Laughable Material

 

This scene takes place in episode two after Hornblower warns Bunting about his mutinous talk

 

After Hornblower tells Bunting off (“There can be no excuse for mutinous talk”), Bunting goes back to work.

 

In the afternoon Hornblower goes back to check up on the men doing their work above decks. He notices that Bunting, Oldroyd and Styles are giggling at something, but as soon as they see him, Bunting hides the laughable material behind his back, and they are immediately stern and serious.

 

“Strong wind today, eh Sir?” says Styles. Too late – Hornblower has seen something suspicious and ignores Styles’ friendly remark. “I know you have hidden something – do not insult my intelligence,” says Hornblower sternly, “now, show me, what is so funny?” No reply. “Well, out with it – it can’t be all that bad,” says Hornblower.

 

Bunting slowly exposes what he has behind his back and cautiously gives it to Hornblower. Hornblower takes one glimpse at it and quickly looks up, with disgust. It is a porno magazine.

 

“You find this utter filth funny, do you?” asks Hornblower.

 

“No, sir,” replies Oldroyd.

 

“How did you obtain it?” No answer.

 

“Then get rid of it!!” says Hornblower, raising his voice, “before I do something you’ll regret,” and he gives them a filthy look as he slowly walks off, especially at Bunting, because of his earlier offence, and because he was the one with the magazine. Bunting loathes Hornblower all the more.

 

Later in the evening, Hornblower is asked to go to Captain Pellew’s cabin for a word. Pellew looks at Hornblower in a weird way, as if finding out some new truth about him. He finds it hard to address the certain issue, but Hornblower is innocent, and answers all of his questions with respect.

 

“What projects have you completed this day, Mr Hornblower?” asks Pellew.

 

“Directing course, raising sails and keeping an eye on the men, Sir,” replies Hornblower.

 

“I see – and do you have much time for studying for your examination?”

 

“A little, Sir.”

 

“…So, may I ask what on earth is the meaning of this?! It was found in your study.”

 

He holds up the magazine that the men were looking at earlier. Hornblower stutters in total shock, then he explains to Pellew what must have happened – it was a set up from Bunting.

 

“Eh ahemm…Oh I see…” says Pellew in embarrassment and hesitation. “Bring him to me, then.”

 

“Yes, Captain.”

 

Hornblower goes off to find Bunting, and then the guards notify him that there’s someone lurking about in the food storeroom. Hornblower comes in and discovers it’s Bunting:

 

“Bunting, what the hell do you think you’re doing??”

 

“I’m hungry!!!! I’m hungry!!!!” cries Bunting.

 

Hornblower brings Bunting straight to Captain Pellew’s office, reports that Bunting was found stealing food, and Pellew roars: “WHAT KIND OF MAN ARE YAH?! HA?”

 

*****