That Hamilton Woman

In the slums of Calais, Emma Hamilton is clapped into debtor's prison as she begins to narrate her life to skeptical fellow prisoners. Her husky, whiskey-soaked voice recalls a past image of herself, a woman the artists once celebrated. She looks into a mirror and recalls the face I knew before—the young girl who captivated painters like Romney and Reynolds.

Emma Hart's early life as Charles Francis Greville's mistress leads to her meeting Sir William Hamilton, the British ambassador to Naples. Gradually, she becomes entangled in a web of wealth and power that will redefine her future. The social ladders and debts that follow steer her toward a life she had not anticipated.

Greville hands Emma over to Sir William in exchange for relief on his debts. Initially crushed, she grows to appreciate her luxurious surroundings and the refined life with Sir William. He explains Britain's reasons for waging war against Napoleon, anchoring her new position in state politics.

When Horatio Nelson arrives in Naples, Emma is drawn to his passionate resolve against Napoleon's wars. She leaves Sir William to live with Nelson, though he is also married. The lovers' idyll is soon challenged by the perils of war and their mutual infidelity.

The Admiralty steps in, explaining that Emma must go to Cairo while Nelson is recalled to Britain. They share a heartfelt, anticipatory farewell, knowing distance and duty will pull them apart. Both end up back in England, each facing the consequences of their choices.

Back in England, the crowds gossip about Nelson's fate as he is seen with Emma. They wonder who he will choose to stay with, and Nelson ultimately affirms his marriage to Lady Nelson. Emma faints, and Lady Nelson helps him move on, foreshadowing a fractured path.

Emma bears Nelson's child and he is called back to sea. Sir William dies, leaving Emma impoverished and vulnerable. Nelson, upon learning of her distress, later buys her a country house, and they live together there.

Napoleon declares himself Emperor, and the war restarts. Nelson leaves to confront the French Navy off the coast of Spain.

The fleet sings Heart of Oak as Nelson raises the signal England expects that every man will do his duty. Captain Hardy warns that Nelson's decorations could attract snipers, but Nelson insists. The Battle of Trafalgar begins, a ferocious clash between the fleets.

Nelson is shot through the spine by a sniper and taken below deck. He muses on Emma and his duty as the battle rages above him. The officers fight on while the man he loves fights for his life.

Outside, Admiral Villeneuve's flagship surrenders and the fighting continues until 20 enemy ships are lost. Nelson orders the action to continue, and after 18 ships have fallen he proclaims, 'Thank God. I have done my duty,' before dying.

In England, Captain Hardy seeks Emma out to tell her of the battle's outcome, but breaks down in tears as he reveals Nelson's death. The revelation caps a life of ascent and fall, and Emma's world spirals into poverty and alcoholism.