Phantom Raiders (1940) - full transcript

Not bad .. but not perfect.

Perfect. He's always talking perfect.
Such a guy I never did see.

If that ain't the best knife-thrower in
Colon, show me better, Mr Taurez.

Gladly.

Looks like we each owe Al a
thousand pesos, Gunboat.

In that.

Humiliating, that's what it is.
Humiliating.

Come on Gunboat, come on.
Remember our less fortunate friends.

Birds and animals.
- Going out for a bit of air.

You may leave when I tell
you to. Sit down please.

Gunboat, mix Mr Morris a drink.
- Oh sure, Al.



Birds and animals.

Say Al, how can a bird
spend a thousand pesos?

When you have time Gunboat,
sit down and figure it out.

Hello?

Speaking.

Yes, Mr Ramsell.

Of course you may talk.

I've just spoken to the Matlock.
About ten minutes ago.

Yes, she was exactly
227 miles offshore at ..

Miss Barnes, please.

I'm sorry. I didn't know it
was a private conversation.

Hello. Hello Taurez.

I think we should proceed
with a little more caution.

Llewellyn's London office may discover
that there's no raider off the coast.



If they should send someone down
here to investigate, I would ..

Yes Al.

Draw up the papers for the
insurance claim please.

Mr Morris will present
himself in the morning.

Adi?s.

Al, before you go.
- Just moment, please.

Gunboat.

Oh yes, Al?

I want you to take a
walk around the block.

What again? I took a walk last week.

You do want to make me happy, don't you?

Oh sure, Al. It's my
one ambition in life.

Then please.

Okay, Al. Okay.

Only when I meet somebody and they
say: "Hiya Gunboat, where you going?".

And I say I'm just walking around the
block, they look at me like I'm barmy.

It's humiliating I tell you.
Humiliating.

Well Steve.

The SS Matlock is beyond
the territorial limit.

Outward bound with a
cargo of bagged wheat.

According to the manifest of the
Morris Shipping Company.

Al, listen to me. Do we
have to do it this way?

Ten thousand bags of sand.

Worth less than a thousand bucks. An old
crate of a ship ready for the boneyard.

And it's going to pay us a half
a million dollars in insurance.

Can you think of a better way?
- I'm thinking of the men on the ship.

Quiet, quiet please.
You're frightening my little friends.

Don't worry little fellow.

Is the Matlock going to disappear
like the other two ships?

That's right, Steve.

This set will shortly send out
high-frequency impulse.

It's tuned in on those 3 radio receivers
that we presented to the ship's crew.

Through the "Al Taurez
Seamen's Association"?

Exactly .. In each receiver
there is a powerful explosive.

And when the high-frequency
wave reaches a certain pitch ..

The bombs go off and the ship's
blown up with all aboard.

Exactly. And we collect a half million.

Not this time, Al.

Scotland Yard, of course?
- Right.

And I'm going back with you, and you.

And Ramsell.

Well.

I suppose it had to end sometime.

I didn't want to do this, Steve.
Al had me.

A gambling debt.

Please Mr Morris, no hysterics.

Do you want me to call
the Police, Steve?

I can handle that detail myself.

Drop your gun.

I'll take that please.

Wait outside.

Just compose yourself, Steve.

It will take a few seconds
for the tube to warm up.

When the arrow on
this dial hits twenty ..

[ Humming noise ]

Don't worry, sonny.
We're nearly 250 miles out now.

If the radio was ..

Poor devils.

Well, Mr Donnigan.

Knowing you and working with
you has been a great pleasure.

You may leave now.

And Steve.

You forgot your knife.

Well, I walked around the block.

Kiss.

Did you ever see such a
soft-hearted guy as Al?

Llewellyn's of London, Colon branch.
Just a minute, please.

It's Sir Edward calling from London.
- Oh, I'll take it.

Thank you .. hello?

Oh, hello Sir Edward.

I received your cable.

You may advise the Morris Shipping
Company we will pay that claim in full.

Well, Mr Morris is here now sir.

I shall advise him.

Have you been doing anything
more about the sinkings, Ramsell?

Well sir, there's not
much I can do beyond ..

Searching and sealing the ships
before they leave the harbor.

Yes, I'm quite sure it's not sabotage.

Although the city is
full of foreign spies.

Very well, Ramsell.

You may rely on us for
anything we can do at this end.

And keep us posted.

Alright, goodbye.

Ramsell insists that it is not sabotage.

If it isn't sabotage, then what is it?

A raider couldn't operate in that
territory for so long a time ..

Without at least being seen.

Three ships in a fortnight.

Not one survivor left alive.

It's got to be sabotage.

Hello? Yes. Oh, hello Inspector.

Yes.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Scotland Yard. They've heard from
Colon. Their man's been murdered.

We must go after this some other way.

Hello London. This is New York.

Hello, yes London. Just one
moment, I'll connect you.

Yes, Sir Edward. I understand sir.

Yes, sir.

I'll locate him right away, sir.

Goodbye.

"Attention please."

"If Nick Carter is in the house, will
he report to the box-office at once."

Pardon me.

Hello .. who?

Honey, is your name Nick Carter?

No .. he isn't here.

Take that you skunks.

And that, and that. And that.

I'm sorry sir, but it won't hurt
you. It's only for little bugs.

Mr Bartholomew?
- Yes. I was expecting you.

I know, you're the census
taker and I have a bathtub.

No Mr Bartholomew,
I'm from Llewellyn's Of London.

I've got to find Nick Carter.

You've come to the right man.
I'm Bartholomew the Bee man.

Here .. have a sample.

Yes, well .. we have an
important case for him.

Five thousand dollars.

Sir, your troubles are over.
I'm Nick Carter's partner.

I didn't want the case. But you give me
5,000 good reasons to change my mind.

I'm sorry, but my orders
are to find Nick Carter.

Listen, I am just as good
a man as Nick Carter.

Where is this case? Here, or in London?

In Colon, Republic of Panama.

Panama?

Havana. Kingston. Panama.

I'll have him there in four days.
Signed, sealed and delivered.

Fine.

[ Spanish language ]

Well, if I'm wrong, I'll apologize.

Si si.

Does that mean you're going to make
Panama a happy memory for me?

You're wasting it, brother. She's a
cute kid but she can't speak English.

Not any at all?

Oh, she picked up a few
words from the sailors.

But she hasn't any idea what they mean.

You no savvy English? No? Yes?

Sure, my tell big boy. You're telling
me how you've been, sir. You old man.

Speak English fine, yes?

I told you.

Look.

I like you .. and you like me.
Now what are we going to do about it?

Set them up in the other alley.

Come again?

I'll be back in a flash, with a flash.

Dolores, if I had any sense
at all, I'd quit right now.

But you are so cute that I ..

Well, I feel like reaching out and
chinning myself on those eyelashes.

Well, shut my mouth.

Ha .. yeah.

I know it's like talking to
myself, but I can't help it.

Here's to you, gorgeous.

Venus certainly left you plenty
and all in the right places.

It ain't going to rain no more.

And even if it pours the sun
will still be shining for me.

You will make this Isthmus of Panama
something I can paste in my memory-book.

I've got great plans for
us starting tonight.

Nick Carter?

You are always popping up at
the wrong time. You never miss.

Speaking of time, Nick Carter, right
now you have no time for women.

Run away little girl. Skat .. skidoo.

Pull in your ears, big boy.
We're going through a tunnel.

Send her away. We have business.

[ Spanish language ]

I guess it's just as well
I don't understand you.

[ Spanish language ]

Yeah, I'm afraid he's
looking for trouble.

Nick Carter, I fly all the
way from Los Angeles ..

Wait. You don't have
to get rough with him.

Listen, I do the bouncing around here.
- You do, eh?

Hey, look here.

I ought to throw you right in the canal.
Butting in when I was getting started.

So, you'd let me down for a woman, eh?
- Oh, any time.

Would you let me down for this?

For what?

Five thousand dollars? What's it for?
- For us.

A retainer from Llewellyn's Of London.

A retainer. But what's the case?

No, no, no. Skat. Skidoo.

Why, what's the case?
Did somebody kidnap congress?

Come on. Spill it Beeswax, will you?
What is it?

That's the bloodhound spirit. Follow me.

Well Mr Carter .. do you feel that
you'd like to take over the case?

Gentlemen, your offer
is very flattering.

And the view from that window is lovely.

I like everything about the
proposition except the bombs.

[ Alarm clock ]

No need to be alarmed gentlemen.

Eleven-thirty. Feeding time for my bees.

Proceed Nick. You were about
to say you would accept the case.

I was about to say I would
not accept the case.

You won't accept it?

We thought from what you
said you intended to take it.

Well, I probably would
except for one thing.

It would bite into my vacation.

Of course. I understand
how you feel about that.

One hates to spoil a vacation.

Especially when one was
going along as nicely as mine.

Give that check to Mr Ramsell.

Here you are, sir.

Five thousand dollars is a lot of money.

Let's beat it before
I get that idea too.

Well, goodbye sir.
Have a pleasant holiday.

It will be if she's still
there. Adi?s gentlemen.

"SS Archos calling."

"SS Archos calling."

"SS Archos calling."

SS Archos reporting. Hello Colon.

Just coming through the Gatun Lock.

Notify the Port Authorities
we'll dock by seven.

"Very good, Mr Ramsell."

Very good Miss Barnes. Hello baby.

Can I talk?

Yes, they're in conference.

"Meet me when we've docked. I've
got something important to tell you."

Seven o'clock, pier 14. I'll be there.

Have a good time in Honolulu?

Well .. too busy thinking about you.

Flatterer.

The Morris Line lost
another ship. The Matlock.

"What happened? 'The Raider' get her?"

That's what they say.

Hold on a second.

Don't let me interrupt. The conversation
was just getting interesting.

"Hey, who's that?"
- I don't know. Signing off ..

The information desk is outside.
This is a private receiving room.

But the ship-to-shore phone
is not so private, is it.

Confidential messages
in person, Pier 14.

Seven o'clock sharp.

Boo!

The Archos just reported
all's well and on schedule.

Fine. Thank you, Cora.

The check please.

I've decided to take the case gentlemen.

The uh .. human angle interests me.

Well .. that will be
splendid, Mr Carter.

And I usually begin by asking questions.

I'll be glad to tell you
anything you want to know.

I'll get to you later.

I'll start with Miss Barnes.

Very well. Go ahead.
- Tonight. At dinner.

Would 7 o'clock be alright for you?

I'm afraid not.

Okay, Possita at six.

Good day, gentlemen.

Boo!

Cora.

You're not worried, are you?

No, why should I be?
- Naturally not.

Only I think he's got a lot of nerve.

Well?

Why did he change his mind?
- That's what I'd like to know.

Hello. Let me speak to Al Taurez please.

You're fools to take the ship out.

She'll sink like the rest
and take you with her.

Three ships Morris has lost.
He's hard luck I tell you.

We got to work, ain't we.
- Maybe he won't get this one.

He's right. I won't go.

We'll be okay.

Al Taurez Seamen's Association.

Good old Al.
- A clue?

Back in the States,
Al Taurez was always a clue.

Don't let that weasel landlubber
scare you off your ship, men.

Come on boys.

Stow these things that are all
set to brighten up your voyage.

This Mr Taurez seems to be
a man of generous nature.

Ah, yes.

Al will give his best friend
a knife in the back any day.

Come on Mack. Pile on the cargo.

You'd better get somebody to
help you carry that aboard.

Hey you. Lend a hand here.

Sir, I work with my brain.

Then you must have been
on relief a long time.

Come on Beeswax, he's got your number.
- I got it, Mack.

Careful Lou, it's pretty heavy.

Thanks Al.

What time did The Toledo cast off?
- About 12 o'clock.

Hello, Cora.
- Hello, Al.

Run along, Mack.
- Aye-aye, sir.

Al, have you ever heard of a
detective named Nick Carter?

Then you know him?
- Yes.

I'd say we're old friends with
conflicting points of view.

I have dinner with him in a few minutes.
- I'd be surprised if you weren't.

It's not a social appointment.
He wants to "question" me.

He probably wants your telephone number.
- It's about the ships that disappeared.

Dear old Nick. You'll find him charming.

I'm not in the market for charm and I do
not like being blackjacked into a date.

In fact, I'm going to give
Mr Carter a stand-up.

Oh, Cora.

As a favor to me.

Please join Nick for dinner.

Why?

Now look, have I ever asked you to ..
- I'm sorry Al. I'll do it.

That's the spirit. Thank you.
- See you later.

Hello?

This is he.

This is Ramsell.

I've just spoken to The Toledo.
She's now on the high seas.

Thank you.

Hello little fellow.

Not so much fun sitting in
that cage all the time, eh?

Hello Al.

Hello, Gunboat. Would you mind
taking a walk around the block?

Again?
- Please.

Alright. Only ..

It's humiliating.

I know I'm late but I ..
- Are you? I hadn't noticed.

There's nothing like starting
out friends, is there.

A couple of champagne cocktails, waiter.
- Yes, sir.

I hope I haven't spoiled your evening.
- Not at all. You've been a great help.

That's the Prince Charming in me.

You said there'd be questions. I answer
the first. I am busy tomorrow night.

How about ..

As far as you're concerned, I'm busy
the rest of my life 24 hours a day.

Just a minute while I shift gears.

But you ordered two champagne cocktails.

I never went for that champagne
routine. Coffee please.

Yes ma'am.

This is a new approach.

It's called the "strictly
business" angle.

Every ship leaving the canal zone is
searched before it's cleared and sealed.

The cargo records must be noted.

Llewellyn's insures the cargoes
against the bills of lading.

Swell, but now wait a minute. Does
anybody actually check those cargoes?

They are checked when they
arrive at their destination.

If they arrive.

Would you care for a little sugar?
- No thank you.

I don't suppose you're a spy?

Oh, but I am.

Everyone in Colon is a spy. Haven't you
seen the signs in the movie theaters?

No spies under 18 admitted.
- Really?

I think you're a pretty
clever little girl.

But not clever enough to
fool the great Nick Carter.

Where have I heard that
death-like whisper before?

Al Taurez.
- Nick Carter, my charming friend.

Al, you look different.
- Perhaps you miss the handcuffs.

Evening Miss Barnes.
- Hello, Al.

How do you like my place here?
- Up to now it's been very delightful.

Tell me Al, what became of the Cleaners
Union you used to run in the old days?

Well Nick, you know I am superstitious.

When 13 G-men started looking for me
on a Friday I figured that was bad luck.

And I got out of town.

What are you doing down here?
- Oh, just a vacation.

Good idea Nick. I think everyone ought
to take a vacation. They live longer.

John.

Well, hello.

Mr Carter - Mr Ramsell.

See Nick, this is one happy family.

Cora here is secretary to John's father.

Oh, how do you do?

Hello.

Say John, when are you going to get
that wedding settled for you and Cora?

You'll have to wait until
we get married, Al.

Um .. Al, how about ..

Taking me on a personally conducted
tour of your establishment here?

Sure, with pleasure.
- Nice to have met you.

And it's been a very ..
- Save it.

Al. Did you ever have one of those days
when everything went all wrong?

Same old Nick.

I suppose that nut brought his keeper?

He did.

Al, tell me.

Who's the fiend incarnate that
Bartholomew has tracked to earth?

Mr Yamamoto. President of
the Asiatic Export Company.

One of our most respected citizens.

Old Beeswax is running true to form.

Happy days are here again.

Hello baby. Seeing you
restores my faith in Panama.

How's your old man, kid?

I see you've already met our Dolores.
- Oh, but definitely.

[ Spanish language ]

What's she doing? Calling me names?
- That's right, but nice ones.

What will you have?

John, stop pouting, will you.

Well, suppose he is a detective.

But why do you have to
take orders from him?

I gave your dad a chance to say a word
to get me out of it. But he didn't.

Anyway, let's forget it. I'm dying
to hear that important news.

Well honey, I got my Masters papers.

John, that's wonderful.

Now don't get too enthusiastic.
I haven't got a command yet.

But you will.

Confidentially, I stand a good chance.

With that raider operating, a lot of
skippers are quitting their ships.

John, please don't take that run.

Why not? Every trip pays a big bonus.

And maybe "that" if the raider
gets you. Please stay on the Pacific.

And what? Spend long weeks
away from you on long voyages?

Not me.

John, three ships have disappeared.

Honey, let's not argue about it.
Tonight is a night to celebrate.

Hey, waiter.

Speaking about pouting, what do
you say? How about a little smile?

Yes, sir?

What will it be? I know.
Your favorite drink. Order it up.

Champagne.
- Champagne?

Yeah, you know. The kind that goes pop.

Yeah, sure I know.

Oh, Se?or Gunboat.

Hello, pal. I've just been for a walk.

Look.

Very nice, no?

Peachy. See you later.

Up you go honeybunch.

[ Spanish language ]

Humiliating.

Wine up everybody. This is my party.

Hello Al. Good evening, young lady.

Life begins at forty.

Sometimes she almost
makes sense. Order up, sir.

Mr MacMillan, this is Mr Carter.

How are you, sir?
- How do you do Mr MacMillan.

Where is my wondering boy tonight?

He is right here honey.

Make it snappy, laddie.

Ooh. Wrong number kid. Hang up.

This is not for you, my lassie.
- What is this, bank-night Al?

Come, let me show you
the rest of my place.

Now don't tell me a heavy
spender is making you nervous.

Come on. Nothing is getting between
you and me tonight my little paprika.

All right my hearties, come and get it.

Well, this is just a breath
of home-sweet-home, Al.

Isn't it. Oh, uh boys ..

I want you to meet my
friend Nick Carter.

Glad to meet you, boys.

Say, you know I'm on a vacation. What's
the idea of putting the finger on me?

Oh, you're mistaken, Nick.

But you're a liar, Al. And if I'm wrong?

You'll apologize. I know.

Where we go from here, kid?

Maybe Al can answer that.

Now look, Nick.

The past is over and done with.
Can't we two be friends?

Sure, why not.

You're a man after my own heart.
With a knife.

Al. I've just heard they've
got another one of my ships.

Not the Toledo?
- Yes, Al.

I tell you I can't ..
- Control yourself.

Excuse me, Nick. Come on. Come on.

Hey. They sunk the Toledo.

What about the crew?

Tell her to wait here.

That's what I say: there's no more
good sailors for the sharks.

All sailor laddies.

Life's not fair to them.

Dying like rats.

You fool.

Coming here.
- I had to do it.

Come on, get in.

I can't go on.
- Be quiet.

Carter is suspicious.

Until he's out of the way,
we must be careful.

As soon as this claim is paid ..

You'll get me out of the way but
you won't. I won't sign the waver.

Stop talking like a child.

Carter.

You work fast, Al.

I know nothing about this but ..

It has my unqualified approval.

Why do you hang around here?
Al doesn't like that and you know it.

I got business here like I told you.

No matter what I do,
it's okay with Al, see.

Don't get excited. This guy
ain't going to talk to nobody.

Oh .. good evening.

It seems to me I've seen
you some place before.

Sure, pal. Come on in.

Thanks very much.

Hmm.

You'd better tell Al
he's working too fast.

This ain't got nothing to do with Al.

It's a personal matter
between I and you.

Concerning my lady friend.
- Your lady friend?

Se?orita Dolores De Mendez.

Oh, but why go on. You mean Dolores?

Yeah. You got some nerve
trying to cut in on me.

I'm Gunboat Jacklin, ex-heavyweight
champion of the Pacific Tuna Fleet.

Really? Could I possibly
get an autograph?

Ah.

Dust him off.
- Now wait a minute.

The former heavyweight champion
of the Pacific Tuna Fleet ..

And he can't do it himself. What's
the Pacific Tuna Fleet coming to?

So you want personal attention, eh?

Okay, Gunboat.

For my money you are still champ.

Are you going to let my
girl alone from now on?

I'll stay away when she tells me to.

Oh, this is too bad.
Alright boys, go to town.

That's quite enough.

Stay where you are gentlemen.

Now Gunboat, I'll take the message
you got from that Oriental Committee.

No tricks, mind you.

Beeswax, you never miss.

I'll give your love to Dolores.

Now, we can talk.

All has been discovered.

The plot is known.

What is it?
- False clue, false clue.

Swell. While I'm packing get that check
in the mail and send it back to Ramsell.

What's that?

Then phone the airport and see how
soon I can get a plane for Havana.

You have a clue in Havana?

And how. And she hasn't got a boyfriend.

Then you're quitting,
retreating, surrendering?

Now you catch on.

When I accepted that job today I thought
it may at least prove interesting.

But nobody competes with wedding bells
and a boxing champion of the Tuna Fleet.

But your duty?

Is to a guy called Nick Carter
who insists he is on a vacation.

The enemy strikes.

Come out with your hands up.

Come out quick or I'll shoot.

[ Spanish language ]

Now Listen, darling, it was
all a mistake. We thought ..

[ Spanish language ]

Silence.

A confusion of tongues.

She doesn't understand you
and you don't understand her.

But everybody understands this.

Yes, we have no pineapples.

Sure. She wants you to beat it. Scram.
- Very good.

I retire, but I do not retreat.

I'll telephone the airport to
reserve a seat on the first plane.

Yeah, if it doesn't leave too soon.

The first plane.

Step on the gas kid,
there ain't a cop in sight.

Will you listen to me a minute. I am
trying to get it through your head ..

That you and I are alone
in this room here together.

[ Spanish language ]

I don't know what those words mean, but
I recognize that look in your eyes baby.

[ Spanish language ]

Wait a minute. It was for me.

Are you alone?
- Huh? Yeah, more or less.

Cancel that reservation on the plane.
- Instantly.

Stick 'em up. Come on,
get 'em up. Get 'em up!

Get them up I said .. close that window.

Come on, close that window quickly.

Oh .. give me this blackjack.

Well that would have parted
my hair right down the center.

Say, what's your beef against me?

Who sent you here?

So you won't talk, eh?

A little rough stuff, huh?

You got me all wrong. Get some Scotch
and three glasses there, Beeswax.

What is this?
- Just a party.

You don't think I'm peeved because
you tried to kill me, do you?

Forget it. I'm always glad
to see an old friend.

And uh ..

Don't apologize because the hour
happens to be a little bit late.

If you'll just sit down there and
make yourself comfortable.

Come on, sit down.

Give him his drink there, Beeswax.

Poison booze, huh?

Your health, sir.

That's it. Bottoms up.

What's your name?

Julius Caesar.

Oh, Julius Caesar eh? Well ..

Eddie Anders.

Eddie Anders?
Then it's not Julius Caesar?

No.

Oh well.

Eddie, old pal. Just call me Nick.

Come on now. Call me Nick.

Hello Nick.
- Hello Eddie.

Nice looking fellow, isn't he?
- Verily he is.

You know Eddie, I'm afraid they'll be
wondering why you're not getting back.

Are you going to tell me who sent you?

Uhuh.

Well, that's just too bad, but I'm
afraid you've brought it on yourself.

Alright, get up. Come on, get up quick.

Put this right over here.

I think that'll make you
a much better target.

Sit down, Edward. Come on, sit down.

You know.

You could have bought me for a
dime when I switched on the light ..

And saw my old pal Eddie
Anders standing there.

And to think that our
friend sent you after me.

But don't you worry, Eddie.
We'll protect you.

They're nothing but a bunch of cheap
hoodlums that I drove out of the states.

And as Nick says, we can do a
lot more for you than they can.

Of course we can.

Uh Eddie, isn't it a little chilly there
there in front of that open window?

Huh?

Pour him another drink there.
- Yes.

Let's have a drink all round.
And we'll drink to Al Taurez.

To Al Taurez.
- Al's an old friend of mine.

I knew him back in the old days
when only had the one knife.

Listen Nick, cut it out.

Cut it out. I ain't got nothing against
you. I ain't got nothing against nobody.

But you still stick to that stuff
you spilled on Al, didn't you?

Close them windows, give me a chance.
You'll get me killed. I'll do anything.

Well, there it is.

Al can throw a knife around a corner.

Al Taurez?

The kid himself.

Getting a line on him that way was
kind of tough on you, wasn't it Eddie?

Come on. Get up here.
- Wait a minute.

Thanks for saving my life.
- Don't mention it cut-throat.

I just didn't feel in the mood
for a Coroner's inquest. Scram.

Give me a break
Throw me the in the clink.

Come on, beat it or I'll
open these windows again.

Alright, maybe I can make a run for it.
- Get out that door. Go on.

Well, Beeswax.

Tomorrow ..

We check on good old Al Taurez.

Because I've got a sneaking
feeling he's up to no good.

We check.

Mr Morris.

Ramsell.

When I told Captain Barrett of the
Archos his ship was going to Liverpool.

He refused to take her out tonight.

At such short notice?
- Let me have the Archos.

John, please. Not on that one.

What's the difference if our ship has
a new skipper if she still sinks?

Yes .. but, you've been transferred to
the Madonia on the Sydney run.

As first mate?

Uh yes .. the Madonia has a Captain.

The Archos hasn't. I've got my
papers and yet you turn me down.

Why?

Son, I don't want you to
take the Liverpool run.

Ships have been lost.

Ships have got through.
Why not the Archos?

It's a gamble and I don't
want you to take it.

It's also my chance to get a ship.

Now come on, Dad. You know how
hard it is to get your first ship.

Perhaps when you return from Australia.
- I'm not going to Australia.

I'm taking out the Archos tonight
or I'm going to quit tomorrow.

John Ramsell, you listen to me.

Honey, I know what you're saying. If
I take the Archos the raider may get me.

And the goblins may get you.

Oh John, please be serious.
- I am serious.

Don't you see any ship with contraband
is liable to be picked up by our raider?

Why even the Madonia in the Pacific.

Australia's at war too.
- Yes, but the chances, John ..

The chances are the same on any ocean
if you happen to be caught by a raider.

I've got a hunch or a feeling or
whatever you want to call it that ..

I could bring the Archos through. Then
we would be sitting on top of the world.

Llewellyn's pays a big bonus.

Come on, honey.
Get over in my corner will you.

I need a good second.

Alright, count me on your side.
I always wind up there anyway.

Now you're talking pal.

Come on, they can't turn me down now.

Well dad, it's two to two now.
Cora's on my side.

The matter is closed, John.

You will not sail on the Archos.

Report to the Captain of
the Madonia immediately.

And put in your resignation.

That's final.

Very well.

You can accept my
resignation now, can't you?

Yes. With regret, John.
- John, reconsider.

Mr Morris doesn't want
you to leave his line.

He doesn't?

Well, he certainly has a funny
way of showing it. Good day.

That settles everything
as far as I'm concerned.

The Archos will be the last.

The Toledo was the last.

Not one cent of that insurance
money will Al Taurez collect.

I'll not sign the indemnity claim.

I'm through with sending men out to die.

Tell Al Taurez that.

You sent for me, Al?
- Yes.

Dr Grisson, you are about to
enlarge the field of your activities.

Tonight you are going to take over
the Morris Shipping Company.

Mr Morris is .. going to retire.

Mr Morris?

Wait out there please.

Well .. good morning, Cora.

I warn you Al, I've come to ask a favor.

I know.

You want John to have command
of the Archos, don't you?

That's right.

Cora.

Are you sure you want to bury yourself
in a place like this as a seaman's wife?

I love him, Al.

Love is such an uncertain quantity.

So many things can kill it.

While, if you return to New York ..
- I've made my choice.

I see.

John can have the Archos, for your sake.

Al, you're a good friend.

In this instance my dear,
I'm being a very wise friend.

There is one more thing.
Don't tell anyone I asked your help.

Not even John?
- Not even John.

I understand.
- Thanks again.

You go on back to the hotel and
stand by. I've got some chasing to do.

On business.

You're a fast walker, aren't you.

Did you follow me from the theater?
- Well, I tell you I'm a little curious.

Won't you sit down?

What were you doing over
visiting Al Taurez?

Is there anything suspicious
about calling on a friend?

Oh, I see.

A few months ago when you were stranded
here Al helped you out, didn't he?

He gave you a job in his place.

What were you doing?
Thanking him again today?

I asked Al to see that John got
command of the Archos.

Uhuh .. but I thought Morris
owned the Archos?

Why not ask him?
- John did.

Mr Morris refused to consider it
and John's father sided with him.

Why?

Because it was John's first ship,
I guess. Owners are like that.

But Al can fix it, eh?

He said he could.

But, sort of uh, on the quiet?

Well, yes.

Tell me .. who got you this job here?

Yeah, I thought it was Al.
- What of it?

I didn't like working in the theater.
- I see.

Al has got drag enough
to get you in here ..

And drag enough to put John
in command of the Archos.

Well, that guy never did a good deed for
anybody for the sheer joy of doing good.

What's your pay-off?

He asks nothing of me.

Not even a little
information concerning ..

Insurance coverage on ships and cargoes?

Now and then I ..

Certain ships, huh?

The ones that disappear.

Are you trying to intimate ..
- I'm not intimating anything.

But I'm telling you you're letting
yourself in for some trouble.

Now, the next time Al Taurez wants
any information, let him ask Ramsell.

Mr Ramsell would never ..
- Wouldn't he?

How do you know he doesn't?

How do you know that Al doesn't
check your figures with Ramsell?

Hey, you've got a lot of nerve.

If I'm wrong I'll apologize.

Emergency. Quick.

Will you excuse me.

It will be difficult,
but if you must go ..

I'm afraid I must. Adi?s.

This note was waiting
for you at the hotel.

"Please meet me in
my office at 7 o'clock."

"Important. Franklin Morris."

I wonder what Morris could want with me.
- Mysterious.

It's several hours until 7 o'clock.

Oh, but so much to be done.
- Yes, yes.

Let's see.
- Let's see.

Where do we begin?
- Ah, where?

I've got it.
- Yes, yes. Of course.

Al Taurez.
- We check.

He called the hotel where Se?or Carter
was staying but Se?or Carter was not in.

So he told the clerk, when
Se?or Carter comes in ..

Tell him to meet me in
my office at 7 o'clock.

Thank you, Ysidro.
You're a very observant secretary.

I'm sure Mr Morris values your
services very highly. I know I do.

Thank you, Al.

Oh .. Gunboat.

Would you do me a favor?

Oh listen, Al.
- Now please.

Just a short walk?
- No. A nice long one.

This is humiliating.
Yes, sir, humiliating.

Where's Dr Grisson?

Two of the radios for the
Archos are at the dock.

I'm still working on the other one.

There's no hurry.

We won't put them aboard until
Mr Carter has called on Mr Morris.

And tell Mack to stand by at the shop.
- Very well.

See you later.

Do you recognize him?
- Last night at the warehouse.

Right, now the old hat-trick.
Got it all straight?

To the dotted I.
- Your nerve?

Bartholomew courage never falters.

Don't put it on too much.
You look crazy enough as it is.

Come on now, get rolling.

Well, hello.

I haven't had a personal introduction.
I know you're a friend of Nick Carter's.

Why'd you fail to kill Nick last night?
- What are you talking about?

I hate a bungler and as you
bungled, I'm going to kill you.

Look here, old man. If Nick ..
- Nick knows all about it.

I left him a note. I said I'm
going down to kill that bungler.

May I answer the telephone?

Yes, yes. I love to hear
people answer the phone.

But I get mad if they say anything
except "everything is alright".

And they must laugh.

Well? Quick. I want to hear
that everything is alright.

Hello?

Hello, Al. This is Carter.

Look, Bartholomew has gone mad again.

He tried to cut my throat this morning.
I hit him and locked him in a closet.

He fled and left a note saying he would
kill you. Get out of your office quick.

Everything is alright.

Ah, so he's there now?

He wants you laugh?
Well that means he's bad.

Now listen to me, Al. There's nobody in
the world I'd sooner see dead than you.

But if Beeswax turns you
into a human hairnet ..

It will involve me and
spoil my vacation.

Are you listening?

Everything is alright.
- That's nice.

You've got one chance if you can
persuade him to take a walk.

After a couple of miles he
cools off and starts to cry.

Then you're safe.

But don't make a move before that,
because he kills quicker than a cobra.

If you understand what I
mean, laugh three times.

Yes. Everything is alright.

Talk into the phone again and laugh.
- Supposing we two go for a walk?

No!

More phone .. more laughter.

Such a beautiful day out with
flowers and birds and sunshine.

And people.

Yes, I can kill you and
lots of people will see it.

It will be pretty, yes. Yes.

Quick, walk. Walk.

Between the ribs, it burns there.

It burns.

But look, I ..
- Quiet.

Perhaps I'll think of another place.

Right 1-4-7.

Left 12-9-2.

[ Humming noise]

[ Humming noise, loud ]

Get away from that. Outside. Quick!

Look, don't you think ..
- Yes, I think.

I think this is the time and place.

There, you see.

Now you're beginning
to feel sad, aren't you.

Go away.

Go away before I kill you.

Run. Run.

Nice work Beeswax.
How does it feel, being crazy?

I didn't notice any difference.
Although that is to say ..

Come on, get in here.
- Where's your hat?

I lost it back there. You'll have to
pick out a new one. Vamoose, driver.

Now that set in Al's office
sends out an impulse. You see.

And that impulse will explode any bombs
that might be hidden in those ships.

Then it is solved.
We close in. Arrest Al.

Yes, and tip off the others?

Oh, fancy seeing you again.

Get her while they're hot, kid.

What have we got here?

A clue? Perhaps, a trap?

Uhuh ..

Beeswax, confirm that for me.
Maybe I don't see right.

"I have broken my engagement
with Se?or Gunboat Jacklin."

"Because I have decided to marry you."

Think your way out of that, Mr Carter.

What about the poor sailors
on a night like this?

That's exactly what
we're trying to find out.

Sit down there.

What a problem you turned out to be.
- Hello kid, is my hat straight on?

We'll go into that a little later on.

Beeswax, take a letter from A to Z.

Let me think.

Well, let me help you. How about "R"?

Ramsell?

I've got an idea.

Yes.

Yes .. but who are you?

Never mind who I am.

I have got some inside information on
that warehouse explosion this afternoon.

Why should I be interested in that?

You're in the insurance
business, aren't you?

My company didn't insure that building.

Oh blimey, I must be talking to
the wrong company. I'm sorry.

We've rattled him a little bit.

Now, if Ramsell is on
this thing with Al.

He's going to be in Al's
office within ten minutes.

So we've got to get things ready.
Look, I tell you what I want you to ..

Uh ..

Let .. me .. speak.

To .. Se?or Ramsell .. please.

Now look.

No, honey. But wait a minute.
That's swell .. but now.

Let .. me .. speak.

To .. Se?or Ramsell .. please.

Come on.

Let ..

Me .. speak .. to .. Se?or Ramsell.

Please.

Honey, you're marvellous.

I'm going to give up this racket
of mine and go in for languages.

Hmm, baby.

I tell you the high-frequency wave had
to come from a sending-set in this room.

It couldn't have. We are the only ones
who knew the combination of that safe.

Something went wrong with the
set you worked on. - Impossible.

If the bomb was set off from here ..

Then why didn't the receivers
in the garage blow up too?

Because the percussion
caps were not set.

I never set them until the receivers
are ready to go on the ship.

The one in the laboratory was set
because I had been working on it.

I had to step out for a moment and ..
- Please Doctor ..

We have no time to argue. Can the
other two sets take care of the Archos?

Easily.

Al.

I just received a mysterious phone-call.

A man offered to sell inside information
to me on the explosion this afternoon.

What is this? What the ..?
- Don't get excited Doctor.

Is that all he said?

Yes. I refused to discuss
the matter at length.

I see.

Instead of making an appointment with
him and meeting him in some way.

That's typical of you, Ramsell.

Well, you got anything else to tell me?

No, Al. But aren't you
worried about this?

Not at all. Mysterious phone
calls don't worry me.

Oh by the way, Doctor.

I may have to be out of
town for a day or two.

So you'd better stay here
tonight and handle the set.

And this time.

We won't wait for Mr Ramsell's
report on the ship's position.

What do mean, you
won't wait for my report?

You heard what I said. I don't need it.

Send the impulse at midnight sharp.

She'll be less than 75 miles out.

So what? Who outside of you and myself
will know where she disappeared?

What are you getting at, Al?

Oh, Dr Grisson is taking over
he Morris Shipping Lines.

Then Morris is out?
- That's right. So are you.

Oh .. you think you can get
away with this without my help.

Why not?

So, you're taking over everything?
- Right.

Well, don't forget that I can talk.

We'll close your mouth.

[ Telephone ]

Quiet please.

Hello?

Let .. me .. speak .. to ..

Se?or .. Ramsell .. please.

Who is this, please?

Dolores?

"Why should Dolores call you here?"
- "I don't know anyone named Dolores."

Do you mean young Mr Ramsell?

Si.

"He's not here."

Gracias. Adi?s.

Good work baby.

Now look. We know Ramsell
is tied in with Al on this thing.

Let me speak to Se?or Ramsell please.

We must be off. Mr Morris awaits us.

Pardon the rain-check, baby. I'll throw
him in a manhole when I get him out.

Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Everyone is gone. He is alone now.

Better stay on watch here.
- Yes, sir.

Why the startled look?
Did you expect somebody else?

No .. of course not.

I've got to go ..
- I won't keep you long.

Just sign this.

So the so-called ownership of the
company is about to pass to Dr Grisson?

If you don't mind.

Mind? I can't recall a happier moment.

This transaction is dated a week ago.

So that Dr Grisson can
relieve you of the duty ..

Of signing the indemnity
claim for the Toledo.

Alright.

I'm the man.

I'll not try and block
it so long as I'm free.

And here's a memo from the
new owner for your information.

Captain John Ramsell is hereby given
command of the SS Archos.

To take effect ..

You can't do a thing like that.

Since you are out of the company
why let its affairs worry you?

"Mr Morris?"
- Yes.

"Captain Ramsell to see you, sir."

"Send Captain Ramsell in please."

Yes, sir.

I'll wait here. Don't forget
to thank Mr Morris.

Don't worry, I will.

Mr Morris.

Thanks for letting me have the Archos.
- Don't thank me.

Well, I know you changed your mind.
- You can't have it.

If it's the last thing I ever do, I'll
see that you don't take that ship out.

Why take that attitude?
- Get out.

I won't get out until you explain.
- I have nothing to explain.

I'm through talking. Get out of
my office before I throw you out.

Listen to me, John. Unless you
leave I'll phone your father.

I'll not go until you say
what all this is about.

I explain nothing.

This memo gives the ship to me.
- Give me that memo.

Oh, no I won't.

Hello, Miss Barnes.

What happened here?

Where did that knife come from?
- I don't know.

Where were you?
- She was standing here.

Don't touch it anybody.

They want to get fingerprints off that.

How about that door.

Could it have come from over here?
- I don't know.

No, you couldn't open that
door from the outside.

Well, it looks to me as though you
have some tall explaining to do.

You are under arrest, and so is the ..

Ah, she took that knife with her.

You take over here, I'll go down
see if I can get aboard the Archos.

I'm in command of the Archos.
Let me go and I'll take him aboard.

If it's alright with you I'll
be responsible for him.

Si Se?or. I'll take care of things here
and send out an alarm for the girl.

Fine. Come on.

Oh uh, if you pick up Beeswax,
give him back the Indian.

I'll take a look at the cargo.
- Alright, this way.

Read that to me again.

"Dear Se?or Gunboat, Adi?s."

"I give you the air."

"I will marry Se?or Carter and .."

That's enough.

Humiliating.

What's all this?
- Wheat.

Wheat, eh?

Well, how would you like to
have biscuits made out of that?

Sand.

Yeah. And over there are
a lot of rotten hides.

This is a neat little insurance racket.

I'm not responsible
for the cargo, mister.

I take what's put on board.

After it's been certified by
Llewellyn's agent, eh?

Are you insinuating that my father ..
- I am. But if I'm wrong I'll apologize.

The Port Inspectors are
wanting the ship's papers, sir.

Thanks. Is it alright if I go above?

As long as you don't leave the boat.

I've given you my word.

What's the matter? Who hit him?

Did you get the license number?

Stow that gab and lend a hand.

Inspector.

Your clearance papers, Captain.
Good luck.

Thank you.

Hello, Al.
- Hello.

John.

You ran away to put
suspicion on yourself.

So you wouldn't lose your ship.

But where did you go?
- To Al. I knew he'd help me.

Thanks, Al.

Thank you for thinking
of me and my ship.

I guess I'll not take her out after all.
- What's the idea?

Carter's placed me under arrest.
He's below now, going over the cargo.

Got your clearance papers?
- Yeah, right here.

In that case, I wouldn't
worry too much about Nick.

I think I can persuade
him to let you sail.

You can?

Of course. He and I
are old friends and ..

Why not let Cora make
the voyage with you?

By the time you come back, the
Morris murder will be all cleared up.

Oh Al, how can we ever thank you?

Don't try to thank me.

Alright children. Goodbye and good luck.

Goodbye Al.
- Adi?s.

So long, Al.

Stop or you are a dead man.

Now look here my friend.
- Silence!

Remember.

If you betray me you die.

Hello, Al.
- Hello.

Say, what do you think?

I just smacked down our Mr Carter
and got him tied up below.

Do you want to see him before
he goes on a nice long ride?

Yes, of course.
- Come on.

Alright Mack, open up.

Al wants to kiss Mr Carter goodbye.

Sure.

Do you want to let him come in too?

Well, I'll be a pink ..

Hey, did you know curly was with you?

Yes .. yes, he's always with me.

Step inside, gentlemen.

You too, sir.

Sure, what have I got to lose.

Your associate in crime detection begs
to report the capture of 3 prisoners.

Beeswax, you're a one-man riot.

It's humiliating, that's what it is.

Ain't it though. Come on,
cut me loose here, Gunboat.

Come on.

Hello, Al.
- Congratulations, Nick.

You and your little playmate
have a smooth routine.

Well.

Al, with .. an old smoothie like
you, we've got to have one.

And now, muscle-bound,
I've got a little present for you.

That's for that tap on the skull you
gave me when I wasn't looking.

Now you mount guard here at the door
and keep your eyes peeled for boarders.

Aye-aye, sir.

And gentlemen, I'll take whatever deadly
little knick-knacks you may be holding.

Well Albert, where have
I seen that knife before?

Can't remember, eh? Huh?

In Morris's office of course.
A couple of hours ago.

A little cleaner now than it
was then, isn't it? Huh?

Nice of Miss Barnes to give it to you.

Oh .. what's this, dead-eye?
Your mosquito gun?

Yeah, humiliating isn't it.
We'll get rid of those, boys.

A ticklish smuggler, are you?
- Aye.

Now, you're a nice boy.
Written home to mother lately?

You keep our mothers out of this.

Forgive me, Gunboat.

Sit down boys, won't you.
And make yourselves comfortable.

We're going to take a
nice little boat ride.

Look here, Nick. You can't Shanghai me.

Why Al, what talk?

I'm merely inviting you on a
nice, invigorating sea-voyage.

With fireworks, maybe.

Look here Grisson, don't be a fool.

Al Taurez will turn against you.

He'll treat you the same
way he treated Morris.

The way he treated me.

Maybe he's gone already,
leaving us holding the bag.

Let's get out while ..

Sit down Ramsell, you're
acting like a jittery idiot.

Well, I'm going to get out.
- Shut up. You can go.

After I blow up the
Archos at 12 o'clock.

What are we going to do?
Stay in this hole all night?

It depends on you, Gunboat.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Bombs? I never seen no bombs.

What would I be doing
with a bomb, anyway?

You're either a very smart liar
or really as dumb as you look.

I don't know which.
- Don't call me dumb.

Steady. Or I'll draw a bead on
you right between the eyes.

Why you, you ..

Someday I'll find a name for you.

Stop it, Gunboat.
- How about it, Mack?

Laddie.

If what you say is true, it's terrible.

And murdering ships and killing men.

I've been going to sea all my life.

But I'd rather die than kill
a sailor-man that way.

So, that brings us right back
to you again Al, doesn't it?

You're wasting your time Nick.

If there are ships being destroyed
by bombs I know nothing about it.

Well, maybe you know
something about these figures.

The combination for your safe.

Or did you forget it?

Now you know why that building
happened to go sky-high today.

You mean that warehouse
where Dr Grisson ..

Please Gunboat, will
you do me a favor and ..

Take a walk around the block?

No. Shut up.

What do you mean, take
a walk round the block?

Well .. Al every once in a while
tells me to take a walk ..

You idiot. Keep your mouth ..

Oh, I see .. I get it Al.

You don't want Gunboat to
know about that sending-set.

So when you use it, you tell him
to take a walk around the block.

Why would Al blow up ships?

For the insurance. The reason he doesn't
want you to see that sending-set ..

Is that he knows you would have
nothing to do with murdering sailors.

Never I would.

It's not my racket.
I'm just Al's bodyguard.

Will you keep out of this or not?

Say, wait a minute Al.

If what he says is true, you know I'd
put the slug on you - just like that.

Has he given you any proof?

No.
- Well ..

That's right.

Say, you ain't the guy to talk. You
double-crossed me with my lady friend.

You got me wrong, Gunboat.
She's all yours.

That's what you say.

Well, now only this afternoon,
I was talking with her and I said ..

Dolores, I don't want you chasing after
me, because you're in love with Gunboat.

What did she say?

Well she said, yes I love Gunboat,
I love him very much, but ..

Well .. I want to make him jealous.

Did she say that?
- That's what she said.

Oh boy.

So you see, Gunboat. I ..
- Oh, I understand mate.

I just had you all wrong.
- Sure.

And yet all along I
kept saying to myself ..

He ain't a bad guy.

You lug-head, can't you see that ..

Sure I see. We ain't been
treating this guy right, Al.

Say, if there's anything I can do, mate.
- Yes you can. You can make him talk.

I hate to do this, but uh ..

Say, what is this, a
convention of stowaways?

Well, I guess the clam-bake is over, Al.

Take us up to the Captain.

John, I ..

I must ask you to let me
have one of your lifeboats.

Al, we're 75 miles out.

That's alright, Gunboat.
Mack and I can reach Crist?bal.

Well, if it's so urgent,
I can turn about.

But Al doesn't want to
go in on this ship.

Why?

Because it's going to be blown up.

Hidden somewhere on board are
enough bombs to blow this thing to bits.

It will go down with all hands on
board like the Matlock and Toledo.

What are you trying to do now
Mr Carter, give us a scare?

Ask Al.

Al, what's he talking about?

Al, why don't you say something?

He's trying to frame me.

Frame you? Why?

Yes.

Mr Carter has been trying to
get me for a long time, Cora.

He thought he could
involve me in these ..

Ship sinkings .. and destroy this
boat and pin it on me, but ..

I've got a line on Mr Carter.

I happen to know where he
planted those bombs. There is ..

One hidden in that radio.

And another one in the
radio in engine-room.

And they are to explode at midnight.

In exactly two minutes.

John, you'd better call the engine room
and have them throw over that receiver.

And throw this one overboard quick.

Keep away from that phone
or you die like a dog.

Silence!

Chuck this thing overboard.

We'll throw that overboard after
Al answers a few questions.

You bombed the Toledo and Matlock?

Answer yes or no.

That's a lie.

Is it?

You worked with old Ramsell and Morris
and shared the insurance monies.

Didn't you?

Throw the radios overboard
and I'll tell everything.

You'll tell everything before
we throw them overboard.

Come on.

Yes .. I did it.

Morris, Ramsell, Grisson.
We are all in it.

We sank the ships Toledo and Matlock.
- And you killed Morris.

Yes .. I killed Morris .. I did it.

Stop the clock. Stop it. I did it.

Carter has outsmarted you, Grisson.

You and Al thought you could
ditch me and get away with it.

But I can tell Carter plenty. I ..

Grisson.

Don't.

I'll keep quiet.

Manos arriba.

Well, so long mate.

Thanks for squaring Mack
and me with the Cops.

Forget it. We knew you weren't
in on it. Didn't we, Beeswax?

0f course.

Sorry we can't stay for your wedding.
- Yes. Too bad.

What you say? How I am
doing wrong number, Johnny.

You're gorgeous.

Humiliating. That's what it is.

Let's go someplace where
there aren't any women.

I know just the place.

Pier 37.
- Si, Se?or.

Central Airport. Hurry please.

Central airport, and hurry.
- Si, Se?or.

That's not right.

Well, if I'm wrong I'll apologize.

-(s-d)-