What It's About:

On the eve of the Napoleonic wars, the dashing Captain Horatio Nelson (Olivier) turns up at the Naples home of aging Ambassador Hamilton (Alan Mowbray) with a request for troops. There he meets the ambassador's much younger wife Emma (Leigh), and the sparks fly. What follows is the tragic story of their illicit years-long courtship and romance, brought to life by real-life sweethearts Leigh and Olivier.

Why I Love It:

Love stories doesn’t get much grander than this British entry, which reunited Olivier and Leigh for their finest screen pairing. Director Korda sets this forbidden, passionate affair against a vast canvas spanning many years, nations, and events. Olivier and Leigh are not only supremely talented but gorgeous to look at; you'll find yourself swooning right along with them. Capped by a thrilling, grandly staged battle at sea, “That Hamilton Woman” is an epic saga, rich in romance and history.