The Even Chance is the first of eight Hornblower television adaptations relating the exploits of Horatio Hornblower, the protagonist in a series of novels and short stories by C.S. Forester. The Even Chance is the name given to this first film in the United Kingdom, while in the United States it is known as The Duel. Plot In January 1793, 17-year-old Horatio Hornblower, a newly-appointed midshipman, joins a ship of the line, HMS Justinian. Hornblower is introduced to his shipmates, including Jack Simpson, a bully who rules the midshipmen's quarters. Hornblower embarrasses himself when he becomes seasick while the ship is at anchor in calm waters. Hornblower considers suicide because of Simpson's persecution, then finds an opportunity to challenge him to a duel, even though Simpson is an experienced duellist. Midshipman Clayton feels guilty that he has not previously stood against Simpson. He knocks Hornblower unconscious, takes his place in the duel and is killed. Simpson is wounded but survives. Hornblower is transferred to the frigate HMS Indefatigable, under the command of Captain Pellew. Midshipmen Kennedy, Hether, and Cleveland go with him, as well as Simpson's old division which, due to Pellew's ire over the duel, becomes Hornblower's. Hornblower's decision to place his trust in them while encouraging them to improve their performance, as well as his conduct in battle, wins him their respect and loyalty. Pellew orders Hornblower to assume command of a captured French ship, Marie Gallante. Hornblower discovers the ship has a hole in the hull beneath the water line and is sinking fast. His men and he, along with the French captain and crew, abandon the ship for a lifeboat. Outnumbered, Hornblower and his men are soon overpowered. The French captain orders Hornblower to hand over his compass and navigation chart. Hornblower surrenders the chart, then tosses the compass overboard. He later informs Matthews that in anticipation of the French prisoners gaining the upper hand, he deliberately mispositioned their location on the chart. The French captain attempts to reverse course 180 degrees to return to the French coast, but sails parallel to the coast without ever sighting it. The French crew becomes mutinous, allowing Hornblower and his men to regain control. Shortly afterwards, they are recovered by Indefatigable, where Hornblower receives the accolades of the crew. Simpson joins Indefatigable (known by her crew as the Indy) after Justinian is sunk by a French ship, Papillon. Pellew