I Remember Nelson
Worshipped as a national savior, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson masterminded the naval victories that thwarted Napoleon's plans to invade Britain. Yet, in the midst of public adulation, rumors swirled about his private life. Nelson took a friend's wife as a mistress and even fathered a child by her in secret. Starring Kenneth Colley (Monty Python's Life of Brian), Geraldine James (The Jewel in the Crown), and Tim Pigott-Smith (V for Vendetta), this lavish historical drama examines Nelson through the eyes of four people close to him: his wife, who feels bitter and betrayed but ultimately loving; his friend, who helplessly loses his wife to a hero; his captain, who admires Nelson's bold leadership but disdains his lifestyle; and an ordinary seaman, who turns to his commander for inspiration while facing death. What emerges is an unconventional portrait of a complex figure and a study in the effects of fame. Seen on Masterpiece Theatre.
- 1982-1982
- 1 season
- Masterpiece Theatre
- Action & Adventure, Documentary, Drama
Worshipped as a national savior, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson masterminded the naval victories that thwarted Napoleon's plans to invade Britain. Yet, in the midst of public adulation, rumors swirled about his private life. Nelson took a friend's wife as a mistress and even fathered a child by her in secret. Starring Kenneth Colley (Monty Python's Life of Brian), Geraldine James (The Jewel in the Crown), and Tim Pigott-Smith (V for Vendetta), this lavish historical drama examines Nelson through the eyes of four people close to him: his wife, who feels bitter and betrayed but ultimately loving; his friend, who helplessly loses his wife to a hero; his captain, who admires Nelson's bold leadership but disdains his lifestyle; and an ordinary seaman, who turns to his commander for inspiration while facing death. What emerges is an unconventional portrait of a complex figure and a study in the effects of fame. Seen on Masterpiece Theatre.
Season 1 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 1982
Episode 1
Love
Sun, Feb 21, 1982 53 mins
After three successful years at sea, Lord Nelson attends a theater presentation in his honor accompanied by Lady Nelson and Sir William and Lady Hamilton. Lord Nelson had met the Hamiltons in Naples and Lady Nelson is fully aware of the rumors about her husband and Lady Hamilton. When Lady Hamilton falls ill during the performance she realizes that Hamilton is pregnant by her husband. After a particularly embarrassing dinner, they have it out and after 15 years of marriage a formal separation ensues. Lady Nelson remained on friendly terms with her father-in-law, Rev. Edmund Nelson. Lord Nelson however refused any contact with her.
Episode 2
Passion
Wed, Apr 21, 1982 52 mins
Sir William Hamilton, English Ambassador to Naples, recalls Admiral Nelson's role in his life and that of his wife, Lady Emma Hamilton. Nelson returned to Naples, where the British kept a major naval base, to a hero's welcome after defeating the French at the Nile. The Hamiltons had met Nelson once some 5 years before and Lady Hamilton in particular wants to give him the welcome he deserves. With victory in the air, the King of Naples sent troops north the force the French out of Rome but it ended in disaster and the Royal Court decamped to Palermo in Sicily. There, Nelson and Lady Hamilton began their affair. Hamilton was some 35 years older than his wife and by the time he learned of their affair, he seemed prepared to accept his wife's transgressions. For the remainder of his days, he considered Nelson to be a true friend.
Episode 3
Duty
Wed, Apr 28, 1982 52 mins
Captain Thomas Hardy, commander of Admiral Nelson's flagship Victory, recalls when in 1805 they had received word that the French and Spanish fleets were cornered in Cadiz harbor. He had first met Nelson in 1795 or so and they had been at sea together for many years. He visits Nelson's home, Merton Place, where he comes into contact with the foppish Mr. Beckford but Hardy doesn't approve of him nor that Nelson would have that type of person around him. They argue but as professional men, they agree to continue sailing together. Nelson devises a unique plan of attack, one that carries many risks. Hardy visited Merton Place only one other time, after the battle of Trafalgar.
Episode 4
Battle
Sun, Apr 18, 1982 52 mins
The battle of Trafalger is seen from below decks aboard Nelson's flagship Victory. William Blackie, a gunner, recounts his life aboard ship. The gunnery crew is made up of many nationalities and all had their own reasons for joining the navy. Blackie joined when a judge gave him the choice of that or prison. Some were press-ganged while others just wanted to get away from home. The gunners are well-trained and they prepare their guns and wait until the enemy is within site. They dance a jig and sing a song, anything to keep their minds on other things. Nelson comes below decks and gives them a rousing speech. The battle itself results in many deaths but Blackie survives. Most unsettling is that Nelson is mortally injured, surviving only long enough to learn that the battle was won.