2/3. Dramatisation of Patrick O’Brian's novel and its sequel, The Surgeon’s Mate. Jack, Stephen and Diana escape from Boston in a rowing boat with a cache of American intelligence papers and stolen diamonds. A Royal Navy frigate, HMS Shannon, on blockade duty outside the harbour, takes the fugitives on board. In the climactic naval battle of the War of 1812 HMS Shannon defeats the USS Chesapeake but at a heavy cost. At a ball in Nova Scotia to celebrate the great victory Jack has a dalliance with the amorous Amanda Smith before our heroes board a mail packet bound for London. But they are pursued by two American ships intent on recovering Diana, the papers and the priceless jewels.

Dramatised by Roger Danes.

Captain Jack Aubrey........................................DAVID ROBB

Doctor Stephen Maturin.....................RICHARD DILLANE

Diana Villiers.........................................CANDIDA BENSON

Captain Philip Broke...................................PETER FORBES

Pontet-Canet........................................NICK UNDERWOOD

Johnson.....................................................STRUAN RODGER

Amanda Smith...............................................EMMA HANDY

Major Beck.............................................................DON GILET

Admiral Colpoys...........................................TONY TURNER

Lt. Falkiner..........................................CAMERON PERCIVAL

Bartholomew......................................................LEWIS BRAY

Other parts are played by the cast.

Producer/director Bruce Young