Dramatised sequences and dialogue based on the autobiography of Mary Seacole, the Jamaican doctress who became a national heroine during the Crimean War, tell the story of this too-long-forgotten heroine of British history.
Drawing on letters and diaries of the time, this biography recounts the gripping tale of her journey from Jamaica to the Crimea where she nursed British troops at the Battle of Sebastapol, and shows how Florence Nightingale eventually stole her mantle as the nation's favourite nurse.
The film also features recently discovered letters in which Florence Nightingale makes clear her bitter feelings towards her medical rival. In 1856 Mary returned to London penniless but escaped bankruptcy by publishing a popular autobiography, while grateful veterans organised four huge benefit concerts attended by 80,000 people. Sadly, her memory died with her and her peers.
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