Été 1797 : les officiers de la British Navy craignent de nouvelles mutineries parmi les matelots qui ont dû endurer les conditions terribles de la vie à bord des bateaux britanniques. Billy Budd est un bel homme, fort, digne de confiance, efficace et loyal. Mais il est persécuté par Claggart, le maître-d'armes vindicatif et cruel, qui l'accuse d'insubordination.
It is the summer of 1797 and the officers of the British Navy fear that there will be further mutinies amongst the sailors who have had to endure the terrible conditions on board British ships. Billy Budd is handsome, strong, reliable, efficient and loyal. But he is victimised by Claggart, the vindictive and cruel master-at-arms, who accuses him of insubordination.