Continuity mistake: When the Sutherland engages the four French ships, her masts are shot to doll rags, with the upper masts and fighting tops plunging to the deck. However, the lower shrouds and ratlines, which are attached to the tops, remain intact.
Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951)
1 continuity mistake - chronological order
Directed by: Raoul Walsh
Starring: Gregory Peck, Virginia Mayo, Moultrie Kelsall, Robert Beatty
Factual error: Upon his triumphant return in Lydia, Admiral McCartney tells Hornblower, "We're giving you a 74. A Frenchman we captured, renamed the Sutherland." According to C.S. Forester, the Sutherland was actually a Dutch 74, originally named the Eendracht, thus explaining its shallow draught, as commented on during the captain's meeting aboard Leighton's flagship.
Midshipman Longley: That was wonderful swordsmanship, sir.
Capt. Horatio Hornblower, R.N: Mr. Longley, when I was a midshipman I was bottom of the class in swordsmanship.