Even the radio series adapted from the Hornblower books was great. Never forget the episode when he was expected to fire a 21 gun salute for the Queen. He put 21 beans in one pocket and transfered them to a different pocket to make sure of the count. Very pleased with himself, he worked up a chant, "If I weren't the smartest man on this ship, I wouldn't be captain today." to get the timing right. Unfortunately, one of the beans split in his pocket. When chided for his 22 gun salute, he replied, "I did fire a 21 gun salute for the Queen. The last, and loudest of all, was for my dear wife."
