Robert Urquhart

It is early May: the year 1940. In London, the civil population, lulled into an atmosphere of false security, goes about its business as usual. But Charles Forman, war correspondent, knows better. As the war in France takes a turn for the worse, he signs on with the Merchant Navy and volunteers for the greatest mission ever mounted... the evacuation of Dunkirk.

After a daring escape, a prisoner goes into hiding. While waiting for safe passage with his sister, she uncovers his murderous bloodlust.

When Italian composer Giacomo Puccini is accused of sleeping with his maid, the scandal threatens to destroy his life and career. This biopic intercuts with director Tony Palmer's efforts to stage Puccini's last opera.