In the historical suspense thriller, DAMN THE DEFIANT!, Alec Guiness stars as Crawford, the captain of the H.M.S. Defiant. The ship embarks on a voyage to battle invading French pirates, but megalomaniac Lt. Scott-Padget (Dirk Bogarde) has other plans. The violent Scott-Padget goes head to head with Crawford on disciplinary issues, and when Crawford is injured during a battle with the French, Scott-Padget ruthlessly takes command. It's up to seaman Vizard (Anthony Quayle) to steer up a mutiny and liberate the Defiant from the egotistical Scott-Padget.

Based on the novel, MUTINY, by Frank Tilsley, DAMN THE DEFIANT! is an accurate recreation of 18th-century nautical warfare. Director Lewis Gilbert spares no expense on details--the elaborate sets and lavish costumes are of the utmost believability, making the film essential viewing for any history lover.