The Nelson Affair
The Nelson Affair
Young George Matcham visits his uncle Lord Nelson and the vulgar Lady Hamilton. With the clear eyes of youth, he measures Nelson's stature and notes his feet of clay. And yet, Nelson is a hero, a great man. How can this be resolved? Meanwhile, the combined French and Spanish fleet puts to sea.
grantss reviewedMay 17, 2025
So-so melodrama made memorable by a spectacular battle scene.
England, 1805. After two years at sea, Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, the naval hero, is back. With his star in its zenith he could demand and get any post but for now he just wants to be with the woman he loves. Controversially, that woman is not Lady Nelson but his mistress, Lady Hamilton.
A film that largely explores the famous Lord Nelson’s private life. In particular his private life in the months leading up to the Battle of Trafalgar. It’s a complex business, which adds a bit of spice to proceedings. However, much of the way it is portrayed amounts to less interesting melodrama, feeling a bit soap-opera-y at times
In addition, the point of all this escapes me. The focus appears to be more on Lady Hamilton than Nelson and she’s painted as a rather unpleasant person. I was hoping there’d be a turning point, where some positive qualities come through but she is unpleasant and unsympathetic to the end.
The personal drama stuff isn’t terrible, it’s even quite engaging at times, but it isn’t enough to make an entire movie about.
What makes the film eminently watchable, however, is the battle scene. This isn’t any battle, it’s the Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson’s finest hour. A very gritty, lavish portrayal of the battle – very well made. This lifts the quality of the film considerably.