Horatio Hornblower - Alliance With Russia

0:00Call our hands, beat the quarters. One broadside into it as you please, Captain Bush. Point of on target. Vince Tuftrey. Eyes are ready. Fire! Presenting Michael Redgrew at C.S. Farristers in Dominable Man of the Sea, Horatio Hornblore.

1:22år a long time. Now go! Now go! Now go! Now go! Now go! It's strange how hard life can be well at sea, and yet how much a man can approve of it, even welcome it. On this several months ago, I'd been a country squire, so a ratio home lower, in residence with my lovely wife, Lady Barbara, wearing fashionable clothes, sitting down each meal to handle choice foods, yet, when my conscience troubles me in saying it, I'd left it all with no trace of regret. And once aboard the Nonsuch, a Commodore now, in command of a squadron of six vessels,

2:25I felt really alive. Not until Brown, my orderly reminded me that evening of Born Home, did I realize I hadn't so much as touched the delicacies that Lady Barbara had so thoughtfully provided when we sailed. There's cheese, sir, and there's wine, and there's butter in crocs. A lady's ship made a special point that the butter would turn rancid, as it was used here. On time for supper over there, Brown, for Belsa, and Captain Bush is dining with you as usual. I should think a bit of cheese instead of ships biscuit and so beef would be a welcome change. There's nothing wrong with biscuits and beef, Brown. A good naiveth air, both of them. Oh, yes, sir. Oh, but, uh, picking your pardon, sir, I... A signal from the Raven, sir. The Raven, what is it? She cited a Swedish vessel of ones to speak with the Commodore. I see. Must have someone of importance aboard. Right, I'll come on deck. Ask Captain Bush if he'll be kind enough to join me. Aye aye. Sir, well, Brown, oh, well, we should have a supper, oh, oh, suit yourself, Browns. Suit yourself. For Brown, no sooner had I snapped at him when I regretted being so busk, get how could

3:34I bother with food with my mind full of so many concerns. We'd been a month already in the boatic with express orders from the Admiralty to make it as uncomfortable as possible for Bonaparte. A show of British strength was needed, definitely. Russia was neutral, but with all your up in Bonay's grasp, Russia's help was desperately important. And what strength had we shown? A few small engagements. It would take more than math to bring this artist side with us against Napoleon. As I stood on the quarter deck beside Captain Bush, waiting for the Swedish vessel to come alongside, I came near to telling him, my doubts and what is. I decided against it, at least for now. There's two of them coming aboard, sir. A quarter of them to that first one, and say a sweet, I hope he brings some news, however he is. How long has it been since we've had any bush? I'd say weeks, sir. So should I. For all we know, Bonaparte may have already attacked Russia, or Russia may have given up without a struggle.

4:35Yes, sir. Sir, the second one aboard. If there isn't a British uniform, I must stop it. It is. A guard's uniform. A camel bush. A kernel of the guards here in the middle of the Baltic. Uh-huh. At least he knows enough of ceremonial to make sure his salutes are a quarter deck. Very nice, sir. You are captain, sir. Raise your horn, Blah. Yes, come aboard. Commanding this quarter. I'm Colonel Lord Witchwood. I have the specials view from our ambassador to Stockholm, sir. And I've also said for the latest newspapers. Newspapers are good. We've been quite short on news, of course. Yes, I'm sure you have. Oh, have you made the claimants of barren bassine? These are representative of Sweden. He also has some messages. Well, gentlemen, forgive me. Perhaps the best place for this discussion would be in my cabin. Captain Bush and I were just about to die, and if you'd be good enough to join us. Well, our table can still go to a few small delicacies. There's cheese still to my believe.

5:35And, uh, oh, Ron. Yes, sir. But there's cheddar also. And there's smoke, mutton, and jam, sir. Well, break it out at once, sir, Ron. Lord Witchwood, I notice these newspapers are in German and Polish. Quiet, sir. You can translate. Quiet. Oh, barbished. I was like that, sir. He's just good enough for me, sir. And you, Bannon? Big pardon. German, I can't, to some extent, but the Polish know. Oh, well, we'll manage, Bannon. Bush, will you pass the word to my clerk, Sorgger, to come to my cabin at six fails? He's a film, but he's told me that he speaks all the Baltic languages. This one is the Königsberg-A-Hartenschis-Sightings, a racial, published, and a French censorship, of course. It reports on a meeting at Dresden, Bonaparte, sir. At Dresden? Yes, Bannon.

6:36Go ahead, Sorgger, go ahead. There are nine army corps, at Dresden, at Warsaw, at Danzig, all-ended, rushery, the beer's warm blood. How many men would you say that meant all together? Well, you'll be able to calculate that better than I can. Oh, yes, yes, army men, of course. Well, but the lightshade might come to half a million. But here is something, sir, a ratio. The Warsaw Gazette has a long article about Russia. Well, read it, Sorgger, read it. It calls Alexander the barbarian ruler of a barbarian people. Thank you, Sorgger. Yes, I think that will do for now. Yes, sir. Good night, gentlemen. Strange one, that one, Commodore. He has hate in his eyes. Possibly, Bannon Bannon. However, it goes late. And if you and Colonel Witchwood intend going back to shore, we must... Commodore Hombler, I don't think we are going to shore. What's that? To put it another way, a Bannon Bannon. I wish to stay on board the nonsense. This is a ship of war, Colonel. I'm afraid I must insist. Of course, sir. Allow me to present this to Spassar.

7:37You will notice it from his Britannic mages as ambassador to the court of Stockholm. Let's see. Colonel Part has invaded Swedish Polymerania. Now, this is news. Bannon Bannon is Sweden and no longer neutral. There has been no formal declaration of war. Yes, but you have been invaded. Uh-huh. I understand. Yes, much still depends on Russia. Is that it? Everything depends on Russia. We sketchly could move along. Well, Bannon, that's one reason we are here. To prove to you that you are not alone. The Bannon says the dispatch explains more fully. Yes, thank you. Thank you. I am directed and required to enable Lord which would to open communication with the Russian government. So as to assure his imperial majesty the Tsar of the full support by land and sea of British forces in the event of war between Russia and France. I am further directed to make use of any opportunity that may present itself to further better relations with the Russians.

8:40What does that mean, sir? Diplomatic language, Bush. It means bring young Tsar Alexander into our camp as an ally. Exactly, exactly. And by whatever mean. It had better be soon. The 600,000 of Napoleon's troops massed on our borders. A show of strength that Sweden cannot match. We've got our own strength, Bannon. Strength kept in bush. Six British ships. Oh, no, no, don't look down at those. Isn't that better? Besides, Alexander is a curious fellow. As a matter of his own, highly emotional. Never know what might influence him one way or the other. Might be anything. Oh, no disrespect to his great eminence, of course. Well, come at all. Colonel, which would disdispatch employees the words directed and required? Yes. May I point out that the wording should have been request and advise. An ambassador cannot give orders to a naval officer. Where I say now. Furthermore, my orders from the Admiralty said nothing about taking part in politics. Politics, sir? Important politics. Sir, what could be more important than to convert Alexander to your party? A naval officer, not a politician. Spill. Sir, if I may point out something useful.

9:41Yes, sir. No need to point it out, Bush. I know what you're going to say. The very presence of a British squadron well to eastward in the Baltic could have a sizable effect on Alexander. Yes, sir. Gentlemen, I offer you the hospitality of my ship. Captain Bush, will you give orders to alter our course if you please? Our destination is the Russian port of Klonstadt. We had arrived in Klonstadt harbor, but all night long, we lay under the guns of Russian I tried to show much more assurance about his whole queer project than I felt. But at least the Russians had returned our entering salute. The following morning we had only one visitor, the harbour doctor, to give us fatigue.

10:44I accompanied him to the sick bay and to index. No sickness, no plague, no pestilence. No. Yes, I have seen for myself only the wounded man, his name? Left and one. Yes, yes, he does very well after using him. Later that morning the wind began to flow. It was very light, changing first from one quarter to another. I had requested which wood in the bottom and bush one or two of my senior officers to meet me in my cabin. There was much to decide. And one of them, I think it was Lieutenant Adams, gave voice to what we all had on our minds. Changeable, sir, as for these Russians, artists like the wind. Exactly why we're here Mr. Adams. We can do nothing about the weather. We must do something about the Russians. When does his majesty arrive on board exactly? In Cognito Barron, remember? In Cognito, the cone to north. His party will arrive at seven bells. Sir, we'll be taking on war from farward there. Yes, sir, we will, Bush. I can give orders to have it put off till tomorrow. You will have to serve any elaborate luncheon, sir, I shall.

11:46But in mid-afternoon? No, absolutely. With Russians, there must always be something to eat. The Barron's ride hall, blah! Is there a custom always? Very well, we'll offer him something to eat. Why not? Oh, pity that buttery all just turned rancid. You know what I said, yes, Hornblah? Send a party ashore, dig up some of that caviar stuff. And stir it in all whatever it is. Fish. These rascals positively do it on fish. Then, oh, this is a bit his ship. My dear fellow, what's it got to do with it? When in Rome? Well, you know the rest of that one? Yes, yes, you must be a considerable impassioned. Politic, my dear Hornblah. It would be most politic. Shall I put off the water of farward, sir? No, Bush. No. But how can we take in water and be in a fit state to the czar to come aboard, sir, unless we water the fritter of first? From what I've heard of the czar, he's a man of sense. You'll show him the hands of work. That's all. Ship through team. That work? That commoner. You're in every quarter of the ship, exactly, Colonel, between decks in the rigging in the sick bay. And as for food? We'll give you what we always have. Ship's biscuit, pea soup, oil beef.

12:47Oh, my dear, Ferris, a bit of hornblower, I do believe. You must be mad. A fin the czar in that manner, he'd go over to Bonaparte and there's a wink. I'd date of you to ask biscuit, pea soup, and boil beef, Lord, which would. Now, you've all been recommending if we put on unnatural airs. I don't believe in that kind of dissembling. He wants to see a British ship of war, does he? Very well, then. He shall. Good afternoon, Commodore Hornblower. Are you ready to present? We can't. No. Good afternoon, Commodore. I hope our little visit has not dis-commoded you greatly. I'd like to welcome you to the honour of the ship, sir. I'd like to present to you the honour of the ship, sir. I'd like to present to you the honour of the ship, sir. How did you, sir?

13:47Far and best, sir? I'm Ned, sir. Captain Bush. Master of the Ninth. Your servant, sir. Captain Bush, we look aboard us to prepare the ship for taking on water and firewood. Mr. Lecourt, if you'd care to see more of the ship, I would indeed. The gun, sir. You know, watch your heads. There's very little clearance for the man of your height. So, I observe. We've opened the gunports to give you a demonstration, sir. Mr. Carl, any to please? Aye, sir. Hello, stations. I'll do the part. You'll notice the guns are loaded blank. Cannonballs are precious. Not easy to come by when long it's season. I think blank will suffice. Interesting. Most interesting.

14:52The midshipman's breath, Mr. Lecourt. This tiny space, yes, sir? Come and all. You were once a midshipman yourself? For four years, sir. In the British Navy, everyone starts at the bottom. Four years? You lived four years in a bath like this? Well, not quite as comfortable as I said. I was in a frigate. This is a battleship. It's not as crowded. I suppose it is necessary. How long have you served? I've been in the Navy 19 years, sir. How long has your present rank? There's come a door only two months. Nine years before that is captain. Six years after that. And four years as a midshipman. Nineteen years. And yet you seem none the worse for it. Sir, they've been my happiest days of my life. Mr. Lecourt, it grows late. May I suggest lunching? Now that we were seated in my cabin around the table, a wave of doubt swept over me.

15:52We who doubted. And when I was certain that what I'd done was utterly wrong. I cursed myself for a headstrong fool. What did an imperial monarch care about life on board, a man of war? All he said was incredible, amazing. Then left tenant atoms reached for the ship's biscuit. He wrapped it on the table, and I wished with all my soul that I were dead. Why do you do that, sir? This, oh, when I was just... On break and tenon, Mr. Adams. We do that, sir, to get rid of the weebules. The weebules? Insect families, or he's knocking them out. Yes, that's right. Sir, if you tap gently, they come out of their own accord. Well, this way. Do you see, sir? Yes, yes, I see. Get the bush. Will you pass, Mr. Lecourt, the biscuit train? No, no, no, thank you. I think not. Thank you. Brown, will you serve the soup? Yes, sir. P-soup, Mr. Lecourt. In the British Navy, P-soup is a tradition. P-soup.

16:58Hey, this is extremely good soup. Yes, extremely. I commend it to your excellency. Well, I... Come, come, Brown, serve us all. He's excellency of the minister. I don't pass it. I have hungry as a bear. Music This, sir. Brown, this is very good, sir. Very good. Quite strong, however. This British Brown, your excellency, is the lifeblood of the Navy. As Bonaparte need a reason for invasion, he's a tyrant. Tyrants make up any excuse or none at all. Now he controls the entire Baltic coast, as far as the frontiers of his imperial majesty's domain. And now that is very continual.

18:01Well, I know little of politics. What little you know seems to be most important. Bonaparte has threatened Russia. There are great decisions to be made. I understand that the Prince Bernadotte is meeting with these allies pitiful. At any moment, yes, I've heard that too. The Bonaparte threats are always serious. His methods are always the same. A demand, and then another demand, a concession, and then another concession. And finally, when the last concession is made his foe two week by then to resistfully, he marches in and makes an easy conquest. He wishes every nation in bondage to you are very eloquent. I speak from the arts. I speak for Lord Wichwood and Captain Bush, and Lieutenant Adams, and Lieutenant Carlin. I speak for every British soul who's fought against this monstrous power and to what effect have you fought? Britain is still free. Britain is striking back. Portugal is free at last. Sicily too, thanks to England. There is only one way left for Bonaparte to turn. We've closed him in on the south and the west and the north. And all that is left to him is the east.

19:01Imperial Russia. You guess, sir? The hour strikes. Gentlemen, may I propose a toast? To the emperor of all the Russians. The Emperor. The Emperor. Gentlemen, another toast. The King of Great Britain. If you please, brave, my dear colonel, will you refill the glasses? Gentlemen, I give you Commodore for raise your horn, Bloor. And the British Royal Navy. May they join with Mother Russia to defeat the French tyrant's oil with horses so that we all drink. Oh, yes, most heartily. For ratio horn, Bloor, starting Michael Redgrave,

20:09is based on the novels by C. S. Farrister. Music composed and conducted by Sydney Torch. Produced by Harry Alan Towers.