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