该片改编自英国畅销作家佛瑞斯特(C. S. Forester)的最得意作品,描写了18世纪末到19世纪初霍恩布洛尔船长的海上传奇,刻画了一位正直、勇敢、智慧、富有冒险精神并时刻反思人生的船长形象,该书的系列作品到目前仍受到霍恩迷的支持,在国外亦有专门的网站和讨论区交流此作品。本片讲述的是初出茅庐的Hornblower作为一个海军学员的故事,是几年以来不可多得的人物撰记片。
Hornblower captures the French vessel, Le Reve, and is asked by Pellew to sail her back to England so that she can be outfitted for the English navy, and also, as a favor, to convey the unusual Duchess of Wharfedale back home. Unfortunately, Le Reve, Hornblower, the duchess and the crew are captured by the Spanish and imprisoned. There, Horatio finds Kennedy, wasted and hopeless from months in solitary. Against the odds, Horatio must find a way to escape with Kennedy, against Hunter's protests, and with the growing suspicion that the duchess may not be who she appears.
Hornblower is called to take a company of British troops (which the sailors call lobsters because of their red coats) and a company of French nationalists (which are called frogs) to France to fight in the revolution. But Hornblower is horrified by the brutality of the French commander as he guillotines everyone in a village that destroyed his former home and his unwillingness to take part in the actual battles. However, when the commander and his men set out to rape and brutalize a young school teacher, Hornblower vows his protection of her.