Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, finds out that his uncle Claudius killed his father to obtain the throne, and plans revenge.

Horatio Hornblower begins his naval career, but a deadly feud with a despicable mate is causing complications.

While Lt. Hornblower studies for his promotion examination, he is distracted by the serious supply problems that face his crew.

Hornblower is given a dangerous mission to deliver an emigre French nobleman to a secret rendezvous near Brest while coping with enemy agents in his own ranks.