In 1807, English Captain Horatio Hornblower (Peck--To Kill a Mockingbird, Twelve O'Clock High) sails to the Pacific on a perilous mission in England's war with Spain. But when he arrives on the west coast of Nicaragua, he learns that England and Spain are now allies fighting the French. He rescues a beautiful young Englishwoman (Mayo), with whom he falls in love as he nurses her back to health--only to learn she is already betrothed. Then, sailing back to England, Hornblower is waylaid by a much larger French force. Taken prisoner, Hornblower stages a heroic escape from the gallows.