Fun Trivia : O'Brian, Patrick

Structure Sub-topic of: Authors L-P Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries. Special Topics Captain Jack Aubrey, R.N. "Master and Commander" Madness

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

O'Brian, Patrick

According to your literary knowledge, which books concede the most significant plot value toward the movie "Master and Commander?"

Hollywood VS Patrick O'Brian


Books One and Book Ten. "Master and Commander" is actually O'Brian's title for his first book, whilst "The Far Side of the World" is the title of the tenth installment in the Aubrey/Maturin series. There are very significant elements, including exact quotes, from both novels,(as well as others in the series) which are included in Peter Weir's concept.



Following the "Hollywood Vs. Literature" theme, there is one quote that is used in the movie that is issued virtually "verbatim" from Patrick O'Brian's first novel. Whom does this quote concern?"

Hollywood VS Patrick O'Brian


Horatio Lord Nelson, and his interaction with Jack Aubrey. "I've always tried to say it just as he did.." Peter Weir pretty much put Patrick O'Brian's exact words into Russell Crowe's mouth as he entertained his dinner guests with his account of the character and person of Lord Nelson.



Reasonably, we don't see evidence of this in the movie, but having read the book, we are to know that our dear doctor has a rather sordid habit. What would that habit be?

Hollywood VS Patrick O'Brian


he drinks laudanum in quantity to quiet the demons. "It is unspeakably childish to be upset by the whiff of a scent; but I am upset, and I shall certainly exceed my allowance, to the extent of five hundred drops." He poured himself a wineglassful of laudanum, closed one eye, and drank it off." And poor Stephen is quite often upset.



What most interesting fact about Dr. Maturin is the moviegoer unaware of, and that while the reader is clued in, Jack Aubrey does not even realize (at least, not at first)?

Hollywood VS Patrick O'Brian


he is a spy for the crown. "Ha ha ha," he laughed, his big voice full of intense amusement, "to think of poor good old Stephen being laid by the heels for a spy! Oh ha ha ha!...My dear sir, surely your men must be a very simple crew to go round suspecting Stephen Maturin." Poor Jack is always the last to know.



If it hadn't been for Dr. Maturin, we might not have had a movie at all, as Jack would more than likely have expired where?

Hollywood VS Patrick O'Brian


extracting Jack from France at the resumption of war. Stephen was a pretty good friend. As a British spy, he was in the know that war would be declared with France whilst he and Jack were the guests of a French captain, and he smuggled his friend out of France disguised as a dancing bear. He also rescued Jack from debtor's prison on more than one occasion, conspired to keep him hidden from debt collectors, used his clout in Naval Intelligence to get Jack ships and profitable missions, and once even bought him a ship. What a pal.



If it hadn't been for Captain Aubrey, we might not have had a movie at all, for Stephen more than likely would have expired where?

Hollywood VS Patrick O'Brian


in Port Mahon, being tortured as a suspected spy. Jack's very brave soul had no second thoughts- he took a group of volunteers straight into the lion's den, killed any who stood in his way, and carried his friend out.



Stephen and Jack once fully intended to settle their differences by fighting a duel. Stephen even borrowed a pair of pistols and practised his deadly aim. What was this duel over?

Hollywood VS Patrick O'Brian


a woman, of course. Jack ignored the telltale signs that the woman he continued to have relations with, Diana Villiers, was the object of Stephen's desperate, unrequited love. It took a horrific battle at sea in which Jack almost died and Stephen came to the rescue before they called one another brother again.