Bequest to the Nation (U.S. title The Nelson Affair[1]) is a 1973 British historical drama film directed by James Cellan Jones and starring Glenda Jackson, Peter Finch, Michael Jayston and Margaret Leighton.[2][3] It is based on Terence Rattigan,s 1970 play A Bequest to the Nation.[1]
Plot summary
The film depicts the relationship between Admiral Lord Nelson and his mistress, Lady Hamilton, during the Napoleonic Wars plus others they would meet, including Nelson's nephew, George Matcham Jr.
Much of the story takes place at Merton Place, Nelson & Hamilton's estate, before Nelson's heading out to sea for the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar.
Cast
Glenda Jackson as Lady Hamilton
Peter Finch as Lord Nelson
Michael Jayston as Captain Hardy
Anthony Quayle as Lord Minto
Margaret Leighton as Lady Nelson
Dominic Guard as George Matcham Jnr, Nelson's nephew
Nigel Stock as George Matcham Snr, Nelson's brother-in-law
Roland Culver as Lord Barham
Barbara Leigh-Hunt as Catherine Matcham, Nelson's sister
Pat Heywood as Emily
Clelia Matania as Francesca
John Nolan as Captain Blackwood