Against All Flags

Against All Flags

Year: 1952

Runtime: 81 mins

Language: English

Director: George Sherman

AdventureDramaEpic heroesDisastrous voyages and heroic survivalBravery in War

Set in the 18th century, the film follows the fearsome pirates of Madagascar—rulers of the self‑declared Republic of Libertatia who dominate the Indian Ocean from an almost impregnable natural fortress. Their reign of killing, robbery and plunder draws the British Navy into a bold scheme to bring them down.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Against All Flags (1952)

Trace every key event in Against All Flags (1952) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Hawke infiltrates pirate base on Madagascar

Hawke volunteers to infiltrate the pirate base on Madagascar alongside two other seamen. However, upon their arrival, their presence immediately arouses suspicion among the pirates.

Arrival at Madagascar Madagascar
2

Tribunal and Hawke's acquittal

Roc Brasiliano orders a tribunal to decide Hawke's fate. Hawke defeats another pirate in a duel, and the tribunal dismisses his case. He then joins Brasiliano's crew.

During the tribunal Pirate base, Madagascar
3

Hawke attracts Spitfire Stevens; Brasiliano's jealousy

Hawke catches the eye of Spitfire Stevens, the only woman among the Coast Captains, which provokes Brasiliano's jealousy. Her presence hints at a complicating relationship that could affect the crew.

Early in the mission Madagascar
4

Hawke joins Brasiliano's crew after the tribunal

Following the tribunal, Hawke joins Brasiliano's crew to prove himself. His membership marks a deeper dive into the pirate operation.

After the tribunal On the pirate ship
5

Capture of the Moghul vessel and Patma's rescue

During a pirate cruise, Brasiliano's crew captures a Moghul vessel packed with wealth. Patma, the Moghul Emperor's daughter, is left aboard as the ship burns. Hawke rescues her, and she reveals she fell in love with him, having seen only three men before.

During the raid on the Moghul vessel At sea, on the Moghul vessel
6

Patma put up for auction; Spitfire outbids Hawke

Back in Madagascar, Patma is put up for auction. Spitfire outbids Hawke, who only wanted to protect her from the other pirates.

After the rescue Madagascar
7

Spitfire plans to leave piracy with Hawke

Spitfire tells Hawke she intends to leave her criminal life and asks him to accompany her to Britain via Brazil. This marks a shift from their earlier antagonism toward a potentially shared future.

After the auction Madagascar
8

Hawke steals a map of the pirates' defenses

Hawke steals a map of the pirates' defenses as Brasiliano's hatred for him grows with each passing moment. The stolen map is meant to aid their plan to strike.

Before the harbour assault Pirate base, Madagascar
9

Plan to ambush a Royal Navy warship

It is planned that a Royal Navy warship will sail into the harbour, with Hawke disabling the coastal cannons. He signals the British ship with a flare and makes sure Patma is ready to be rescued.

Pre-battle Harbour near Madagascar
10

Betrayal discovered; beach execution attempt

Brasiliano uncovers Hawke's plan, and Hawke and his two accomplices are tied to stakes on the beach to be bitten by crabs and drowned. Spitfire saves them just in time.

Just before the British warship arrives Beach, Madagascar
11

British warship arrives; cannons explode; Brasiliano flees with Patma as shield

A British warship enters the bay and the pirates expect an easy victory, but their cannons explode because they have been double-shot. Brasiliano uses Patma as a human shield to sail away.

During the battle Madagascar harbour
12

Hawke and Spitfire rescue Patma; battle continues

Hawke and his men slip aboard the pirate ship, rescue Patma, and fight off the pirates with Spitfire's help.

During the battle Pirate ship
13

Final duel; Brasiliano dies

Hawke duels and kills Brasiliano, ending the pirate threat. After the battle, he requests and is granted Spitfire's freedom.

Final confrontation Pirate ship/bay
14

Spitfire freed; Hawke and Spitfire kiss

With Brasiliano defeated, Spitfire's freedom is secured and she and Hawke share a kiss. The two look toward Britain together, signaling a new alliance.

Ending Harbour

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:26

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Against All Flags Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Against All Flags

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Against All Flags (1952) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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Against All Flags (1952) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow