Horatio Hornblower: Retribution

Still imprisoned in Jamaica, Horatio Hornblower and his fellow officers must now stand trial for illegally relieving their Captain, James Sawyer, of his command of HMS Renown. Sir Edward Pellew is one of the three members of the court and it soon becomes apparent that his fellow judges seem more interested in protecting the Service and Captain Sawyer's good name than deliver a just verdict. One judge in particular sees Hornblower as overly ambitious and may have it in for him. Testimony from one of his fellow officers seems to sink him. In flashbacks, we learn of the events on the Renown after Sawyer was relieved. The ship, with 1st Lt. Buckland in command decides to attack a Spanish held island rather than return immediately to Jamaica. The men of the Renown distinguish themselves in battle but, Buckland proves to be a weak commander who puts the ship in danger when he decides to transport his Spanish prisoners to Kingston.