Crest of the Wave (1954) Movie Script

[seagull squawking]

[instrumental music]

[seagull squawking]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[boat engine droning]

- Good morning, sir.

- Good morning.

The CO's with Lieutenant Vincent

now, sir.

- Right. Lead on, will you?

- Aye aye, sir.

[wind whooshing]

- Hello, Jeff.

- Hello.

More oxygen.

[hissing]

[hissing continues]

Well, he's still hanging on,

but don't ask me how.

Phillips, this is the

deputy director, naval research.

How do you do?

Is there any point

in our waiting here?

No, not at the moment,

if he shows any sign

of being able to speak,

I'll send for you at once.

Right, then.

You wouldn't have eaten, Jeff,

I'll have something

organized for you.

Thanks, but they gave me a bite

on the plane, coming up.

How about the torpedoman

who was with Vincent?

Jackson? Not a trace.

He may have been blown

to smithereens or he maybe

on the bottom of what's left of

the submarine.

We'll have to wait

for the diver's report.

- Did you get it on the tape?

- Yes, not that it helps us.

(Jeff)

'Still,

I should like to hear it.'

(Sinclair)

Certainly.

(male #1)

'Target speed eight knots.'

(male #2)

'Eight knots, deflection angle'

'ten degrees left, sir.'

(male #1)

'Ten degrees left.'

- 'Alright, standby.'

- 'Aye aye, sir.'

(male #2)

'We're coming onto

our firing course.'

- 'Here we go.'

- 'Fire!'

[explosion]

Well..

...that's the lot.

At least, we know one thing.

The torpedo left the submarine

before it exploded.

Could we have a word

with Wharton?

Yes, of course.

- Wharton.

- Sir?

Tell us about the trial,

Wharton.

How was Vincent

feeling about it?

I think he felt quite confident,

sir.

Mm. I suppose there

was never any question

of the explosive

not having been stabilized?

He's been carrying out tests

for over a year, sir.

The results are all here.

Thanks, I want to look at those.

If there's one man who knows

about DPT, it's Vincent, sir.

I'm sure you won't find

the error in his calculations.

It's much more likely

to have been a faulty component.

You're a great admirer of

Vincent, aren't you, Wharton?

I'm very proud to work with him,

sir.

[knocking on door]

(Sinclair)

'Come in.'

It's all over,

I'm afraid he's gone.

He was never able

to speak a word.

(Sinclair)

'Alright, Wharton.'

Perhaps you'll

have somebody put

his things together, would you?

Aye aye, sir.

I'm sorry, I'm afraid there

was nothing we could do.

It was quite hopeless.

- Thanks, John.

- Aye aye, sir.

Well, Jeff, what do we do now?

We've lost a good volunteer

rating and our best scientist.

Do we carry on?

Oh, yes.

Weight for weight,

DPT is ten times more powerful

than any other explosive

we've got this side of the atom.

If we can make it work.

We put Wharton in Vincent's job

then?

No, no, no, that's not possible.

We've got to have someone

who knows

at least as much as Vincent,

about DPT.

If not more.

Is there anyone who knows more

than Vincent did, Jeff?

No, I don't think there is.

Not in this country.

Then what do we do?

Do? How do I know

what they'll do?

I know what they oughta do,

send us all

on 14 days leave. Char's up.

We've only been here

three weeks, Badge.

Well, that's long enough

on this ruddy four by two rock

if you ask me.

They're going

to need a bit of time

to get things sorted out

after last night.

That's right, Haggis, what

are they gonna do about

us in the meantime

stuck out here

like a Swiss Family Robinson.

- Well, come and have it.

- Oh, sorry.

Thanks very much, Badge.

It's alright for Haggis,

he's not on foreign soil.

But I can do with

a sniff of our London again.

Touch of the bright lights.

Where do you live, Sprog?

Me? Oh, nowhere, Badge.

Nowhere? Come off it.

Everybody has to live somewhere.

- Where's your mum and dad live?

- Nowhere.

- Eh?

- Well, I haven't got none.

That's why I volunteered

for this.

A kid like you.

You want your brains tested.

Never volunteer,

I've had that drilled

into me ever since

I was a boy seaman.

Never volunteer for nothing.

But you volunteered for this,

Badge.

Aye, he did that.

So, you don't have to take him

too seriously, Sprog.

It's not the same thing at all.

I volunteered

on compassionate grounds.

Purely private, personal

and highly domestic.

Why being stuck out

in this hole is just

one more black mark against

Clelland.

Clelland? Who's that?

Somebody whose throat

I'm gonna cut from ear to ear

if ever I meet up

with him, and I mean that.

Now, stop scaring the children,

Badge, and get me a cup of tea.

I don't see why you should draw

six pence a day extra

for doing sweet Fanny Adams.

- Letter for you, Haggis.

- How do you fancy it?

Tabled'hote or a la carte?

Trouble it is

for poor ol' Jackson.

Well, we've got

no forwarding address for him.

We best put them

with the rest of his gear.

I packed his kit bag.

...that'll be his wife.

- 'Hey, Lofty.'

- Yeah.

What you said

I've been working it out.

Six pence a day for 365 days

comes to nine pound

two and a tenner.

Eh, that's not much

for a year's cookin', is it?

Three hundred

and sixty five days?

Hope we're not going to

stay here that long.

Badger reckons we may get

14 days out of this, Lofty.

Don't you believe it, son.

When things go right, perhaps.

But you never get leave in

the navy when things go wrong.

And here something else

has gone wrong.

Mr. Petty Officer Herbert.

Blimey, weasel face.

I'd like to know,

if it's the same Herbert

they used to talk about

in Malta.

The one they put on the beach

cause underwater service

didn't seem to agree with him.

Alright, now pay attention

on the mess deck.

- Turner.

- Yeah?

Stand up.

Don't you try to be funny

with me, Turner.

You maybe big but you are not

big enough to beat me. Got it?

I'd like to ask you something,

Petty Officer Herbert.

Well?

Was you ever in Malta?

I was. Why?

I thought so.

That explains a lot.

Now, listen to me, Turner.

I know all about you too.

You didn't come in, yesterday.

You've had 14 years service

and look how far you've got?

And all because you can't

stay out of trouble.

Well, I'm warning you,

if it's trouble

you're looking for

you'll get it.

Death or glory boys,

you may be, but it doesn't mean

you don't have to knuckle down

to proper discipline.

Alright now, pay attention

to me, the lot of you.

Skipper's got something to say

to you tomorrow morning.

What it's all about,

I don't know.

And I don't wanna know,

it's not my job.

I'm here to see you crowd

behave yourselves.

Look clean on divisions

and report to present

and correct.

And that means you'll have

to turn out a lot smarter

than you did this morning,

Sims, understand?

- Okay.

- And don't say "okay," alright?

Okay.. I mean, righto.

Have you packed

Jackson's personal belongings?

- I have it all ready.

- Hmm.

Well, see they're down

on the jetty

first thing in the morning.

- Aye aye.

- Oh, Badger.

Yes, petty officer?

You're senior rating here,

aren't you?

Yes, petty officer.

Then square your cap up.

See what I mean, Sprog?

Here we are miles from home,

stuck out

on a flaming iceberg

with the butcher of Belsen

for a petty officer.

The only feminine genders

within striking distance

a bunch of ruddy sheep,

and for why?

I'll tell you for why.

For going back

on ratings regulations

section one paragraph one.

Never volunteer for nothing,

got it, Sprog?

Never volunteer.

(Sinclair)

'...and that's the reason'

'for my talking

to you this morning.'

'In view of what's happened,

we've decided'

'to give you the opportunity

to volunteer again.'

You came here prepared to

undertake hazardous duties.

You now know,

exactly what that means.

(Sinclair)

'If any man wants

to stand down no one's'

'gonna challenge him

with lack of guts.'

Each man must decide

for himself.

Alright, petty officer.

'Party, hup!'

All those willing

to re-volunteer

'one pace forward, march.'

Thank you very much.

Alright, stand at ease.

(Sinclair)

'Now, are there any questions?'

Yes. sir.

Shore leave, sir.

- Shore leave?

- 'Yes, sir.'

But there's nothing

to go ashore for here.

Just the idea of being

able to go somewhere, sir.

Now, you know as well as I do,

Badger

no one's allowed

to go to the mainland.

- 'For security reasons.'

- Yes, sir.

- Thank you, sir.

- Alright then.

We shall not be ready

for the next trials immediately.

In the meantime we shall do our

best to keep you interested.

Alright, carry on,

petty officer.

Party, hup!

[seagull squawking]

Now, pay attention. You've

all heard what's been said.

(Herbert)

'You're to be kept interested.'

'And that's what I'm here for.'

At 1100 hours,

you report to stores.

(Herbert)

'Each man will draw

himself a swab'

broom, Emery paper,

wire scrubber and paint scraper.

Stand up, Badger,

what's the matter with you?

When you get back to your

mess deck, change for PT.

You got five minutes.

Party, right turn.

(Herbert)

'Do, march.'

Left-right,

left-right left-right.

Left-right,

left-right left-right.

(Sinclair)

'And it's up to

you to put in for any'

'replacement components

you need.'

So that we can go straight ahead

with further

bench tests as soon as

this man arrives.

I'm sorry if this is a

disappointment to you, Wharton.

Oh, that's alright, sir.

May I know who's gonna

take Vincent's place?

Yes.

Butch mentioned a man

by the name of, uh..

...Bradville, do you know him?

No, sir, I can't say I do.

Apparently, he's been working

on DPT as a surface charge.

That Bradville?

But he has nothing

to do with us, sir.

Well, the Admiralty

are gonna try and borrow him.

If they do, I know you'll

give him all the help you can.

Yes, of course, sir.

[instrumental music]

You oughta try a bit of that

out on Herbert sometime, Haggis.

What for?

Do you reckon Herbert's

a music lover or something?

Nah, might charm him.

Same way they do snakes.

[chuckles]

Must say, I'm very partial

to dropping music myself.

It's always my favorite party.

She could play

the piano a treat.

Just tunes, you know,

nothing classical.

But she had a beautiful touch,

beautiful.

What was she like to look at,

Badge?

Fat and forty?

She was not, she was small.

Fluffy, I suppose

you'd call her.

And how she loved a good time.

Forever getting

into her evening dress she was.

Morning, noon and night.

Loved a good laugh too.

Sometimes I think she

only went out with me

'cause I made her laugh so much.

That's why I married you, Badge.

Huh. Get out of it, I'm serious,

we was engaged.

I bought her a diamond ring

the size of a walnut

and I paid the first installment

on a semi-detached shore base.

(Badge)

'I was even getting out of the

navy when the war ended.'

And then that basket Clelland

dropped anchor.

What? Another Nacker?

A Yank.

A pair of nylons in one hand

a pack of cigarettes

for her dad in the other

and I'm left up on the beach.

By the time,

I get back from the med

she's joined the export drive

and go to the States

as a war bride.

Well..

...it just goes to show, mate..

...never trust a girl

with a beautiful touch.

I didn't get my ring back,

neither.

All I got was a postcard.

On one side it had "Ta-ta,

Charlie, thanks for everything"

and on the other,

"God bless America"

and a picture

of the Statue of Liberty.

Attention on the mess deck.

At ease, please,

I thought you'd like to know

that tomorrow morning,

we're expecting

some new arrivals

from the mainland.

This means that we should be

starting serious work again.

Well, we shan't be

sorry about that.

I suppose not.

It also means

and this came

as a surprise to us

that you'll be having two

new mess mates on this deck.

It'll be a bit of a squash but

I know you'll make the best

of it.

- Any questions?

- Yes, sir.

Any cooks amongst them, sir?

- Cooks?

- Yes, sir.

No, Badger.

No cooks, I'm afraid.

Thank you, sir.

Anything else?

Alright, carry on, please.

Goodnight, everyone.

(all)

Goodnight, sir.

Alright, first thing

in the morning, Sims, Mackintosh

fix up another bunk in here.

Now get turned in all of you.

It's past time.

Would you believe it?

A lousy six pence a day extra

and more bleeding mouths

for poor old Badger to feed.

You know, I think

they might have allowed us

to finish this job ourselves.

Don't you, Wharton?

You better get down there,

Layne.

They'll be alongside

in a moment.

Hey, Lofty, Badge,

here they come.

This party's

a bit off course, isn't it?

Well, let's go.

Blimey.

We've been occupied.

My name's Bradville.

Reporting here for duty.

How'd you do?

Have a good trip?

- Fine, like a bird.

- Good.

- See to these men, will you?

- Aye aye, sir.

I better take you up to see

the old man straight away.

Okay. See you fellows later.

Okay, lieutenant.

You look as though you've come

for a long stay.

- That's right, mister.

- The name's Herbert.

'Petty Officer Herbert.'

Okay, Petty Officer Herbert.

My name's Butch.

This here is Kaminsky.

Otherwise known as "Shorty."

Hiya.

Well, when you've got

all your gear together

I'll show you your quarters.

Okay, thanks for the hitch,

fellows. See you later.

[knocking on door]

Come in.

Lieutenant Bradville

come aboard, sir.

Ah, Bradville, very glad

to have you with us.

- Thank you, sir.

- Come, sit down.

- Have a good trip?

- Yes, sir.

Well, I suppose they put you

in the picture before you left.

Well, they told me in Washington

that, uh, you've been trying

to use DPT

underwater, same as we have.

Yes, and it won't behave itself.

I believe you've had

better luck with it.

As a static charge, yes.

We've certainly got it

under control

as far as surface mines

are concerned

but we've only just turned over

to underwater work.

I, uh, I understand

you've a torpedo here

specially designed for the job.

That's right. Wharton

will have to explain it to you.

He's our propulsion expert

and the chap

you'll be working with.

I'm afraid I'm just a sailor,

not a scientist.

Oh, well, then, uh, perhaps

this is the moment

I should tell you, sir,

that, uh, strictly speaking

I'm just a scientist,

not a sailor.

Oh?

'As a matter of fact, I never'

even saw the sea' until '48

when the navy began

to take an interest in DPT.

'I see.'

So if my drill

seems a bit unorthodox at times

I'm hoping you'll excuse me,

commander, just the way

they do at home.

Oh, that's alright, Bradville.

How about your men?

'Oh, they're 100 percent navy.'

Couple of good boys.

They help me put

the first DPT mine together

and they've been

with me ever since.

Here's your mess deck,

those are your bunks

these are your mates. Now, I'm

told you're here on special duty

so you'll get your orders

from your own officer.

But while you're on this deck

you're under my jurisdiction.

And if you don't know

what that means

they'll tell you.

Carry on.

Say, which one

of the British isles is this?

- Welcome to Sorrento, boys.

- Is that what it's called?

Well, it's what we call it,

when we have company.

Now let me introduce you.

- Badger, Sprog.

- Hello.

Haggis and I'm Lofty.

This is Shorty, I'm Butch.

Pleased to meet you.

Carry on.

- See what I mean?

- Yeah.

It's kinda cool

around these parts.

We're ever so sorry, but

the coalman forgot to call.

(Badge)

'Otherwise we'd have had

the central heating'

'turned on for you.'

Now, turn it up, Badge.

Stop taking the water.

You go and pop the kettle on,

eh?

He don't mean nothing.

You could do with a cup of char,

couldn't you?

- How's that?

- A cup of tea, mate.

Remember what I told you,

no matter what time it is

it's always time

for a cup of tea.

Sure. Oh yeah, sure, thanks.

I, uh, I love tea.

- Wharton.

- Yes?

I've brought

Lieutenant Bradville.

Oh.

Thank you, Layne.

Glad to know you, lieutenant.

I understand you

and I'll be working together.

That's right.

Did you have a nice trip?

Fine, thanks.

This where we shake down, uh?

Yes. That's your bunk.

Good.

Oh, they tell me,

you live pretty hard here.

Well, it's not soft.

Depends what you're used to.

I guess that's right too.

I'm glad we're going

to be working together

on this, Wharton,

the commander's been telling me

what a great job

you've done here.

No, it was Vincent

who did the great job.

I just helped him.

Well, maybe, but

I'd certainly be glad

if you'd help me

in the same way.

Well, of course.

That's what I'm here for.

Yeah, I know, but I..

Well, what I'm trying to say is

I'm-I'm hoping we can lick

this thing together.

Quite honestly, Bradville,

I don't think

there's much left to lick.

'You will see what I mean when

you've read Vincent's notes.'

I'll leave 'em here for you.

It's just bad luck

that he isn't here

to finish the job himself.

[chuckles]

Well, if I'm gonna be ready

'for you tomorrow, I better go

across the land.'

Oh, those two men

you brought with you?

Yes?

They won't be allowed to go

on the trials, you know.

We've got our own chaps

for that.

See you later.

That's the lot, sir.

Everything nice and comfy, sir?

What's that?

I said, everything

nice and comfy, sir?

We've gotta make them nice

and comfy, you know, Curly.

Don't get dollar customers

every day, do you?

Can't make no exceptions.

It's all laid down.

They'll get

the regulations issues

same as what you get.

Incorruptible, isn't he?

We've met him before.

Long service on bad stations.

You boys have been to sea then?

Listen, mister,

The United States Navy

has 1964 surface crafts.

And they're not sailed

by Englishmen.

- That's a fact.

- Now, no offense, mate.

A lot of us get stuck

in dry dock, you know?

- Okay.

- Here you are, lads.

These will tickle your ribs

for you.

Sign there, will you?

- Here you are.

- Now, Curly.

Just a minute, Turner.

We'll have your

valuable autograph too.

What do you think

I'm gonna do with this?

Flog it to the natives?

So long as I have

your signature

you can do what

you like with it.

Hey, you know who that guy

reminds me of, Butch?

Who's that?

Remember Charlie Manlick

in Manila?

Manlick?

That slopehead.

He'd give you a handful of rice

he'd count every grain first.

Yeah, talking of rice.

- Either of you two married?

- No, sir.

- You, Butch?

- Sort of, why?

I'll say he's married.

He's married to an English girl.

Now..

...was you ever in Southampton,

Butch?

- Southampton, England?

- Yeah.

Sure, during the war

in the Normandy shuttle.

Now don't tell me,

your wife, she's short

fluffy, plays the piano

with both hands

and her name's Doris, right?

Right.

Blimey.

Who's your friend?

Doctor I.Q.?

Haggis. Where's Badge?

- He's off to get the rations.

- Good.

Here, do you remember Clelland?

- Clelland?

- You mean Badge's Clelland?

- Yeah.

- Hey, Lofty.

This is him. This is Clelland.

- No!

- What's the panic?

What you think we ought

to do about it, Haggis?

Well, we'd best keep

it quiet from Badger.

Keep what quiet from Badger?

- That you're Clelland.

- Hey, wait a minute.

Will you guys quit

talkin' in riddles?

So he's Badger, I'm Clelland.

What's so wrong about that?

You stole his girl, didn't you?

- Stole his girl?

- Doris!

He's gonna tear your guts out

when he knows who you are.

Hey, wait a minute.

Don't tell me that Badger

is a guy called Charlie

who used to write all

those stupid letters.

Why, it used to make her laugh.

Well, that's what he told us.

They was engaged, matey.

Engaged? That's not

what she told me.

He didn't even get to first base

with her.

You shouldn't try

and tell him that.

Sure, I'll tell him.

I ain't got nothing to hide.

Wait a minute, Butch. We don't

wanna start no trouble here.

I'm only warning you, if you

wanna stick your neck out--

Hey, wait a minute,

what are you trying to give--

[indistinct chatter]

Oh, this ain't no

"Helen of Troy," kid.

- Let's not start another war--

- 'Now, quiet a moment!'

Look, I'm telling you

she wasn't his girl.

Of course, she was his girl.

[indistinct shouting]

Quiet!

Now, look

instead of squabbling

like a bunch of kids

supposing we try and get

this thing sorted out.

See, here, Butch.

It's maybe none of our business.

But I'm thinking for the sake of

peace and quiet we best forget

your name's Clelland

and keep off this subject.

You're darn right, jock.

Now, look, Butch, it happened

seven years ago,

she's 7000 miles away.

We gotta work together

on this rock.

So let's drop the whole thing,

huh?

That's okay by me.

I'm not starting anythin'.

Come on, let's make up

our bunks.

(Lofty)

'Get me some water,

will you, Sprog?'

[Lofty whistling]

[whistling]

Now I come to think of it.

This has got its funny side,

you know.

Poor old Badge.

But you can't help laughing,

can you?

[laughing]

Dear.

Ta-da!

Come on, fellas. Dig out.

Who's gonna help Uncle Badge

peel the spuds?

[laughing]

- Very funny?

- Yes, mate. Very funny.

[laughing]

See what I mean?

[Lofty laughing]

Here we are then. All dig in.

One for you, and you, and you.

"Share and share alike," that's

my motto. Ain't it, Lofty?

[laughing]

What is the matter

with you, it's not as funny

as all that, is it?

[continues laughing]

Is it?

[all laughing]

[clears throat]

Good morning.

Morning.

Tea or coffee, sir?

Uh, coffee.

Ever had any

of our bangers before?

- Bangers?

- The sausages.

Oh, uh, no, I haven't.

Are they something special?

They are, rather.

See what I mean?

(Herbert)

'Arms bend. Arms stretch.'

Right, on the feet up.

One, two, and stand still there.

Alright, now,

beat the stride jumping.

Arms raising sideways together.

'Commence.

One, two. One, two.'

'One, two. One, two.'

Fall in.

'Stay.'

'Hips up.'

'Heels raising, knees bending'

'Commence. Heels raise.'

'Bend!'

'Stretch.'

'Bend! Stretch.'

'Keep your eyes to the front,

Badger.'

Never mind, who's looking at

you.

'You're not shy, are you?'

'Bend! Stretch.'

Party, steady. Alright,

now, running on the spot.

Commence. Left, right.

Left, right. Left, right.

Come on, now, Badger.

Get 'em up there.

And you, Sims, you're more like

a bunch of chorus girls.

'Left, right. Left, right.

Left, right.'

'Left, right. Left, right.

Left, right.'

Well, there she is.

Tom's Tiddler, Mark 2.

Pleased to meet you, ma'am.

I hope we're gonna be friends.

As soon as you're happy

about that warhead, Bradville

she's ready to go.

- All my tests are finished.

- Oh, I see.

I've got all the figures there

if you'd like to see them.

Fine, thanks.

Unless you'd like to see

her running on the bench first.

Uh, no, I don't think so.

At least, not yet.

Well, then...what would

you like to do?

Well, I hate to break

your heart, Wharton

but I guess our first job is

to strip her right down again.

- Strip her right down again?

- That's right.

But all my tests are finished.

Yes, I know, but I still

have to check for myself.

I've been testing

propulsion units

for quite a few years,

you know, Bradville.

That's just the point.

I haven't.

But I do know something

about DPT.

Sooner or later, we're gonna

have to fix a warhead on this

and when we do,

I've gotta satisfy myself

that everything's

going to behave alright.

You mean, you won't take

our word for it. Is that it?

Now, wait a minute, lemme

ask you a question instead.

That torpedo exploded

within three seconds

of leaving the tube, right?

- Yes.

- Why?

Well, you've read

Vincent's notes.

Six times. I can't find

any fault with them.

And I'm still asking, why?

- Well, if Vincent was right--

- On paper.

Alright, on paper.

But isn't it more likely

to have been something

outside his control?

A metal flaw, say,

or a fractured fuel pipe?

Something that could happen

inside any torpedo.

A million to one chance,

yes, it could have been.

And here's another

million to one chance.

It could have been something

you or Vincent missed

when you were testing.

Now, wait a minute,

Wharton, don't get me wrong.

Maybe I'm no diplomat,

but as I see it

the next this tiddler

goes out on trial

it'll be of my responsibility.

If anything goes wrong,

it'll be because

of something I've missed.

That's why we've got

to start from the beginning.

Okay?

- 'Hey, fellas.'

- Just a minute, Bradville.

We've got our own men

for this work.

I appreciate that and they

obviously know their job.

But, then what's the point?

Oh, your British Admiralty

gave me permission

to bring these men

here because they're used to DPT

they're used to me

and, well, we're a team.

That's why I asked for them.

Certainly not

to squeeze your boys out.

- I see.

- Look, Wharton.

The success of this project

depends just as much

on what you could teach me

as what I can teach you.

(Bradville)

'Alright, fellas.'

Lieutenant Wharton,

Second Class Torpedomen

Kaminsky and Clelland.

- Hello, sir.

- Good morning.

Come on, over, boys,

and have a look at this midget.

The British designed

it specially for use

with our old pal DPT.

The Lieutenant here

knows all the gimmicks.

By the time he's through

with this

we're gonna know them too.

'We've got to know

how every part behaves'

'under any set of conditions.'

When we do, she'll be ready

for the warhead.

Lieutenant, it's all yours.

Well, I suppose

we better begin

by, uh, stripping her

right down.

'Right, if you'll find some

body spanners'

'on the bench over there.'

'You get to work on

the fore part and you start'

'stripping down the tail.'

'Yes, sir.'

[instrumental music]

Let's have a squint, babe.

This is going to take us off

the unemployed list.

Yes, just getting used

to my afternoon nap too.

Don't know about you, Lofty, but

seeing one of those things

makes me feel funny inside.

Specially, when I think

of old Jackson.

Don't worry, son.

I'd sooner have a quick death

in one of them

than a long lingerin' one under

Mr. Petty Officer Herbert.

[rumbling]

Come on, Sprog, your turn,

get in.

I'll tell you something.

Either this boat's a lot smaller

than the last one

or I'm growin' up.

Fire.

Torpedo fire, sir.

Deflection setting a bit slow,

Mackintosh.

Aye, we can do better

than that, sir.

Alright, lets try again,

shall we?

Aye aye, sir.

Target in sight.

Bearing green 3-0.

Green 3-0.

'Alright, let her go.'

[whirring]

Faster.

[whirring]

Come on in, find a place to park

yourselves and relax. Hi.

'Hey, Badger.'

I just want you

to know that the ratio

of noxious gases to heat

coming out of that stove

is darn near lethal.

Lethal? It's worse than that,

sir.

It's deadly.

It's like living

in the gasworks.

You come from a hardy race,

Badger.

Thank you, sir.

Now, what I want to tell

you men is this.

Lieutenant Wharton

and I have been talking

over the results of our tests.

We've come to the conclusion

that

the first stage of the job

is over.

- Cigar, lieutenant?

- 'Yeah, thanks.'

- What comes next?

- Hmm.

Before I tell you,

let's have a little drink.

'Or is that against

navy regulations?'

Ooh, I reckon we can

overlook it this time.

Couldn't we, Butch?

Yeah, I reckon.

[Badge coughing]

Get's right down your throat,

doesn't it?

Dries you right up.

You could use a drop of this,

Badger

for purely medicinal purposes.

Thank you, sir. Good luck, sir.

Well, to get back to the job

we're all set to load

up a warhead

and get it fixed on.

Thank you, sir. Goodnight, sir.

Goodnight, Badger.

So, Kaminsky, first thing

in the morning you report to

Lieutenant Wharton and Clelland

you'll help me charge

the warhead with DPT.

What is it, Badger?

Nothing, sir. Goodnight, sir.

Goodnight.

You got that, Clelland.

Clelland.

[instrumental music]

Take it easy. It's blacker than

the ace of spades in here.

Yeah.

- Jeez, what is this?

- Which one of you is Clelland?

Get that thing out of my eyes,

will you?

- Who is that?

- It's me Badger.

Come on, which one

of you is Clelland?

Uh-oh!

Here I am, sailor,

what's on your mind?

Just a case of daylight robbery,

that's all.

Yeah, let's get some sleep,

will you?

Ever seen her before?

I should've, I married her.

So it was you, was it?

The one and only Clelland.

Caught up with you at last, eh?

Look, we're not gonna get--

I'm not wanting to get anywhere

with you, Clelland,

you smell too strong.

- What the heck's going on?

- 'Will you wait a minute.'

'This is settlin' day,

Clelland.'

'Leased land's over

and done with.'

And the all mighty dollar is not

gonna help you this trip.

If you just quit squawking

for a minute--

I oughta slug you.

You had to wait till

I went to sea before you

come crawlin' out from under

your stone, didn't you?

Hey, I'm warning you,

lay off before I flatten ya.

You Yanks is all the same.

A lot of dirty yellow,

thievin', sneakin'--

No limey is gonna talk like that

to me and get away with it.

- Clelland, stop. Take it easy,

- It's alright, I'm gonna take..

- Get out of the way, will ya?

- Calm down.

Oh!

Now, look, Badger.

Get out of it.

[grunts]

[both grunting]

(Badge)

I'm gonna kill you, Clelland.

- Come on, lads, get up.

- Hang on.

'Let me go, I'll kill him!'

- Let me go.

- Hey!

Are you crazy?

[clamoring]

(Herbert)

'Let me go!'

Oh.

Now, what's all this about?

Fighting on the mess deck, eh?

And our American cousins too.

What's the matter?

International relations getting

a bit strained, are they?

I thought I should

find you in it, Turner.

You can't keep out

of nothing can you?

Well, what's the trouble

this time, eh?

He hasn't got anything

to do with it.

You speak when

you're spoken to.

Come on, Turner, I'm waiting.

I've got nothing to say,

Petty Officer Herbert.

You wanna be up with your cap

off in the morning?

Half a minute, if you wanna

know exactly what happened--

(Herbert)

'Shut up.'

You won't learn much,

PO, unless you listen

to someone who's prepared

to talk.

Ah, so you're coming out of your

shell now, are you, Mackintosh?

Perhaps, you can throw

a little light

on the subject then.

Aye, maybe, I could.

But this is a private matter.

It belongs to the mess deck.

And I think if I were you,

Petty Officer

I'd leave it to be settled here.

Alright, but just watch out,

that's all.

I'm warning you for the last

time, the whole lot of ya.

Now, go on.

Get back to your bunks.

[sniffing]

The next time you won't get away

with it.

[whispers]

Clelland.

Don't think I finished

with you yet.

[whispers]

''Cause I haven't.'

Clelland, do you hear me?

Ah, shut up, Badge.

'You'll feel better

in the morning, mate.'

Goodnight, Butch.

Goodnight.

[seagulls squawking]

Now slip the prop back

check all the gauges.

- How is it?

- She's all set, sir.

- Gauges all reading zero, sir.

- Good.

- Wharton, ready to go.

- Oh, righto.

If you'll go across

to the control room

I'll fix up the microphone.

Oh, yeah, and we better check

that too

before we start 'er up.

Alright, fellas,

let's get going.

[whirring]

Call Commander Sinclair,

we're waiting for him now

will you please?

Thank you.

All correct, Bradville.

'Can you hear me, alright?'

[water gushing]

Righto. Here I come.

Ooh, righto, here he comes.

This is it, old chap, pip-pip.

And I say the commander's

willing

to bang on, jolly good show.

Quit clowning

and open that door.

Yes, sir, jolly good show, sir.

- Morning.

- Good morning, sir.

- All set, Bradville?

- Yes, sir.

Jolly good show.

- 'Standby for test run.'

- 'Ready for test run.'

[siren blaring]

We'll start the run

at very slow revs

then gradually increase.

[droning]

[whirring]

[whirring continues]

[water gushing]

[whirring intensifies]

[whirring stops]

Let's go have a look.

- Stand by, you two.

- Lead us there, Bradville.

Yes, sir.

[whirring]

Okay, switch off.

Well, how do you feel

about it now?

- It's a perfect run, sir.

- Good.

Can you give me a date

for trial, Bradville?

- No, sir.

- You're not ready?

I can't say I am just yet, sir.

Oh, but what else

can we do out of the water?

Well, for one thing,

I think we better

recheck all Vincent's figures

against our own.

For another I'd like you to run

her some more, Wharton.

Then strip her down again,

she how she's takin' it.

You two fellas get some chow

and report back here afterwards.

'No, sir, I'm afraid I can't

give you a date just yet.'

What's worrying you, Bradville?

Well, if you wanna know,

commander

it's this run we've just had.

But there was nothing wrong.

It was bang on.

Yeah.

That's what worries me.

Hey, what he mean by that?

I don't get it.

Well, I just wish he'd

make up his mind, that's all.

You know what, Shorty,

it was like I was telling you.

We picked the wrong place

for a vacation this year.

I don't like the accommodation,

I don't like the climate

I don't like the customs

of the natives.

Well, we ain't gonna

get any refund, buddy

so come on and feed.

And I hate the food.

Come on.

Hey you. Sims.

- Yes, PO?

- Come here.

That trouble last night,

who started it?

It was Turner, wasn't it?

- No.

- No?

Well, who was it?

I'm not saying.

Uh, so you've joined the rest

of them have you, Sims?

Alright, I sure know

how to deal with you.

Go on, off here.

- Hello, Brad.

- Hi.

- Everything goin' smoothly?

- Smooth enough.

How are things with you?

Our chaps are ready

whenever you are.

Good.

Is, tha-that the sub

they're gonna use in the trials?

That's right.

You know, you could be

a big help to me.

- Honestly, could I?

- Yes.

How?

Well, they made me

pass my navigation

but I never got around

to taking one of those out.

Oh, that's easy enough

if that's all you want.

Well, uh, that's all

I want to start with.

Private, where's our

head cook and bottle washer?

Out in the gully, Lofty,

he won't come in.

- What's up now with him?

- These Yanks.

He says he won't sit

down at the same table.

Like a flippin'

film star, isn't he?

Oh, he's like child

instead of a grown man.

Well, believe it or not, fellas,

at last I got me an appetite.

Well, you picked

the right day for it, Shorty.

Got a surprise for you.

Corn beef hash.

- Where's Butch?

- Well, he's around.

Well, isn't he

comin' in for his grub?

Guess not, he don't want any.

Don't say he's acting

temperamental as well.

Oh, Badge's playin' it

that way too, huh?

Well, they say

time's a great healer.

They'll get over it.

After you, Sprog.

How much this guy

Badger's got to beef about?

Y'all learn the meaning

of the word gratitude.

Yeah, come off it, Shorty.

What's Badge gotta

be grateful for?

- 'Did you ever meet Doris?'

- No.

Well, I did and I'm here

to tell you, she is chers.

No kiddin', man. She is chers.

[imitates goat bleating]

You mean, she was

smashin' to look at?

Hey, pipe down, Sprog.

Go on, Shorty.

Well, get this, here's

a dame that hasn't been tied

in the bonds of holy matrimony

more than five minutes

and she's got the best man

in the front parlor

tryin' to get him

to untie the knots.

- 'No.'

- Yeah, and I was the best man.

Do you mean she

doesn't love Butch?

Love him? Sure she loves him,

Butch is a man, ain't he?

And Doris loves men.

There's only one thing

she loves better

than men, that's money.

'Cause with money

she can buy scotch.

Doris loves scotch.

Man when she is

loaded with scotch

she's the greatest lover

of all time.

Believe me, that guy Badger

don't know what he's missin'.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

(male #1)

'Well, that's game and rob.

First rob to us.'

Come on, partner,

let's pull our socks up.

- Whose cards?

- Mine.

- Put me down, partner.

- 12.50, down.

Better get off

this island pretty soon

you chaps'll have

the shirt off my back.

When are these confounded

trials gonna take place?

No idea but I am quite

as impatient as you are.

I'm hoping to get back

to sea after this job.

We're still waiting

on the back room boy.

How 'bout it, Roger?

Well, don't ask me,

the last ten days

I've done nothing but strip down

what I've just assembled

and then assemble

what I've just stripped down.

I don't know

what he's waiting for.

What's happened to all this..

What do they call it?

"Yankee know-how?"

As far as I can make out,

Hardy spends most of his time

trying to something wrong

with Vincent's figures.

Of course he never does.

Aren't you with him

a lot, Babe?

Rather he's terrifically keen.

I've never known a chap with

such a passion for Zed boats.

(male #2)

'What the devil

he's so interested in?'

Everything, sir.

The whole works.

From bow to stern.

We've even been

runnin' through file orders.

(male #3)

'Sounds a very thorough type.'

- 'One heart.'

- 'That's all very well.'

I'd like to know what he's

gotta do with DPT. No bid.

- Sorry, doc. No.

- No bid.

Well, I suppose

we better have the cards

on the table then, partner.

Hi, Wharton, well,

I've got good news for you.

Really?

Yes, we're ready for the trials.

- I'm glad to hear it.

- I thought you'd be.

I can't say I found

what I've been lookin' for

but on the other hand

I found nothing to justify

holding up any longer.

I see.

As a matter of fact,

Bradville, I've come across

to have a word with you.

Okay.

I hear you've been

putting a lot of time

with Babe Stelling

on the Zed boat.

- Yes.

- Why?

Well, isn't that where

the button's pressed?

Is that why you've been learning

how to give file orders?

Oh, so, you've been

checking up on me.

No. But I would like to know

what's in the back of your mind.

I should've thought

that was obvious.

When the next torpedo's fired

I figured to be sitting

behind that periscope.

Has Sinclair agreed to this?

I haven't discussed

it with him yet.

Then let me tell you

he never will.

No?

You really are determined to

make this an all-American party

aren't you, Bradville?

'Well, don't think

it's any surprise to me.'

It doesn't matter a tinker's

cuss to you that our chaps have

been sweating their guts out

for the last two years, does it?

Or that Vincent

was blown to bits

when he was practically home?

Act your age, Wharton.

Well, what contribution

have you made?

Just tell me.

What have you

told us about DPT

that we didn't already know?

- Nothing.

- That's it. Nothing.

That torpedo is still Vincent's

as much as it ever was.

You haven't made

a single modification to it.

And if you're coolly proposing

to cash in on his work

and grab all the credit

for yourself.

So that's it.

That's what's been biting

your guts out all this time.

And here I've been fooling

myself into thinking

this was a problem

we were gonna lick together.

- "Together?"

- Yes, together.

But you've never given

our fellas a chance.

Listen, Wharton,

I'm just a scientist

not a flag-waving fanatic.

I've looked on this

as another job to be done.

I can see now that to you

it's always been a matter

of national prestige.

Oh, you're dead right.

I haven't contributed anything.

I can't say right now,

that what happened last time

won't happen again.

But until I can,

you can take a running jump

because I'll be taking

the risks myself

the same as Vincent did.

And we'll see what Sinclair

has to say about that.

You want the trial, Bradville,

although, you're saying

that the element of risk, is

no less than it was last time?

That's right, sir.

You're convinced

it's a justifiable risk?

I am, sir. To this extent.

Either this project stops,

or it goes ahead

there's nothing further

we can do out of the water.

That's good enough.

We go ahead.

Fine.

I, uh, take it there'll be

no objection to my taking

the boat out

on trial myself, sir?

(Sinclair)

You, Bradville?

That's right of the question.

My instructions on that

point are quite categorical

you can read them yourself

if you like.

But in view of

the risks involved, sir--

'I am afraid that's

our responsibility.'

Our men here have volunteered

for the expressed purpose

of taking justifiable risks.

It wouldn't be very clever,

if we lost you

the same way we lost Vincent,

would it?

'And that goes

for you too, Wharton.'

That's all, gentleman. I'm gonna

arrange for trials immediately.

- 'One, two..'

- 'Roll that right.'

- 'No point.'

- 'No, no, not like that.'

They'll never roll for you,

that way

you gotta talk to 'em,

like this.

Little eighter from Decatur.

Little Joe from Kokomo.

Come on, baby,

we need new shoes.

See what I mean? Natural.

That's exactly what I mean.

- Fifteen shillings, you owe me.

- Alright, then.

Two more throws. Then I'll

teach you Crown and Anchor.

- Crown and Anchor?

- Okay, get on that, baby.

Come on, let's go.

[instrumental music]

You always play

that tune, Haggis.

What's it called?

"Come Back To Sorrento."

Ah, it's smashing.

I don't know why, but it

makes me feel sad though.

Is Sorrento a place, Haggis?

It's an island

in the Mediterranean.

Belongs to the I-ties.

I'm going there someday, Sprog.

- You are?

- Aye.

When I'm finished

with the navy.

Just to lie on my back,

and get warm in the sunshine

and forget.

It's good to

forget sometimes, Sprog.

Do you play

the bagpipes too?

Oh, no. I hate them.

[scoffs]

And you a Scotchmen.

Now, listen, Sprog.

It's Scot or Scotsman.

- Scotch is the stuff you drink.

- Sorry.

And here's a trade secret.

Lot's of Jogs hate

the bagpipes.

We just don't admit

it to the Sassenach, see?

What's a, what's a Sassenach?

Sprog, a Sassenach is anyone

from south of the border.

- Oh, Mexican.

- No, Sprog.

South of the Scottish border.

- I mean Englishmen.

- Oh, I get you.

Ah, I wish I could

play something, Haggis.

Even a bagpipe.

I've always wanted to.

[indistinct chatter in distance]

Will this be any

good to you, Sprog?

[inhales air deeply]

Can I play it?

Oh, you can have it.

I never use it.

- Do you mean it, Haggis?

- Of course, I do.

Who would learn me?

Well, there's

nothing to it, man.

You can teach yourself.

Thanks, Haggis.

Thanks very much.

- There you are, Butch.

- Thank you.

Alright, pay attention.

- Where's Badger?

- In the galley.

- Get him.

- Alright.

- Hey, Lane, have you heard?

- What?

I'm taking the Zed boat

out on the trial.

- You're not.

- Yes, it's terrific!

- But how about Wharton?

- They won't let him go.

Can't stop now.

See you later.

There's gonna be

a fresh trial tomorrow.

You'll draw lots as usual,

to decide who's going.

Whoever it is,

will report to Lt. Sterling

immediately afterwards. Got it?

Right. Carry on.

Well, come on then. Who wants

to be an X-mas turkey?

Put a piece of writing paper

and pencil, someone.

- Yes, some here, Lofty.

- Tell us, Shorty.

Afraid we can't cut

you two in on this.

But you can help us

pass the hat around.

Now, what's Bertie gonna get?

We're having the draw now,

Badger, are you coming in?

You don't need me.

If there's one left over,

it's mine.

Oh, you've carried this thing

quite far enough, Badger.

You're making

a fool of yourself.

It's alright

you talking, Haggis.

You wouldn't understand

what I've suffered.

No. I might follow that.

Be a fine waddle

if we all went around

wearing our hearts

on our sleeves, wouldn't it?

I don't care

what you say.

I still got a bit

of pride left.

There's nothing wrong

with these two fellas, Badger

and you know it.

It's about time you stop

giving this performance

and faced up to the fact

that Doris isn't the girl

you thought she was.

- Who says she isn't?

- I say she isn't.

And as a matter of fact,

I think you've known she isn't

for quite a long time too.

(male #4)

'Haggis, fast,

come on, we're waiting.'

Come on, Badge,

forget all about it.

- He's just coming.

- And about time too.

Alright then, take your choice

and try your luck.

The paper mark with a cross

wins a free trip

around the bay and back.

Here you are, Sprog.

[knock on door]

'Come in.'

Ah, Mackintosh.

- So, you're the lucky man?

- Yes, sir.

Good. I was rather

hoping it'll be you.

- Thank you, sir.

- Well, here we are.

I just wanted to put you

in the picture.

It'll take about four hours

to reach the trial ground.

Control and target ships

steaming up over night..

...and we rendezvous

with them, here..

[instrumental music]

[seagulls squawking]

[horn wailing]

[foghorn blaring]

Target coming

on course now, sir.

Thank you, yeoman.

(man on radio)

'Hello, control.

Target calling.'

'On course, now.'

'Speed seven knots.'

Hello, target.

This is control.

'Maintain your course and speed

exercise commencing, off.'

Hello, Nero,

control calling.

Target on course.

Act independently and carry out

exercise as ordered. Over.

(man on radio)

'Hello, control,

this is Nero. Roger.'

'Switch on recorder.'

[machine beeping]

(man on radio)

'Hello, control.'

'This is Nero.'

'Diving now. Out.'

Firing station, Mackintosh.

Aye aye, sir.

Are your settings on?

(Haggis)

'45 knots.'

'Range 2000.'

Isn't that our target,

the old Northern Star?

That's her.

'It was either this

or the breaker's yard.'

I brought her into

Dover three times.

She's had some narrow squeaks.

Well, she's going up

this time.

Targeting site.

Bearing...green 2-5.

(Haggis)

'Green 2-5.'

(man on radio)

Target course. 3-4-0.

Course 3-4-0.

Target speed..

...seven knots.

Seven knots.

Reflection..

'...ten left.'

Ten left.

They're coming on

to our firing course.

Stand by.

Ready, sir.

(man on radio)

'Sights coming on.'

Fire!

[explosion]

Full ahead, both engines.

[dramatic music]

[whistling]

Stand by to pick up survivors.

Hello, Nero, this is control.

Report my signals,

report my signals.

Over.

(male #6)

'Man the boat.'

[dramatic music]

(male #7)

'Lower away.'

'Alright, give way, starboard.'

'Three together.'

(voice on recorder)

'Hello, Nero, this is control.'

[creaking]

(male #6)

'Oars.'

[wind howling]

(male #7)

'Let her go.'

[instrumental music]

[wind howling]

Captain, sir.

Shall I get along

to the mess deck?

Yes, carry on, please.

- Come along with me also.

- Aye aye, sir.

[man laughing]

[indistinct chattering]

Attention, mess deck.

At ease, please.

I'm sorry to say,

I have bad news for you.

'The trial has been a failure.'

'Lt. Sterling and

your messmate Mackintosh'

'have been lost.'

'There's not a lot I can say.'

'We shall miss

them both very much.'

Mess deck.

Oh, I've forgotten.

Mackintosh left

this letter with me.

It's addressed to all of you.

Carry on.

Well it...sure is tough.

'He was heck of a nice guy.'

(Badge)

'Yeah, he sure was.'

Go on, Badge, you're senior.

I'd rather you, Lofty.

[howling continues]

Bradville.

Yes?

I don't know quiet

how to say this

but I...know I

owe you an apology.

Skip it.

No, I don't want

to skip it, Brad.

I'm going to say it.

I've been stupid and

behaved like an idiot.

A shortsighted,

obstinate idiot.

'I was so certain

Vincent was right.'

If it's any consolation

to you I..

...don't feel too clever myself.

Vincent missed something.

We missed it too.

Right now, there's

a couple of guys

lying out there at

the bottom of the sea.

"This is one of those letters..

"...you hope is never

going to be read.

'"But in case it is..'

'"...would one of

you be a pal..'

'"...and see to the following.'

"The black tin box

"at the bottom of my kit bag

"is to go to Andrew Mackintosh..

"...care of Mrs. Moffat..

"...Kidilockry, five.

'"That's my kid.'

'"Incidentally.'

'"He lives with

his grandparents.'

'"It's only some photographs'

'"and letters of his mother'

'"who died having him.'

'"I want him to have some..'

'"...remembrance of her.'

"Also, would you write

a note to my mother?

"Just put what happened

"in a way she can understand

"without...upsetting

"the admiralty.

"That's the lot really

and thanks.

"Sprog, you keep on with your

'"mouthorgan practice'

'"and you'll soon be

playing real fine.'

'"And I hope Badge is going'

'"to show some sense'

'"over his row with Butch.'

'"Life's too short, Badge.'

'"For bearin' grudges.'

"You've been a grand

lot to be with.

"Good luck, all.

"J.E. Mackintosh..

...Haggis."

[instrumental music]

[wind howling]

[machine beeping]

[instrumental music]

Hey, Badge. Badge.

Hello, what's the matter?

We're packing up,

Badge, going home.

- Back to our ships.

- What?

This box just told

me on the quad.

- Where's Lofty?

- Up here.

Hey!

[music continues]

Lofty! Hey, Lofty.

I thought you were supposed

to be working up top.

- Yes, I've been, Lofty--

- Sims.

That's Tony.

Yes, PO?

What are you doing up here?

- Nothing.

- Oh, that's what it looks like.

- I've finished up top.

- Oh, finished, have you?

Then why didn't you report

to me for further duties, eh?

You got yourself

into bad company, Sims

and bad ways too.

You wouldn't take

my advice, would you?

So, now I'm gonna

teach you a lesson.

I'm having you up

before the officers of the day.

You're not gonna put him

in the rattle for that.

What, for finishing his

job before time?

- Or gossiping with you.

- Then take me up as well.

You get back to

your work, Turner.

Come on, Sims, follow me.

Go on, Sims.

So, that's what they've been

debating for the last week.

Two years' work,

gone for a burton.

Can't you do something

about it, sir.

What could I

tell them, Bradville?

That you're back on

the bench testing.

That you're still not

sure whether the trouble's

DPT or some new factor?

What do they expect,

to collect on every throw?

We've lost four valuable men

and two Zed boats, Bradville.

You must see their

point of view.

- I know, sir, but--

- Oh, to blazes with them.

If they can't see the waste.

The stupidity of getting men

like Vincent and Babe

and the others chuck their lives

away for what now amounts to--

No, I know, how

you must be feeling.

Come and have a drink,

both of you.

I'll see over in the ward room.

Well, that's that.

Perhaps your Navy Department

will let you carry on

from where we left off.

Maybe.

I'll tell you something though.

After that bench run yesterday

I made up my mind

to one thing, Rog.

What's that?

We haven't been wrong about DPT.

There's nothing

unstable about it.

You could give it

to your kids to play with.

Oh, the trouble

isn't in the warhead.

It lies somewhere behind it.

I'm darn sure of that now.

Alright, fellas,

take off the warhead

return it to the magazine.

Okay, when's

the next run, lieutenant?

There won't be any next run.

'We're through.'

Well, isn't that just

like the blooming navy?

You just settle down somewhere

nice and comfortable.

One big happy family.

Some old clod up in London

gets wind of it.

Well, if there's one thing keeps

an admiral awake at night

it's the idea of a sailor with

a nice cozy berth somewhere.

I daresay, we're gonna miss

you're cookin', Badge.

But, will I be glad to see

a two legged animal

that don't have to

shave every morning.

Get out of it.

[imitates goat bleating]

That goes for me too, Shorty.

Well, then right now,

I'm goin' into Joe's.

It's on East 22nd Street

and having me

eight beers all in a row.

And that just for ballast.

After that, I'm hittin'

every joint in town.

Hello, Sprog.

What did he give you?

Oh, it's alright, Lofty.

I only got a caution.

Oh, Herbert'll love that.

I don't think the pigs like him

anymore than what we do.

Well, come on, who's gonna

help Uncle Badge down below?

Grab it. That's it.

So, we got our sailing

orders, hey, Sprog?

Yeah.

I wonder if we'll ever catch

up with each other again, Lofty?

Oh, I daresay,

the navy's a small world.

I hope we do.

I've learned a lot

from you and Haggis.

- And Badge.

- You'll be alright, son.

Don't let them trample

on you, that's all.

- Lofty?

- 'Yeah.'

I'm glad we're going in one way.

Well, I'm glad we're going

in a number of ways, Sprog.

Yes, but..

...but I had the wind up, Lofty.

I was scared.

'Couldn't help it

after what happened to Haggis.'

Ah, don't let that

worry you, son.

We all get the wind up

one time or another.

- It that the truth, Lofty?

- 'Course, it is.

It's just that some

of us covers it up

better than others, that's all.

Anyway, it's all

done with now.

Tomorrow we'll be

packing up this..

...home from home.

By this time,

next week, I daresay

we'll all be

scattered across the face

of the flippin' globe.

Come on, give us

a hand with this.

Okay.

Yeah.

(Bradville)

Vincent missed something.

We missed it too.

Right now, there's a couple

of guys lying out there

at the bottom of the sea.

[sighs]

(Bradville)

I'll tell you

something, though.

The trouble isn't

in the warhead.

It lies somewhere behind it.

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

Now now. Somebody's working

late today, officer?

Yes, sir.

[thudding]

[bell ringing]

[ringing continues]

Look, sir.

A stretcher on the double,

Dawson, and call the MO.

- Aye aye, sir.

- Now stand back, everyone.

There's nothing to see.

Come along, outside, everyone.

- Are you okay?

- Yeah, I'm alright.

Nothing to flap about.

Turn that water off, Layne.

What the heck

have you been doing?

I had her running, Brad.

Without the warhead...

she exploded.

I'll say she did,

but what exploded?

What did you do?

I thought of something

we never allowed for.

What?

We've always given her

a straight run.

This time I set her off-course.

The guiding controls.

We've been pipped

at the post, Brad.

If only they'd given us

two more weeks.

That's all.

As you know, gentlemen,

the guiding controls

are automatically lubricated

with every movement

of the rudders.

It's our contention

that the flash-point

of this present lubricant

is too low.

At engine heat,

the oil ignites

combines with the oxygen

and explodes.

It's explosion

is powerful enough

to detonate the DPT charge.

Then why didn't this happen

during the bench test?

Well, that's easy,

the normal bench run

is on a straight course,

the guiding controls

don't come into operation.

Anyway, our first objective

during these tests

was to satisfy ourselves

that DPT could stand up

to a certain amount

of shock and vibration.

And, uh, I think we proved that.

Well, this is certainly

an attractive theory.

- But I fail to see--

- Oh, no, gentlemen. This is..

This is not

a question of theory

it's a matter of fact.

I, uh, I don't quite

follow you, Bradville.

Well, sir, we've just had

an explosion of this kind

on the bench.

Am I to understand

that further experiments

have taken place

since you had our orders?

I gather that this occurred

on the day they received

your orders to discontinue

experiments, sir.

That's right, isn't it,

Bradville?

Yes, sir.

That's right, sir.

(male #8)

'I see.'

'Well, this seems to put

an new complexion'

'on the whole project.'

[instrumental music]

Hey, Budge, Lofty,

it's on again.

- What's on again?

- The trial.

There's gonna be another one.

Can't stop now.

Oh, no!

Well, isn't that

just like the flaming navy?

They no sooner get you

started movin' out

then they get you

movin' in again.

I wonder how they

carry on sometimes.

I do really.

Here you are, my lucky lads,

come along then.

The one who picks the piece

of paper marked with the cross

wins the X-mas turkey.

Youngest gets first choice.

Here you are, Sprog.

Nothin'.

No luck for the gentleman.

You have a try, sir.

Oh, I should've listened

to me old mum.

She always told me to keep away

from that perishing water.

Mommy. A blankety-blank.

Well, I don't have

to draw mine, do I?

Better luck next time, gents.

[motor whirring]

[horn toots]

How'd you spell memento, Sprog?

No use asking me, Lofty.

Didn't they teach you nothing

at that orphanage?

Here, M-I-M, mim,

E-N, T-O-E, toe, mimentoe.

'Oh, stop it.'

My kit ready, Sprog?

All except your cap, Lofty.

Well, that can't be far away

he used it for the draw

last night.

There it is, up there.

[horn tooting]

Here, I'm gonna be left behind.

How about another cup of char

before you go, eh, Lofty?

I haven't the time.

Thanks, Badger.

Oh, well, might as well

clear away the empties then.

Now don't you forget, I got

something extra special later

on for your supper tonight

when you get back.

So don't let me down, will you?

Oh, not likely.

What you lookin' for, son?

- Nothing, Lofty, I'm--

- Put it down.

We've had the draw, haven't we?

What are you trying to find?

You can't change nothing now.

(Herbert)

'Turner!'

You were due down on that jetty

exactly three minutes ago.

What's the matter with ya?

Look after that for me, Sprog.

(Herbert)

Come on! Get a move on.

Feeling a bit chilly

around the ankles, are ya?

Well, I've heard a lot about

death and glory

from that big mouth of yours

since you've been here.

'I thought I shouldn't find

yourself ready to jump to it'

'when you really came

to the point.'

But you're not going

adrift now, Turner.

I gotta see you safe aboard

and wave you goodbye

'if it's the last thing I do.'

This little trip of yours

maybe gonna save me

a lot of trouble in the future.

You are a louse, Herbert.

You've always wanted

to draw me out, haven't you?

Get down to that jetty.

Well, now you have.

[grunting]

- Goodbye, boys.

- So long, Lofty.

Wow, what's this?

Another British heavyweight

in training?

[seagulls squawking]

[horn toots]

- Sleeping beauty.

- Yeah.

[chuckling]

You all saw that, didn't ya?

You saw what happened.

We sure did.

He gets back, he's gonna

find himself in cells.

I don't know

about the British Navy

but with us that's a, uh..

It's a court-martial offence.

You're all witnesses.

Every one of you.

Yes, sir. When a petty officer

strikes a rating..

(Shorty)

'Twenty years.'

Twenty years at least

in Leavenworth.

What do you mean,

strike a rating?

Well, sure you

slugged him first.

We all saw you,

didn't we fellas?

- Sure, did.

- Certainly.

You oughta be ashamed

of yourself.

Tsk tsk.

Alright.

I've got it.

[laughing]

(Butch)

'That'll fix him.'

[instrumental music]

(Roger)

'Hello, target,

this is control.'

'Maintain your course

and speed.'

Trial commencing. Off.

Hello, KATO, this is control.

'Target on-course.'

'Act independently

and carry out practice orders.'

And good luck to you.

Over.

I just love to know

how Bradville

got around the admiral, sir.

Oh, he trapped him beautifully.

The old man kept on saying

"No, you can't take her on

the trial."

Bradville wouldn't let go.

Finally, the admiral

in desperation said

'I'll only agree

if your people will.'

And he'd already

got a clearance from them.

So, that was that.

Everything all set, Lofty?

Aye aye, sir.

Hello, control?

This is KATO.

Diving now.

'Keeping our fingers crossed.'

'Out.'

Switch on the recorder.

[machine beeping]

Well, they say,

"third time lucky," sir.

Alright, Lofty.

Take her down.

Aye aye, sir.

[whirring]

Slow ahead boat.

(Bradville)

'Target in sight.'

Bearing green 1-7.

Green 1-7.

Target course, 2-9-0.

Course 2-9-0.

Target speed, eight knots.

Eight knots.

Deflection, eight left.

Eight left.

(Bradville)

'Sight's coming on.'

Stand by, Lofty.

(Lofty)

'Stand by.'

Ready, sir.

[machine beeping]

Fire!

[bell gongs]

[rumbling]

[seagulls squawking]

Come inside, Sprog.

You won't see

nothin' out there now.

Should be back

by now, you know.

Well, I can't figure

is just why guys like

Lofty and Haggis have to go

sticking their necks out.

What are they looking for?

What do they hope

to get out of it?

There's Brad, too, you know.

- How about him?

- Ah, he's a scientist.

He's supposed to know

what he's looking for?

He's out to prove something.

These other guys..

What are they after, medals?

Maybe they are looking

for something, Shorty.

Well, as my old man used to say

to me. "Sam," he said.

He called me Sam

'cause that's my name .

"Sam just remembered.

"He died a hero looks great

"on the other guy's tombstone.

It's like the washing up, chump.

Someone's gotta do it.

Sprog, what's it gonna be

making that fire up

if you keep

that flaming door open?

Switch the lights on.

Do me a favor.

Put the kettle on

as a good boy.

Okay, Badge.

(Butch)

'It's a quarter after eight.'

Anybody got any cigarettes?

Here you go, Butch, if you want

a good drag, try an English one.

Thanks, Badge.

Would you mind if I, uh..

...asked you a question on a

certain very delicate subject?

Go ahead, shoot.

[Badge clears throat]

What went wrong

between you and Doris?

Listen, Badge..

...what went wrong

between Doris and you?

Nothing. She just went off

with you, that's all.

That's right.

Well, now she's gone off with

an air course sergeant

in charge of supply.

- No.

- Yeah.

Oh, that's a big weight

off my mind.

Here I've been thinking

all the time

that you got something

I hadn't got.

[crying]

Hey, Sprog,

you mustn't take on like this.

He shouldn't have gone.

We shouldn't have let him go.

He'll be alright, kid.

Lofty can look after himself.

- 'But he didn't have to go.'

- 'He didn't have to go.'

'But he was the one who drew

x marks the spot, didn't he?'

- But he didn't..

- What do you mean, he didn't?

He drew a blank too.

That's silly.

There was only two blanks.

You had one,

and I had the other.

- There were three blanks.

- There was what?

They were all blanks.

(Sprog)

'Lofty didn't mark a cross

on any of them.'

What are you talking about? What

put this idea into your head?

When I got his cap

from this morning

his paper was still in it.

I had a look at it.

It was blank, I tell you.

Are you sure?

Of course.

Well, would you believe it?

Fancy fitting himself

onto a crazy stunt like that.

I know why he did it.

Because he knew

I had the wind up.

Because he knew

I didn't want to go.

I should have stopped him.

Somehow, I..

...I should have stopped him.

(Sprog)

'Lofty.'

What's this? The "Waxworks?"

Oh, boy. Oh, boy.

Well, this is

a fine welcome home.

You made it.

You brought it off.

Oh, me and Brad?

Of course, we did.

You can't beat a team

like that, mate.

- We thought you'd had it.

- Who me?

'No, you don't get rid of me

as easy as all that.'

But you should have seen

the target.

Up she went, woof,

never come down again.

Way to go, Lofty. Wonderful!

[indistinct chattering]

Hey, Badge, how about

that extra special grub

you promised me, eh?

Grub, coming up, my lord.

Turtle soup, caviar,

stuffed duck, peach Melba

and a nice bottle of bubbly

to wash it down with.

Well, you can skip the bubbly

but what couldn't I do

to a nice cup of char.

Cup of char?

Come on and get some real booze.

[indistinct chatter]

Well, goodbye, Wharton.

Come and see us sometime.

Thanks, I'd like to.

- Goodbye.

(Butch)

'Come on, Lofty,

give me a hand with this.'

(Badge)

'Come on, Shorty,

don't all mess up.'

[instrumental music]

Well, goodbye, Sorrento.

And hello 14 days leave.

[cheering]

Crest of the Wave (1954) - full transcript

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