Basil Brookes (Dan Stevens) joins "Captain Bob" - press mogul Robert Maxwell (David Suchet) - as financial director and witnesses Maxwell's financial shenanigans as he contests status with fellow mogul Rupert Murdoch and descends into marital and monetary chaos. He optimistically pursues glamorous secretary Andrea Martin (Daniella Denby-Ashe) and alienates his wife Betty (Patricia Hodge) by putting his desire for immediate separation by letter. By the end of the film the previously omnipotent Maxwell, who was able to have bankers, suppliers and competitors dancing to his tune, was powerless, held in contempt by his bankers and employees and was finally alleged to have comitted suicide in a fall from his boat. In closing newsclips it is seen that Maxwell was alleged to have embezzled millions from his employees' pension funds to keep his ailing businesses afloat.