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The Even Chance
The Even Chance
The Even Chance
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The Even Chance
GenreAction-adventure
Costume drama
Based onMr. Midshipman Hornblower
by C. S. Forester
Screenplay byRussell Lewis
Directed byAndrew Grieve
Starring
Theme music composerJohn E. Keane
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducerAndrew Benson
CinematographyNeve Cunningham
EditorKeith Palmer
Running time100 minutes
Production companies
Budget£3 million[1]
Original release
NetworkITV
Release7 October 1998 (1998-10-07)
Related
The Examination for Lieutenant

The Even Chance is the first of eight Hornblower television adaptations relating the exploits of Horatio Hornblower, the protagonist in a series of novels and short stories by C.S. Forester. The Even Chance is the name given to the film in the United Kingdom, while in the United States it is known by the alternative title The Duel.

Plot

[edit]

In January 1793, 17-year-old midshipman Horatio Hornblower is assigned to his first posting, the ship of the line HMS Justinian. Hornblower is introduced to his shipmates, including his superior, Midshipman Jack Simpson, a bully quick to single him out for abuse and scorn. Hornblower embarrasses himself when he becomes seasick while the ship is at anchor in calm waters, and he finds life under Simpson unbearable.

After contemplating suicide, Hornblower seizes an opportunity to challenge Simpson to a duel. His friend, Midshipman Clayton, feels guilty that he has not previously stood against Simpson. He knocks Hornblower unconscious and takes his place. Simpson, a seasoned duelist, kills Clayton while sustaining only a minor wound to the shoulder. Hornblower arrives just in time to speak with Clayton before he dies.

Hornblower is transferred to the frigate HMS Indefatigable (known by her crew as Indy), under the command of Captain Pellew. Midshipmen Kennedy, Hether, and Cleveland go with him; Pellew's fury over the duel leads him to appoint Hornblower as commander of Simpson's former division. Hornblower's decision to place his trust in them and refusal to permit the laziness and unruly behavior fostered by Simpson, as well as his capability in battle and concern for their wellbeing, wins him the division's respect and loyalty.

When Indefatigable captures the French merchantman Marie Gallante, Hornblower and his division are tasked with sailing the ship to port as a prize. Hornblower soon discovers it is sinking and beyond repair, forcing him to issue the order to abandon ship. In close quarters on the lifeboat, the French captain and his men quickly overpower the prize crew, and Hornblower surrenders his navigational chart, but drops his compass overboard. He later informs Matthews that in anticipation of the French prisoners gaining the upper hand, he deliberately mispositioned their location on the chart. The French captain attempts to sail to France by reversing course, but quickly becomes lost. Hornblower and his men regain the upper hand, and the lifeboat is soon afterward intercepted by Indefatigable, where Hornblower receives the accolades of the crew.

Simpson joins Indefatigable after Justinian is sunk by the French warship Papillon. Pellew orders a detachment to enter the Gironde estuary and board and capture Papillon by moonlight. During the battle, Kennedy is incapacitated by a seizure and left in the boarding party's boat. Simpson takes advantage of the confusion to cut the boat free. When Hornblower attempts to lower Papillon's main topsail, Simpson shoots at him. The bullet grazes his head, and he falls unconscious into the water, where he is rescued by Seaman Finch.

Indy is attacked by three French ships. Papillon attempts to render assistance but comes under fire from French shore batteries. Lieutenant Chadd is killed, and Lieutenant Eccleston is mortally wounded, but before Eccleston succumbs he orders Hornblower to assume command. As senior midshipman, Simpson attempts to take charge, but Hornblower asserts his authority and orders Sailing Master Bowles to detain Simpson and shoot him if he resists. Simpson is held under guard while Papillon sails to Indy's rescue.

Hornblower orders Papillon's French colors to remain flying. By posing as a French vessel, he launches a surprise assault on the fleet attacking Indefatigable and succeeds at driving them off. Hornblower accuses Simpson of an attempt on his life. When Simpson demands his right to a duel to settle the matter, Pellew permits Hornblower to accept.

Simpson shoots before the command to fire, then falsely claims it was an accident. Hornblower is not badly injured and prepares to return fire. Simpson begs for his life, revealing himself as a coward. Hornblower fires into the air, stating that Simpson is "not worth the powder". Infuriated at this insult, Simpson pulls a dagger and tries to stab Hornblower in the back. Pellew, who had been watching from a distance, uses the rifle of one of his marine guards to kill Simpson with a well-aimed shot.

Back aboard Indefatigable, Pellew tells Hornblower how impressed he has been by the young officer's actions and states that Hornblower has a great career ahead of him if he continues as he has begun.

Cast

[edit]

Differences from the novel

[edit]

This episode does not follow the plot of the corresponding chapter in C. S. Forester's Mr. Midshipman Hornblower. In the original story, the mathematically minded Hornblower secures himself an "even chance" against a more skilled adversary. As the offended party, he has the choice of weapons. He asks that only one of the duelling pistols be loaded, the combatants having to toss for it and then stand a yard apart and fire at each other at point blank range. As it turns out, the captain has secretly given orders that neither weapon be loaded, the resulting lack of a shot blamed on a misfire, and Hornblower comes out of the duel unscathed. Suspecting the truth, Hornblower proposes to challenge the captain to a duel, only to be told that such a challenge would be unlawful.[2]

The episode also incorporates material from several other stories in Mr. Midshipman Hornblower. Among these are "Hornblower and the Cargo of Rice", for Hornblower's ill-fated command of the Marie Galante, and the chapter "Hornblower and the Man Who Felt Queer", for the section concerning the Indefatigable's expedition against the Papillon. The episode also diverges from the plot of this chapter in several respects, mostly related to the addition of Simpson and Kennedy to the event (in the book, Simpson is not transferred to Indefatigable, and Kennedy does not take part in the expedition).[3]

References

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The Even Chance

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The Even Chance is a British serving as the inaugural of the Hornblower , an adventure-drama of C.S. Forester's novels. Set during the , it follows the young as he joins the Royal Navy, grapples with seasickness, endures bullying from a tyrannical shipmate, and ultimately faces a high-stakes that shapes his early career. Directed by Andrew Grieve and written by , the film stars as Hornblower, with supporting performances by Robert Lindsay as Captain Pellew and Dorian Healy as the antagonist Simpson. Produced by Andrew Benson for Meridian Television and originally broadcast on ITV on 7 October 1998, The Even Chance (also known as The Duel in some markets) draws primarily from the opening chapters of Forester's 1950 novel Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, including "Hornblower and the Even Chance," "Hornblower and the Cargo of Rice," and "Hornblower and the Man Who Felt Queer." The narrative opens in January 1793 aboard the ship-of-the-line HMS Justinian, where the 17-year-old Hornblower arrives as a new midshipman and quickly clashes with the sadistic Simpson over leadership exams and personal humiliations. After a transfer to the frigate HMS Indefatigable under the command of the astute Captain Pellew, escalating tensions culminate in a sword duel that tests Hornblower's resolve and marksmanship. The production featured the replica ship Grand Turk—the first wooden warship built in over 140 years—as the Indefatigable, with a budget of £3 million. Critically acclaimed for its authentic period detail, swashbuckling action, and Gruffudd's nuanced portrayal of the introspective yet courageous Hornblower, the film holds an 8.1/10 rating on from over 6,400 user votes and a 92% approval score on based on 57 reviews. It launched a successful eight-part series that aired through , introducing audiences to themes of , , and naval intrigue central to Forester's saga, which has sold millions of copies worldwide since . The episode's emphasis on Hornblower's internal conflicts—such as his fear of failure and dilemmas—distinguishes it as a character-driven within the of historical naval adaptations.

Background

Source Material

The Hornblower series, authored by C. S. Forester, comprises 11 novels that chronicle the fictional career of Royal Navy officer Horatio Hornblower amid the Napoleonic Wars, blending adventure with detailed portrayals of maritime history. "Mr. Midshipman Hornblower," published in 1950 by Michael Joseph in London, serves as the first chronological volume in the series and collects several short stories depicting Hornblower's early experiences as a junior officer, collecting five short stories originally published in magazines between 1939 and 1948. This book forms the primary literary source for "The Even Chance," which originates as the opening story titled "The Even Chance" (originally published as "Hornblower and the Even Chance"). The narrative introduces Hornblower as a 17-year-old assigned to HMS Justinian in , where he undergoes rigorous initial naval training under the command of Captain Keene, learning the intricacies of shipboard duties and hierarchy. A central element involves a with fellow midshipman Simpson, arising from interpersonal tensions, which highlights the era's customs of honor and resolution among officers. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars' onset in 1793, the story incorporates historical details of British naval life, including the midshipman's rank as an apprentice requiring six years of sea service for eligibility, strict adherence to the for discipline, and the harsh realities of life on a 74-gun during blockading operations. draws on authentic practices such as formal salutes, press-ganged crews, and the social dynamics of the to evoke the period's maritime culture. The episode "The Even Chance" adapts elements from this broader Hornblower saga by .

Series Context

The Hornblower television series, produced by Meridian Television for ITV, aired from to 2003 and consists of eight 100-minute episodes starring as the titular Horatio . This anthology-style adaptation draws from C. S. 's foundational novels, weaving together elements from multiple books to explore recurring themes of naval duty, personal growth, and British imperialism during the . The series format allows for standalone yet interconnected stories, emphasizing Hornblower's progression through the ranks of the Royal Navy amid historical events. "The Even Chance" serves as the premiere episode of the series, originally airing on 7 1998 in the and also released under the title "The Duel" in some international markets, including the . As the inaugural installment, it establishes the tone for the subsequent episodes by introducing the young Hornblower's entry into naval service. The production's scope was ambitious for British television at the time, with an initial budget of £3 million allocated to the first episode to support authentic period details, including the use of historic sailing ships and meticulously designed Regency-era costumes. This investment underscored the series' commitment to historical accuracy and visual spectacle, setting a high standard that influenced the overall production values across the run.

Production

Development

Screenwriter adapted "The Even Chance" by combining elements from multiple short stories in C.S. Forester's collection to form a cohesive 100-minute focused on Horatio Hornblower's early naval career. This approach allowed the episode to introduce key themes of rivalry, duty, and personal growth while condensing the source material's episodic structure into a single dramatic arc. Director Andrew Grieve, known for his work on period dramas such as (1988), brought his experience with historical settings to helm the episode, envisioning it as an effective introduction to Hornblower's character as a complex, introspective young officer navigating the harsh realities of 18th-century naval life. Grieve's direction emphasized the protagonist's internal conflicts and the era's social dynamics aboard ship. Casting decisions centered on for the lead role of the 17-year-old Hornblower, following his appearance as Jeremy Poldark in the period drama (1996). Gruffudd's earnest demeanor and ability to convey emotional depth made him ideal for depicting Hornblower's seasickness, moral dilemmas, and emerging leadership.

Filming and Technical Aspects

Principal photography for The Even Chance occurred in 1998, primarily at historical sites in the such as William Yard in Plymouth and the , alongside international locations in including and for sea sequences. The production utilized replica ships to depict vessels, with the Grand Turk serving as a for HMS Indefatigable and other frigates during naval maneuvers, while scale models were employed for larger ship battles to achieve practical effects in capturing the scale and peril of 18th-century sea engagements. Cinematographer Neve Cunningham oversaw the visual capture of the episode's action, employing techniques that highlighted the dynamic ship handling and close-quarters duels through on-location shooting and practical rigging on the replicas. Editor Keith Palmer managed the 100-minute runtime, structuring cuts to heighten dramatic tension in pivotal sequences such as the climactic duel and the capture of the French ship. The original score was composed by John E. Keane, incorporating orchestral elements to evoke the era's naval atmosphere and underscore moments of honor and danger. Producer Andrew Benson played a key role in maintaining period accuracy, overseeing the design of costumes like uniforms and props including pistols to align with historical naval practices.

Content

Plot Summary

In 1793, seventeen-year-old Horatio Hornblower joins HMS Justinian as a midshipman, where he endures severe seasickness upon boarding and quickly becomes the target of relentless bullying by the senior midshipman Jack Simpson, who subjects him to physical abuse and humiliation. Hornblower befriends fellow midshipmen Archie Kennedy and Bob Clayton, finding some solace amid the hostile environment of the lower gun deck. Tensions reach a breaking point when Hornblower, provoked beyond endurance, challenges Simpson to a duel over the mistreatment; Clayton intervenes by knocking Hornblower unconscious and takes his place as Simpson's opponent, wounding Simpson in the shoulder but being mortally wounded by Simpson in return. After the Justinian is sunk in action following the outbreak of war with , Hornblower and other survivors are transferred to the HMS Indefatigable under the command of Captain Sir Edward Pellew, where Simpson joins the crew later. Aboard the new vessel, Hornblower proves his mettle by participating in the capture of the French Marie Galante loaded with rice, which is damaged by swelling cargo and abandoned; he outwits escaping French prisoners by providing them with a falsified course on a chart, allowing the Indefatigable to locate and recapture them easily, and later leading a daring boarding party against the French corvette Papillon. The simmering rivalry erupts during a cutting-out expedition against the French ship Papillon, where Simpson attempts to murder Hornblower by shooting him in the head amid the chaos of battle; Hornblower survives and later faces Simpson in a formal on a secluded beach. In the duel, Simpson cheats by firing prematurely and wounding Hornblower, then begs for his life; Hornblower honors the code by sparing him and firing into the air, but as Simpson lunges with a , Pellew intervenes, shooting and killing Simpson to end the threat. Hornblower's actions throughout the engagements earn him a promotion to acting and the increasing respect and loyalty of the crew, marking the beginning of his rise in the Royal Navy.

Cast and Characters

portrays , a principled and intelligent young officer who grapples with personal insecurities while navigating the demands of duty and interpersonal rivalries aboard ship. His performance captures Hornblower's vulnerability and honor, evolving from a seasick to a resourceful leader, earning praise for its realism and depth. Gruffudd's depiction emphasizes the character's internal conflicts, making him a relatable in the rigid of the Royal Navy. Robert Lindsay plays Captain Sir Edward Pellew, embodying a yet equitable mentor who discerns and nurtures Hornblower's latent abilities. Lindsay's portrayal highlights Pellew's authoritative presence and supportive guidance, providing a stabilizing influence amid the uncertainties of naval service. This role underscores the theme of in early 19th-century British naval tradition. Dorian Healy assumes the role of Midshipman Jack Simpson, serving as the primary through his portrayal of a cowardly and subordinate whose behavior escalates tensions within the . Healy's performance conveys Simpson's pettiness and malice, driving the narrative's exploration of power dynamics and moral challenges without relying on overt complexity. The supporting cast includes as Acting Archie Kennedy, depicted as a steadfast and loyal friend to Hornblower, enhancing the story's emphasis on camaraderie among junior officers. Roger May appears as Chadd, an experienced and wounded officer whose presence illustrates the physical toll of service and the reliance on seasoned personnel. Michael Byrne portrays Captain Keene, Hornblower's initial on the HMS Justinian, representing the authoritative yet ailing of the . Simon Markey plays Doctor Hepplewhite, the ship's surgeon who tends to the 's ailments, symbolizing the medical support essential to naval operations. Character dynamics, particularly between Hornblower and Kennedy, illuminate themes of and mutual support in the face of adversity, reinforcing the bonds that sustain officers in isolation at sea. These interactions highlight the required in the naval environment, drawn from C.S. Forester's inspirations in history during the .

Adaptation

Differences from the Novel

The television adaptation of "The Even Chance" significantly alters the climactic between Hornblower and Simpson from C.S. Forester's novel . In the book, Hornblower, aware of his inferior skills, proposes a where one is loaded and the other unloaded, selected at random to ensure an "even chance" of survival; however, Captain Keene secretly orders both pistols unloaded to prevent the loss of promising officers, resulting in misfires and no injuries, followed by a for endangering lives during wartime. By contrast, the TV episode depicts Simpson firing prematurely and wounding Hornblower in the arm, after which Hornblower deliberately refuses to return fire, deeming Simpson unworthy; enraged, Simpson then lunges to attack, only to be fatally shot by Captain Pellew observing from afar. Character developments are expanded for dramatic effect in the adaptation. Simpson's role as a bully is amplified beyond his portrayal in the novel's opening chapter, where he is a temporary tyrant among midshipmen on HMS Justinian; in the TV version, he becomes a more pervasive , tormenting Hornblower through repeated schemes and establishing a recurring sense of threat that culminates in the . Similarly, the character of Archie Kennedy, inspired by a minor named Kennedy who appears later in the Hornblower saga aboard HMS Indefatigable, is introduced much earlier in the TV episode as Hornblower's confidant and ally on the Justinian, providing emotional support and absent from the novel's early narrative. Pacing adjustments condense the source material to suit the medium's runtime and heighten tension. Training scenes aboard the Justinian, which in the include detailed depictions of Hornblower's seasickness, mathematical studies, and gradual to naval life over months, are streamlined into briefer montages emphasizing his isolation and growth. The introduces immediate action sequences, such as the capture of a French ship early in Hornblower's service, to accelerate the dramatic flow and transition him to service under Pellew, diverging from the 's slower buildup focused solely on the Justinian period. Several elements from the are omitted to focus on key conflicts. The detailed pre-enlistment medical examination, where a assesses Hornblower's fitness and comments on his robust health despite his anxieties, is entirely absent, with Hornblower instead boarding the ship directly after arriving in . Additionally, the resolution of Pellew's mentorship is shortened; while the explores Hornblower's transfer to the Indefatigable through a more reflective exchange highlighting Pellew's strategic guidance, the TV episode resolves it abruptly amid the post-duel chaos, prioritizing action over extended dialogue. Despite these changes, core plot beats—such as Hornblower's initial struggles, the dynamic, and his promotion—are retained from Forester's work.

Incorporation of Other Elements

The episode The Even Chance integrates material from C.S. Forester's short stories "Hornblower and the Cargo of Rice," "The Penalty of Failure," and "Hornblower and the Man Who Felt Queer," which appear as chapters in the collection , to supplement the core narrative framework of the titular story. These additions allow for a broader exploration of Horatio Hornblower's early challenges at sea, with the French ship capture from "Hornblower and the Cargo of Rice" and the prisoner ruse involving a false chart from "The Penalty of Failure" adapted to emphasize his strategic ingenuity and problem-solving under pressure. Similarly, elements of seasickness and medical consultations drawn from "Hornblower and the Man Who Felt " are expanded in the to deepen the introduction of Hornblower's personal vulnerabilities and his interactions within the ship's . This selective incorporation creates a composite structure that transforms discrete short stories into a unified pilot , providing a self-contained origin tale while laying groundwork for recurring themes of naval duty and personal evolution across the series. By weaving in these secondary sources, the adaptation heightens thematic depth, particularly in depicting Hornblower's accelerated progression from an uncertain novice midshipman to a figure of emerging leadership and resilience.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Upon its premiere in the United Kingdom in 1998, The Even Chance garnered positive critical reception. When broadcast in the United States on A&E in 1999, the episode drew further praise for its high production values and historical fidelity, with describing its tone as one where "grim meets ghastly" in capturing the harsh realities of naval life during the . In terms of awards recognition, The Even Chance earned a nomination for the BAFTA Television Craft Award for Best Costume Design for John Mollo's work. The broader Hornblower series, of which this episode served as the opener, won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama in 1999. Retrospectively, modern analyses in the 2020s have acclaimed the intense tension and dramatic stakes in the central scenes that highlight themes of honor and .

Audience Impact and Cultural Significance

Upon its premiere on ITV on 7 October 1998, The Even Chance attracted just under 9 million viewers in the , contributing to the series' strong initial reception as a period drama. The episode also achieved significant international reach through syndication on A&E in the United States, broadening its audience beyond the market. Fan reception has remained positive, with the episode earning an 8.1 out of 10 rating on based on over 6,400 user votes, reflecting appreciation for its engaging portrayal of Horatio Hornblower's early career and naval adventures. The episode's cultural significance lies in its role within the Hornblower series, which helped sustain interest in Napoleonic-era naval fiction and period dramas, evidenced by the continued success of similar productions in the genre. As of 2025, The Even Chance remains available for streaming on platforms such as Apple TV, allowing new generations of viewers to access its exploration of themes like honor and resilience in a historical context.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129686/
  2. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/horatio-hornblower-the-duel-hornblower-the-even-chance
  3. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/19493-hornblower-the-even-chance?language=en-US
  4. https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Hornblower:_The_Even_Chance
  5. https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/c-s-forester/mr-midshipman-hornblower/9780316289122/
  6. https://gutenberg.ca/ebooks/forestercs-mrmidshipmanhornblower/forestercs-mrmidshipmanhornblower-00-h.html
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  8. https://www.itv.com/watch/hornblower/196001
  9. https://epguides.com/HoratioHornblower/
  10. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/itv-s-sea-epic-hornblower-sinks/41264
  11. https://www.blackgate.com/2024/04/03/ellsworths-cinema-of-swords-young-horatio-hornblower/
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/04/tv/cover-story-from-queasy-seaman-to-dashing-hero.html
  13. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341021/
  14. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-02-et-king2-story.html
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117353/
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  17. https://www.scarboroughsmaritimeheritage.org.uk/article.php?article=758
  18. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129686/fullcredits/
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/02/movies/tv-weekend-authentic-hornblower-where-grim-meets-ghastly.html
  20. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/HoratioHornblowerS1E1TheEvenChance
  21. https://militarygogglebox.com/2021/03/01/hornblower-the-even-chance-1998/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129686/reviews
  23. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/19493-hornblower-the-even-chance/cast
  24. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/19493-hornblower-the-even-chance
  25. https://ia801407.us.archive.org/24/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.78694/2015.78694.Mr-Midshipman-Hornblower_text.pdf
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129686/plotsummary/
  27. https://anglotopia.net/brit-tv/ten-interesting-facts-horatio-hornblower/
  28. https://hornblower.fandom.com/wiki/The_Penalty_of_Failure
  29. https://hornblower.fandom.com/wiki/Hornblower_TV_series
  30. https://www.bafta.org/awards/tvcraft/costume-design-tvcraft/
  31. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/446044.stm
  32. https://www.silverpetticoatreview.com/mini-series-review-horatio-hornblower/
  33. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/206868.stm
  34. https://www.ranker.com/list/all-hornblower-episodes/sawyer-grant
  35. https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/hornblower/umc.cmc.2ken3ttibntxwpyt1rlg58nii
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