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Synopsis

To finance the projected war on France, the commons are about to pass a bill confiscating the Church's lands. Seeking to avoid the long-term implications of this, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Ely make the newly-crowned King Henry an irresistible offer of cash, at the same time confirming the legitimacy of his claim to the French throne.

Convinced by the enthusiasm of his advisers, Henry orders the invasion of France. The arrival of a gift of tennis balls from the French Dauphin - a scornful jibe at Henry's dissolute youth - only serves to confirm him in his decision.

The King's former companions from his days in the Eastcheap taverns hear of the death of Sir John Falstaff from Mistress Quickly. They take their leave of her and set out to join Henry's army.

However, before the army embarks at Southampton, Henry has to deal with treachery among his nobles when it is discovered that three of them have plotted to assassinate him. The French, meanwhile, are preparing to counter the invasion.

Despite the Dauphin's insistence that Henry is an unworthy opponent, King Charles receives the English ambassadors but finally rejects Henry's claim to the crown. Henry's forces besiege and then take the town of Harfleur. While her father rouses his nobles to retaliation, Princess Katherine begins to learn English with the help of her companion Alice.

Following the victory at Harfleur, the English forces begin a retreat through Normandy on account of the poor condition of the men, who are disheartened by sickness and foul weather. Even so, Henry rejects the French Herald's offer of ransom and the two armies prepare to fight.

On the eve of the Battle of Agincourt, Henry tours the camp in disguise and, sounding out the opinions of his men, is led to consider the heavy responsibilities of kingship. In the French camp, by contrast, confidence is high. As battle is joined, Henry rallies his troops and places them all in God's hands.

An English victory is confirmed, with miraculously small losses. As part of the subsequent treaty, Henry woos and wins Katherine to ensure the linking of the two countries through marriage.