
July the fourth, seventeen seventy six.
Speaker 6 (09:55):
Do you ever have a birthday cake? Matthews, Lisa, No,
every I can remember until I joined the navy.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
Our cake now better than ship's biscuit. Anytime I would say,
was it a good cake?
Speaker 6 (10:07):
Sir?
Speaker 5 (10:07):
Always my mother begged it must have been then, And
one year she put candles on them, candles it's on top,
small candles and lighted them one by one for each birthday.
Oh well, you don't sound impressed, Matthews. Don't know, as
I answer, you can enjoy a cake with candle drippings
all over.
Speaker 6 (10:24):
He blew them all audable they dripped.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
It was good luck.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Matthews. Lighted candles meant good luck.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
Hm.
Speaker 6 (10:32):
Well, no candles.
Speaker 5 (10:34):
Today, no, sir, no cake either, mister ormbler. It's it's
awful stuff. He cooped up in this cabin. Why don't
you spend some time on deck, hi, will Matthews tomorrow?
(10:55):
Well on deck today, aimster?
Speaker 4 (10:58):
Yes, and how you were like our good ship peak?
Speaker 5 (11:00):
Oh well your ship's been a yeah, yeah, I guess.
Speaker 6 (11:04):
It means she handled as well. Captain.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Oh, sir, she does.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
Miss your umbly extremely well, fast and light, and there
is none better before the wind. Now make yourself a liberty,
oh hill, he said, Oh.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Morning Matthews, morning sir.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
No, no, keep on working aboard this vessel. You will
take orders from them a.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Holy stone the deck and pick oapen.
Speaker 5 (11:35):
Well, he had the same duties aboard the Indefatigable and
used to swear about them. I wouldn't swear now, even
though our ship's got twice the deck business or at.
Speaker 6 (11:42):
Least you're kept busy. I don't know which is worth
being busy?
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Shell sail.
Speaker 6 (11:55):
Matthews.
Speaker 5 (11:56):
Look, how's pointing towards the starboard bar.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
I'm on the should quick man. Well, well, Matthews must
speak up.
Speaker 6 (12:07):
Is it British?
Speaker 5 (12:08):
It's headden, it's why it's the indefatigable, sir, or I'm
a blind man.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
I'd swear it's the indepaticable.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
It's more years now than I care to can't, but
I remember that moment well myself as a midshipman one
day beyond my eighteenth birthday, a prisoner who aboard the
French privateer Peak.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
I blamed myself for being.
Speaker 5 (12:34):
A prisoner, but my heart jumped at the prospect of rescue.
A sail had been sighted. It was only a speck
on that distant horizon, but it was instantly recognizable.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
As a glimpse of home.
Speaker 5 (12:47):
Indefatigable, it's caught sight of us, and said, courseless way,
it's our.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Own ship, Matthews.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
So I might have been mistaken. All shown is the
top gunt.
Speaker 6 (12:54):
I'll not mistaken, Matthews. I recognize that cut anywhere, at
any distance.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
You can make up more of her now.
Speaker 6 (12:58):
Yes, yes, Captain Polie is loosing her Royals.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
All sales set matters.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
We'll be back on board in time for God.
Speaker 4 (13:06):
Do not set your hopes too high with your own
captain Mervi. Wait, your lateship, I understand possibly a frigator.
She' not a.
Speaker 5 (13:16):
British frigate without guns. You three to one first, he
must come within range. What is our best point of sailing?
I refuse to answer that question.
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Please do not look so noble as your own blowyer.
I could induce you to give the information. There are ways.
Unfortunately for you it is unnecessary.
Speaker 5 (13:35):
There is no ship on earth, especially none of his
Britannic Majesty's clumsy frigates that can outsail the peak running
before the wind. Don't believe it.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Then you shall see why.
Speaker 5 (13:46):
Ship s.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Well your seam as your own blo.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
Yes, already your indie fatigable is polling parastnyes.
Speaker 6 (14:04):
I can see.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
Yes. Two more hours and we shall have one of
my steads under.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
Us, very likely for certain.
Speaker 4 (14:17):
Close that door, quick.
Speaker 6 (14:19):
Pets those mattresses off the cards.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
The mattresses is sah paper paper, I need paper, but
the books.
Speaker 5 (14:29):
I hate to tear up Gane's principles of navigation. I
don't stand there matter it was over here here is
it's the wrong blower now I haven't taken leave of
my senses. If that's what you're thinking is ripples mattresses open,
rip them? Yes, yes, here man, it's traw good, pull
(14:49):
it out, matters, pull it out.
Speaker 6 (14:51):
Pile, pile the store up here on top of the paper.
Huh that's it.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Now, fetch me the lamp, isa, Yeah, cable of it, sir.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
It's fair art. That's the heart of the better. There's
grease inside, hot grease, and luckily.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
It's lighted, and the grease goes over the stall like that. Now, Matthews,
we'll take one page from Principles of Navigation and make
a taper of it. So by the lower areas high
you know what's behind that wall, Yes, the paint locker.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
There's nothing burnt like paint.
Speaker 5 (15:25):
Like paint or dry wood or cordage soaked with pitch
and tie at that taper I gave you quickly, Artha.
The peak is sailing before the wind, and this cabins
in the star and well below decks. If it gets started,
the wind will blow the flames furrow.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
If I don't discover it first, we'll not talk of that.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
You better start.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
Yes, looks like a candle, doesn't it sir, a small
flickering candle for a birthday cake.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
Well, it'll make.
Speaker 5 (15:49):
A brighter flame by fire, I hope. All right, Matthews will.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Get that bomb. You have started a bompfire, sir, No, no, no.
Speaker 5 (16:02):
Leave the door open and stay behind us my open spotify. Well,
can't have a fire without a decent draft.
Speaker 6 (16:07):
And either way it's a gamble.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Now come on up on deck now and do your
best to act as if nothing were a miss.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
Why we ran, followed five desperate men.
Speaker 5 (16:24):
It was a reckless sort you. But while completely opens,
the bow gun was well attended. As I led the way,
I came full face against Captain Nerville. You cannot shoot
us in cold blood cord, I boil with despair of
my beautiful ship. Beak. You shall be follow.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Inside, you shall be.
Speaker 5 (16:46):
I advise you to put up that pistol and surrender,
Captain Neview. Those are the guns of the indefatigable.
Speaker 6 (16:55):
The old looked, and I remember how I looked.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
I stared at my heart in my eyes, the peak
at Idol, wallowing in smoke and ruin, and bearing down
with all sails, set a wave creaming white under her.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
Byesprit came the indefatigable.
Speaker 5 (17:12):
She rounded two her cable's length to windward, her gun
ports open at already, first came launches to fight the fire,
and then swarming over the side, came an armed party
with Lieutenant Mason in charge. I shall never forget the
amazement of his eyes when he caught sight of us.
Good Lord, you Honda, what are you doing here?
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Well, sir, you have our mind.
Speaker 5 (17:32):
Now you'll make your report to Captain Vilior. Now where's
the captain of this wreck?
Speaker 6 (17:37):
I am the capital.
Speaker 5 (17:38):
Answer, ah, extremely bad luck, sir, Lieutenant Mason of his
Majesty's ship indefatigable. I will accept your surrender, sir. Come in,
(18:02):
mitche Man Hornbler reporting to Captain Bellew. I called you
in for some further questions. Hornlawer. It's not entirely clear
what you devote most of your report.
Speaker 6 (18:13):
To the Rice ship the Mary Gallant. Yes, you appear
to blame yourself for losing her.
Speaker 4 (18:19):
It was my faults.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
I will assess responsibility.
Speaker 6 (18:23):
You mean I'm not to blame.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
I believe I have already so stated.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
Go along.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Horatio Hornblower's starring Michael Redgrave, is based on the novels
of CS Forrester Music composed and conducted by Sydney Torch,
produced by Harry Allen Towers,
Hold all hands back the quarters.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
A good turn by this cab battery.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
One broadside didn't want it to please. Captain Bush fint
us on target, didn't stop.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Ready, eyes already fire.
Speaker 3 (00:36):
Possessing Michael Redgrave as CS Forester's Indomitable Man of the
Sea Ratio Hornblower.
Speaker 4 (01:52):
I shall never forget my eighteenth birthday.
Speaker 5 (01:56):
Usually when a man's young, birthdays are joyous occasions. But
there I was in the year seventeen ninety four, young
midshipman Hornblower, and I was a prisoner on board a
French privateer. It was the saddest birthday I ever had.
And here's the way it began. A week before my birthday.
Was adrift on the Bay of Biscuit in an open
(02:17):
boat with four British sailors and ten captured frenchmen. The
Midshipman Hornblower had lost his first command. Don't take it
so are mister Hornblow, Sir. We're bad to get picked up.
Sometimes I'd even be by our own ship, the indefatigable, Sir, wish.
Speaker 6 (02:33):
We'd never left the indefatigable matters.
Speaker 5 (02:35):
It wasn't your fault that blasted brush ship floundered under us.
I don't remember to patch up that hole in the
hole matters.
Speaker 4 (02:41):
If I'd remembered in time it was below with the
water line, sir.
Speaker 6 (02:44):
Below or above, I should have had my wits about me.
Speaker 5 (02:46):
It was that cargo rise down the damage, Sir, soaking
up every drop of water to come in.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
By the time we.
Speaker 5 (02:51):
Realized it, it swirled all up, spit that cargo ship apart.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Like it was a pea pod.
Speaker 6 (02:55):
The Merry Gallant, my first command.
Speaker 5 (02:58):
Signed think could happened to any the old man take
a pardon, Captain below, won't blame you for it.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
I blame myself, But don't you see, Matters.
Speaker 5 (03:07):
I was ordered to take over the Mary Gallant after
the indefatigable stopped him. She was a prize of war.
I had orders to sell it to England, not to
the bottom. I blame myself, and I shall tell Captain Belue,
sir when I make my report.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
Yes, sir, mister rone blow, sir, but come the wind's backing.
Speaker 6 (03:30):
Yes, I noticed, Matthews.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
We better take Hi the sea anchor, no sales.
Speaker 5 (03:33):
If it holds, we may manage to clear Ushant and
set a true course for England. Hunter. All in that
sanchor hunter, call our prisoners to attention me. I still
rated my petty officer.
Speaker 1 (03:45):
You know I are there.
Speaker 5 (03:47):
Father, You marshars, wake up on your feet.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
What he's unnan?
Speaker 6 (03:55):
We're hoisting sail.
Speaker 1 (03:56):
Have your man stand by the halliots?
Speaker 6 (03:59):
L now?
Speaker 4 (04:01):
Oh tah?
Speaker 1 (04:02):
How come.
Speaker 6 (04:04):
I don't want t shirt?
Speaker 5 (04:06):
They're arguing with their officers. So there it comes.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Now that's far enough stands, I asked father. In this
small open boat.
Speaker 6 (04:18):
People from where you are?
Speaker 1 (04:19):
I ordered your men to make sail. We may eat
that fears. You are setting a strange course.
Speaker 6 (04:24):
And what's strange about it?
Speaker 1 (04:25):
You have terms that you are to wear west. That
is no way to reach the coast. It is the
coast of England channel monsieur fluent for England.
Speaker 6 (04:39):
This is insane.
Speaker 5 (04:40):
A small open boat, it is hundreds of miles, yes
it is French coast. Is no more than thirty or
forty miles. No, I'm not a lieutenant, I'm a midshipment.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
Yeah yeah, keep your distance.
Speaker 4 (04:53):
This is badness.
Speaker 6 (04:54):
My man will not obey paste.
Speaker 1 (04:57):
How old are you? Sixteen seventeen?
Speaker 6 (05:00):
I shall be eighteen next week.
Speaker 5 (05:01):
A child in me? A child?
Speaker 1 (05:03):
How can you give all else?
Speaker 4 (05:04):
I am more than twice.
Speaker 6 (05:06):
Your age is season niner.
Speaker 5 (05:09):
There it's only one cross to eight fossil fans or
what they're right?
Speaker 1 (05:13):
That does not one step further than this pistil will
go on?
Speaker 6 (05:16):
Are you you.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
Would should one step and I'll pull the trigger you
want to. I'm in the host sale.
Speaker 5 (05:23):
The first one that disabeys will be sat.
Speaker 1 (05:24):
I mean must use you give that order?
Speaker 5 (05:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (05:30):
Is here a world?
Speaker 5 (05:34):
Okay, well that's a hi, mister Ormblowers, a proper ferocious.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
You're up with that pistol?
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Mind if I make one suggestion.
Speaker 5 (05:44):
To someone next time, you have better cocked the pistol, sir?
Speaker 6 (05:49):
Why it is now? It wouldn't even fire.
Speaker 5 (05:57):
There's many things I had to learn when I was young,
midship horn Blow.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
I remember how.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
My knees shook as I sat in the stern sheets,
and how furious I was with myself.
Speaker 6 (06:07):
For getting to cock a pistol.
Speaker 5 (06:10):
Well, the tiny open boat sailed westward, and for two
days there was no sign of a sail anywhere except mine.
Speaker 6 (06:17):
And then at dawn of the third day.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Mister Rongbo, wake up, Oh, there's a sail.
Speaker 4 (06:24):
Bearing down on the sail where off.
Speaker 6 (06:26):
The port quarter. Well, it might be our own ship, Matthews.
I plump that the indefaticle will pick us up.
Speaker 5 (06:32):
Oh yes, sir, it's still far from full daylight.
Speaker 4 (06:36):
But the top end of that vessel is clear to
make up. It ain't the indefatigable, sir. Sorry, no, it's
not still and all. There might be other British ships
standing blockade off this coast.
Speaker 6 (06:47):
Night the French.
Speaker 4 (06:48):
Ay, sir, it might. We'll know soon enough. It's coming
right down on us.
Speaker 5 (07:00):
Welcome aboard, sir, to the French privateer peak.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
I am capital new.
Speaker 6 (07:04):
Villain, and you am Midshipman Hornblower. This Britannic medicine ship indefapitable.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
You were in an open boat.
Speaker 6 (07:11):
We captured the prize. I was put aboard in command.
It sank regrettable.
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Now the tables are turned, the queue of your prize
are free.
Speaker 4 (07:21):
It is you what wisidesses? No?
Speaker 5 (07:23):
No, no, your pistols please, and that derk.
Speaker 4 (07:27):
I show you to your quarters. Will you come?
Speaker 6 (07:35):
Well?
Speaker 4 (07:36):
Now this I'm bad, mister owne Blair, and.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
You like the quarters matters.
Speaker 6 (07:40):
Come in, Oh, Captain.
Speaker 4 (07:43):
Nerville, you are surprised, Monsieur Hornblower. There is a reason
for my quick return. Two of your crew are proving difficult.
Speaker 5 (07:51):
Carson and Hunter perhaps whatever their names. They have been
ordered to do work aboard the peak, and they refuse.
Speaker 4 (07:57):
And why'm bridegate. Shouldn't they refuse?
Speaker 5 (07:59):
That's a Matthews, Captainville, My men and I are prisoners
by the International Code governing Treatment of prisons.
Speaker 4 (08:05):
I anturn with the code.
Speaker 5 (08:08):
You forget.
Speaker 4 (08:08):
I'm a privateer. I set my own rule. But no,
but my dear young.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Man, they shall work or I will have them.
Speaker 4 (08:16):
Thrown over the side.
Speaker 6 (08:17):
Wouldn't there?
Speaker 5 (08:18):
I assure you it is highly probable. And this man
also his name Matthews. Matthews. Well, Monsieur Monborne Matthews. You
will go between decks and tell Hunter, Carson and Smith
to comply.
Speaker 6 (08:34):
And you also, Hi, eye, sir.
Speaker 4 (08:40):
I make an exception only in the.
Speaker 6 (08:42):
Case of officer. It's my thanks.
Speaker 4 (08:44):
How old are you? What's never mind? Very young?
Speaker 5 (08:47):
I am certain, but you will become more ardent with age. Now,
my friend, is there any courtesy I can extend?
Speaker 6 (08:56):
I don't know what. Perhaps some well reading.
Speaker 5 (08:59):
Matter my p one of professional books, Rajan's Principles of
Navigation and Lebron's and book.
Speaker 6 (09:05):
On Sea the French.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
You're gonna read French.
Speaker 6 (09:08):
Badly, But well I might as well learn.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
You shall have them, and you shall also have the
freedom of the ship, Monsieur Romblois.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
But do not attempt anything.
Speaker 6 (09:18):
My co have most sharp eyes.
Speaker 7 (09:25):
S I light the lampser, Yes, well, well I might
as well read. Yes, my despair was as deep as
the pit, as wide as the endless, as all the
sorrows of use, and I felt most particularly low spirited
on that one special.
Speaker 5 (09:45):
Day, today's date, sir, when did youly the fourth? Well,
congratulate by Matthews. It's my birthday now, born eighteen years ago,
July the fourth, seventeen seventy six.
Speaker 6 (09:55):
Do you ever have a birthday cake? Matthews, Lisa, No,
every I can remember until I joined the navy.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
Our cake now better than ship's biscuit. Anytime I would say,
was it a good cake?
Speaker 6 (10:07):
Sir?
Speaker 5 (10:07):
Always my mother begged it must have been then, And
one year she put candles on them, candles it's on top,
small candles and lighted them one by one for each birthday.
Oh well, you don't sound impressed, Matthews. Don't know, as
I answer, you can enjoy a cake with candle drippings
all over.
Speaker 6 (10:24):
He blew them all audable they dripped.
Speaker 5 (10:26):
It was good luck.
Speaker 6 (10:27):
Matthews. Lighted candles meant good luck.
Speaker 4 (10:31):
Hm.
Speaker 6 (10:32):
Well, no candles.
Speaker 5 (10:34):
Today, no, sir, no cake either, mister ormbler. It's it's
awful stuff. He cooped up in this cabin. Why don't
you spend some time on deck, hi, will Matthews tomorrow?
(10:55):
Well on deck today, aimster?
Speaker 4 (10:58):
Yes, and how you were like our good ship peak?
Speaker 5 (11:00):
Oh well your ship's been a yeah, yeah, I guess.
Speaker 6 (11:04):
It means she handled as well. Captain.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
Oh, sir, she does.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
Miss your umbly extremely well, fast and light, and there
is none better before the wind. Now make yourself a liberty,
oh hill, he said, Oh.
Speaker 1 (11:27):
Morning Matthews, morning sir.
Speaker 6 (11:30):
No, no, keep on working aboard this vessel. You will
take orders from them a.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Holy stone the deck and pick oapen.
Speaker 5 (11:35):
Well, he had the same duties aboard the Indefatigable and
used to swear about them. I wouldn't swear now, even
though our ship's got twice the deck business or at.
Speaker 6 (11:42):
Least you're kept busy. I don't know which is worth
being busy?
Speaker 4 (11:48):
Shell sail.
Speaker 6 (11:55):
Matthews.
Speaker 5 (11:56):
Look, how's pointing towards the starboard bar.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
I'm on the should quick man. Well, well, Matthews must
speak up.
Speaker 6 (12:07):
Is it British?
Speaker 5 (12:08):
It's headden, it's why it's the indefatigable, sir, or I'm
a blind man.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
I'd swear it's the indepaticable.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
It's more years now than I care to can't, but
I remember that moment well myself as a midshipman one
day beyond my eighteenth birthday, a prisoner who aboard the
French privateer Peak.
Speaker 6 (12:33):
I blamed myself for being.
Speaker 5 (12:34):
A prisoner, but my heart jumped at the prospect of rescue.
A sail had been sighted. It was only a speck
on that distant horizon, but it was instantly recognizable.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
As a glimpse of home.
Speaker 5 (12:47):
Indefatigable, it's caught sight of us, and said, courseless way,
it's our.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Own ship, Matthews.
Speaker 4 (12:51):
So I might have been mistaken. All shown is the
top gunt.
Speaker 6 (12:54):
I'll not mistaken, Matthews. I recognize that cut anywhere, at
any distance.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
You can make up more of her now.
Speaker 6 (12:58):
Yes, yes, Captain Polie is loosing her Royals.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
All sales set matters.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
We'll be back on board in time for God.
Speaker 4 (13:06):
Do not set your hopes too high with your own
captain Mervi. Wait, your lateship, I understand possibly a frigator.
She' not a.
Speaker 5 (13:16):
British frigate without guns. You three to one first, he
must come within range. What is our best point of sailing?
I refuse to answer that question.
Speaker 4 (13:25):
Please do not look so noble as your own blowyer.
I could induce you to give the information. There are ways.
Unfortunately for you it is unnecessary.
Speaker 5 (13:35):
There is no ship on earth, especially none of his
Britannic Majesty's clumsy frigates that can outsail the peak running
before the wind. Don't believe it.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Then you shall see why.
Speaker 5 (13:46):
Ship s.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Well your seam as your own blo.
Speaker 5 (14:01):
Yes, already your indie fatigable is polling parastnyes.
Speaker 6 (14:04):
I can see.
Speaker 4 (14:05):
Yes. Two more hours and we shall have one of
my steads under.
Speaker 5 (14:08):
Us, very likely for certain.
Speaker 4 (14:17):
Close that door, quick.
Speaker 6 (14:19):
Pets those mattresses off the cards.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
The mattresses is sah paper paper, I need paper, but
the books.
Speaker 5 (14:29):
I hate to tear up Gane's principles of navigation. I
don't stand there matter it was over here here is
it's the wrong blower now I haven't taken leave of
my senses. If that's what you're thinking is ripples mattresses open,
rip them? Yes, yes, here man, it's traw good, pull
(14:49):
it out, matters, pull it out.
Speaker 6 (14:51):
Pile, pile the store up here on top of the paper.
Huh that's it.
Speaker 1 (14:58):
Now, fetch me the lamp, isa, Yeah, cable of it, sir.
Speaker 6 (15:01):
It's fair art. That's the heart of the better. There's
grease inside, hot grease, and luckily.
Speaker 5 (15:07):
It's lighted, and the grease goes over the stall like that. Now, Matthews,
we'll take one page from Principles of Navigation and make
a taper of it. So by the lower areas high
you know what's behind that wall, Yes, the paint locker.
Speaker 4 (15:24):
There's nothing burnt like paint.
Speaker 5 (15:25):
Like paint or dry wood or cordage soaked with pitch
and tie at that taper I gave you quickly, Artha.
The peak is sailing before the wind, and this cabins
in the star and well below decks. If it gets started,
the wind will blow the flames furrow.
Speaker 1 (15:36):
If I don't discover it first, we'll not talk of that.
Speaker 4 (15:39):
You better start.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
Yes, looks like a candle, doesn't it sir, a small
flickering candle for a birthday cake.
Speaker 6 (15:48):
Well, it'll make.
Speaker 5 (15:49):
A brighter flame by fire, I hope. All right, Matthews will.
Speaker 4 (15:55):
Get that bomb. You have started a bompfire, sir, No, no, no.
Speaker 5 (16:02):
Leave the door open and stay behind us my open spotify. Well,
can't have a fire without a decent draft.
Speaker 6 (16:07):
And either way it's a gamble.
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Now come on up on deck now and do your
best to act as if nothing were a miss.
Speaker 4 (16:17):
Why we ran, followed five desperate men.
Speaker 5 (16:24):
It was a reckless sort you. But while completely opens,
the bow gun was well attended. As I led the way,
I came full face against Captain Nerville. You cannot shoot
us in cold blood cord, I boil with despair of
my beautiful ship. Beak. You shall be follow.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
Inside, you shall be.
Speaker 5 (16:46):
I advise you to put up that pistol and surrender,
Captain Neview. Those are the guns of the indefatigable.
Speaker 6 (16:55):
The old looked, and I remember how I looked.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
I stared at my heart in my eyes, the peak
at Idol, wallowing in smoke and ruin, and bearing down
with all sails, set a wave creaming white under her.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
Byesprit came the indefatigable.
Speaker 5 (17:12):
She rounded two her cable's length to windward, her gun
ports open at already, first came launches to fight the fire,
and then swarming over the side, came an armed party
with Lieutenant Mason in charge. I shall never forget the
amazement of his eyes when he caught sight of us.
Good Lord, you Honda, what are you doing here?
Speaker 1 (17:31):
Well, sir, you have our mind.
Speaker 5 (17:32):
Now you'll make your report to Captain Vilior. Now where's
the captain of this wreck?
Speaker 6 (17:37):
I am the capital.
Speaker 5 (17:38):
Answer, ah, extremely bad luck, sir, Lieutenant Mason of his
Majesty's ship indefatigable. I will accept your surrender, sir. Come in,
(18:02):
mitche Man Hornbler reporting to Captain Bellew. I called you
in for some further questions. Hornlawer. It's not entirely clear
what you devote most of your report.
Speaker 6 (18:13):
To the Rice ship the Mary Gallant. Yes, you appear
to blame yourself for losing her.
Speaker 4 (18:19):
It was my faults.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
I will assess responsibility.
Speaker 6 (18:23):
You mean I'm not to blame.
Speaker 1 (18:26):
I believe I have already so stated.
Speaker 4 (18:29):
Go along.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Horatio Hornblower's starring Michael Redgrave, is based on the novels
of CS Forrester Music composed and conducted by Sydney Torch,
produced by Harry Allen Towers,
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