This film is the best. I've read that producer Gene Rodenberry was greatly influenced by this lavish, exciting film, and used Peck's role as the model for "Star Trek". It definately makes sense when you view it in this perspective and also watch the old series.
This really is an awesome movie with vigorus old maritime action. Recommended!
Yeah....come to think of it...I can see the early influence. Good post!
CmdrCody
I've read Rodenberry based the series on Horatio's experiences in the various novels, many of which are classic "no win" situations. (Kobayshi maru, anyone?) ;o)
Also, until Lady Barbara, Horatio has a stream of bad luck in his love life.
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Good post! Now that I've read your post, I see the influence of this film on "Star Trek."
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Thank you for the information on this website, reach4rob-2! That was a good article.
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Thank you, reach4rob-2! I've been a fan of the original Star Trek series, having watched it when the show was originally aired back in the sixties, and even own the DVD's.
In reference to Gene Roddenberry describing Kirk's character as the "Horatio Hornblower of the stars", I still see more similarities in character between Captain Hornblower to Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
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I was the OP on this post, and really happy to see Peck's "Horatio Hornblower" is getting it's due recognition.
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James T. Kirk isn't the only great SF character who has a bit of Hornblower in him. I've always thought that Babylon 5's John Sheridan shared many of Hornblower's characteristics. For that matter even Sheridan's story arc resembles Hornblower's.
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really?
interestingWhen there's no more room in hell, The dead will walk the earth...
Fascinating! I watched this for the first time last night and remarked to the other half that the music was like the Star Trek theme.
I thoroughly enjoyed it :-)
Actually, it was Nicholas Meyer who was most inspired by the Hornblower series of books when he directed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. He wanted to move away from the pretentious feeling of Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
After reading the books and watching the old series he realized that Star Trek was basically Horatio Hornblower in outer space. Starfleet was the navy of the future and they were carrying out gunboat diplomacy.
That was why he redesigned the Starfleet uniforms in that film to have a more military look to them and incorporated naval traditions like Kirk being brought out to the Enterprise in a shuttle -as opposed to beaming aboard. It was akin to the admiral coming alongside in a longboat. Then, as he comes aboard, he's piped aboard by a boatswain's whistle.
Supposedly, Gene Roddenberry was greatly opposed to these changes as it was counter to his idea of a "Peace Corps in space". But, due to the poor reception the first film had, he'd lost his ability to wield any influence over the production.
As it turned out, Meyer was proven correct and Wrath of Khan is considered about the best of the films.
... and used Peck's role as the model for "Star Trek".Perhaps for the character of Capt. James T Kirk. But I think I'm right in saying the primary influence for the actual show was the earlier western TV series Wagon Train. Star Trek was meant to be a "Wagon Train" between the stars.🐭 share
I also thought the opening score had some resemblance to Star Trek. The first 3 notes are almost identical.
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