Sir Francis Drake : the rise of English sea power

Dramatizes the adventures of Sir Francis Drake when he sailed an English fleet into the Pacific Ocean by way of Magellan's Straits to attack and seek treasures from Spanish vessels. Depicts the raiding of the Spanish ships and the raging storm which challenged them for 52 days leaving but one ship remaining of their original five. Tells of his return to England where his enemies and representatives of the Spanish court demanded his death for piracy. Concludes with Drake's knighting by Queen Elizabeth I, who chose to honor him instead of beheading him.