Horatio Deals With A Mad King
Start with the story identified as programme 1 in the UMKC log, then explore the continuing naval adventures. Commonly used episode titles are discussed below.
Listen to this episode ↗Adventure & Spy
Adventures of Horatio Hornblower.
Michael Redgrave brings C. S. Forester's naval officer Horatio Hornblower to radio. Set during the Napoleonic era, these adventures follow a commander whose decisions have consequences for his ship, his crew and his career.
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Command is more than winning a battle.
Hornblower belongs to the Royal Navy world created by novelist C. S. Forester. The drama comes from the demands of command: an officer has to act while weighing danger, duty and the limits of his own position.
Michael Redgrave is the continuing lead in this 52-part radio adaptation. Its recurring officer and developing naval career make it a different listening experience from a mystery anthology that replaces its characters each week.
Follow the officer, then the campaign.
Adventures of Horatio Hornblower · THE COLLECTION
Choose your next episode.
Choose from 52 episodes. Search by title or sort by running time.
Showing 1-20 of 52 recordings.
Alliance With Russia
21:22Delaying The French
20:34The Duel
21:17Port Of Riga
21:25Exam For Lieutenant
29:27
The directory follows the order of the available collection. Historical dates, where verified, are explained in the episode guides.
Made for radio in the 1950s, set a century earlier.
The series was associated with Radio Luxembourg and Towers of London syndication in 1952. The UMKC opening entry credits Forester as creator, Philo Higby as writer, Harry Alan Towers as producer and director, and Sidney Torch for music.
Hickerson's reference records United States runs on CBS, ABC and Mutual between 1952 and 1957. Those different transmissions should not be mistaken for different stories or for the Napoleonic dates inside the fiction.
A note about episode titles.
UMKC cautions that scripts have not been found to establish every original story title. Familiar descriptive titles can help listeners navigate the adventures, but they should not automatically be treated as authenticated script headings.
Before you listen.
Who plays Hornblower in these radio adventures?
Michael Redgrave is credited as the continuing lead in the 52-programme series. [1]
Was it broadcast during the Napoleonic wars?
No. That is the fictional setting. The radio production belongs to the 1950s. [2]
If you enjoy Adventures of Horatio Hornblower.
Bold Venture
For a change from naval command to boat-borne adventure in the Caribbean.
The Adventures of Frank Race
For international investigations with a twentieth-century adventurer.
Adventure & Spy
Explore more journeys and unfamiliar territory across the vault.
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Sources and recording notes.
Programme and historical references
Heritage Radio Vault recordings
Official Adventures of Horatio Hornblower recordings ↗ supplies the available audio, artwork and modern recording metadata.
The available recordings keep their current titles and URLs. Descriptive episode names and syndication dates are distinguished from verified script titles and historical story dates.
Historical references and modern publication dates describe different events. Sources checked 4 November 2026. Original scripts, recordings, performances and music may carry rights belonging to their respective owners. For corrections or rights enquiries: markwilliams@heritageradiovault.com.