The movie is an adaptation of a play on Nelson and Lady Hamilton, written by Terence Rattigan, surely on par with other Rattigan plays such as The Deep Blue Sea, The WInslow Boy and Separate Tables.

This is three stories in one focused on the character of Lord Nelson: Nelson as seen through the adoring eyes of his nephew George Machin Jr who idolizes him ("Don't make fun of your honor!"); Nelson as seen by his subordinate Captain Hardy ("I know the man asea; the man ashore that's a different matter."); Nelson as seen by his lover Lady Hamilton ("I love him more than I love life itself.") All see what England needs in Nelson differently. Could Nelson live up to any of their expectations? "Maybe," Nephew Machin observes, "we expect a perfect hero to be a perfect saint."

I disagree with many who did not see the portrayal of the three faces of Nelson as less than magnificent.

Peter Finch gives a brilliant performance as Nelson in this colorful, superbly photographed film. Glenda Jackson gives a fine performance as Lady Hamilton, but Finch stands out in this film, as the central character of focus. Too bad it is not on video or disc 10/10.