All language subtitles for Le Vaisseau Fantôme (1943)

[instrumental music]

♪ Come all ye young fellows
who follow the sea ♪

♪ Way hey blow the man down ♪

♪ I trust that you'll join
in the chorus with me ♪

♪ Give me some time
to blow the man down ♪

- For luck.
- Thank you, sir.

Man 1: Being a sailor,
you'll need luck.

A young sailor too.

I don't need eyes
to tell me that.

Young seamen all want luck
when they're outward bound.

Only the old ones know
that there's nothing

but bad luck and bad blows
at sea.

An officer too.

How'd you know?

I heard your suitcase go down.

A seaman would be having
a soft bag.

[laughing]

Thank you, sir.
Thank you, sir.

If it's the Altair you're
boarding, sir, she's a bad ship.

You've got a blind man's tricks
for telling what men are like,

but ships...

you can't tell about ships.

♪ A ship lay becalmed
in the tropical seas ♪

♪ Way hey blow the man down ♪

♪ He whistled all day ♪

♪ But in vain for a breeze
give me some... ♪

I'm the third officer.
Where can I find the captain?

[instrumental music]

Finn: This is another man
I can never know

because I cannot talk
with him.

For I am a mute
and cannot speak.

I am cut off from other men

but in my own silence

I can hear things
they cannot hear

know things
they can never know.

Man 2: Okay, fellas,
pull that cover over here.

- Mr. Merriam?
- Yes, sir.

I'm Captain Stone.

How do you do, sir?

I chose you, Merriam,
and I don't regret my choice.

Thank you, sir.

I looked up the records of the

training ship graduates.

You seemed the most likely man
for me.

- Do you know why?
- No, sir.

Your history could have been
my own at your age.

An orphan.

Serious. Hardworking.

Anxious to get somewhere.

- We'll get on, you and I.
- Thank you.

I like a good ship,
a clean ship, an obedient ship.

As third officer,
you'll have certain authority.

Use it well, and the Altair
will be that kind of ship.

- I'll do everything I can.
- Fine.

Now you better go
to your quarters

and get yourself
ready for work.

Alright, sir.

Don't.

You've no right to kill
that moth.

It's safety doesn't depend
on you.

I'm sorry.
I... I don't understand.

Well, never mind,
I'll explain sometime.

We've a long voyage
ahead of us and...

You know, that's one of the nice
things about long voyages,

time for talk,

time for friendship.

You'll find your cabin
on the main deck.

Alright, sir.

- Oh, steward?
- Yes, sir.

My name is Merriam.
I'm the new third.

Oh, your quarters are right
over here, Mr. Merriam.

Thank you.

- The berth isn't made up.
- Sorry, sir.

I haven't had a chance
since Mr. Lingard died.

He was the last third officer.

- He died in this berth?
- That's right, sir.

He had such convulsions,
he would have died on the floor

if he hadn't have been held
in the berth.

Somehow, it seemed more
proper for him to die there

than on the floor, sir.

Well, what was the matter
with him?

I don't know, sir.

He didn't want to die.

He was always telling
funny stories.

Well, make it up.

Can you change the blankets
as well as the sheets?

- Yes, sir.
- And open the porthole there.

As soon as we're under way,
we'll get air here.

Yes, sir. We'll be
shoving off in an hour, sir.

[whistling]

On deck, you guys, The captain
wants a look at you.

Rise and shine
for the Dunham Line

I don't mean one,
I don't mean two,

I mean the whole sweet
bellboy crew.

[bagpiper music at distance]

Skipper wants to look you over.

Get in there, tall one.

[bagpiper music continues]

Hey, you, Scotty,
can the music.

On deck.

Come on, Scotty.

I ain't Scot, Boats.
I'm Greek.

It's only Greeks can play
these things good.

In the home country,
we play them to the sheeps.

Sheeps? You'll get
all the sheep you want.

We're going south
for a full cargo.

Sheep hides, mutton, tallow.

Why, we even bring back
the smell of the sheep.

We have a new crew,
Mr. Merriam.

You and Mr. Bowns
better look them over.

Come on, Merriam.

Go ahead, Boats.

- Ausman Jack?
- Here.

- Benson William?
- Here.

- Carter Claude?
- Present.

Claude. [Whistles]

[laughter]

Pipe down, you guys.

- Corbin John?
- Here.

I've shipped
with this man before.

Bowns: He's a good seaman, sir.

- Thank you, mister.
- Okay.

- Farnham Ed?
- Here.

- Mikross Peter?
- Here.

Lindstrom Paulo?

Paulo Lindstrom?!

Man 3: The guy's a dummy.

Finn.

Keep your eye on
that man, Boats.

I don't want any
trouble on this ship.

- McCall Tom?
- Yeah.

- O'Connor Jack?
- Present.

- Parker Louis?
- Here, teacher.

[laughing]

Radd William?

♪ I'm Billy Radd ♪

♪ From La Trinidad ♪

Boats: Pipe down, you guys.

Jensen George?
George Jensen?

Jensen!

- Vaughn Jim?
- Here.

- Waite Leonard?
- Here.

Everybody here, sir,
except Jensen.

Maybe in the fo'c'sle.

George was right behind me
when we came out

of the fo'c's'le, sir.

Jensen.

Bowns: George Jensen!

Jensen!

Boats: There he is.

Captain, I don't get
any pulse.

I'm afraid the man's dead.

Most likely heart failure,
Mr. Bowns.

He was an old man.

Finn: The man is dead.

With his death, the waters
of the sea are open to us

but there will be
other deaths.

And the agony of dying...

before we come to land again.

Log at zero, sir.

Log set at zero, sir, 8:23.

Fine.

Seems good to get going.

I heard one of the men
putting it another way.

I heard him say, "The ship comes
to life at sea."

I suppose that's the way
all sailors feel.

It's good for a sailor to go
to sea.

It's even better
for an officer.

Ah, it's a good feeling.

In San Pedro, I was
just another captain.

At sea, I am...

The captain.

It's got to be coiled
with the sun.

- It's a law of the sea.
- That ain't a law.

If you break a law,
you get arrested.

If you milk the cow
the wrong way, she kicks.

If you coil a rope
the wrong way, it can't kick.

I believe in logic.

Aboard ship, you'd better
believe in the captain,

and forget logic.

You coil a line
the wrong way once,

and you'll find out.

The captain's got more law
at sea

than any man on land
has got...

even the king of...

of Siam.

Or the president
of the United States.

Why, a captain can marry you.

Not me. I had a wife.

No, sir. I don't feel
any different.

When I was on the training ship,

I was a cadet.
Now I'm an officer.

Somehow, I don't feel
different.

Stone: You should.

It's all the difference
between being a man

and being a boy.
It's more than that.

It's the difference
between being a man

and being an officer.

I know, but somehow
I can't believe yet

that I'm an officer.

I passed my examinations,
I'm qualified,

but still I haven't that
feeling that you speak about.

- That feeling of authority.
- You'll learn it.

You'll even learn
to take great joy in it.

[groaning]

You seasick?

I have never been seasick.

Papa rocked me in his arms
when I was baptized.

That's the way you keep
a good Greek kid

from getting sick at sea.

What's the matter
with your belly, then?

It hurts.

She's a beautiful ship,
captain.

Beautiful ship
for a first berth.

She's a beautiful ship
to command.

Sparks: Hiya, Tertius.

I'm Sparks.

- What did you call me?
- Tertius.

What does that mean?

You share Bill Shakespeare's
lack of knowledge.

No Latin and less Greek.

Tertius, my ignorant
friend, means "Third"

and, uh, you're
the third officer.

I suppose it would be
a big help

to give deck orders in Latin.

It's not much use
on the radio either.

- Come on in.
- Alright.

It's a relief to find
someone on board I can talk to.

All I've been doing is saying,
"Yes, sir,” all morning.

- The captain?
- Mm-hmm. No, thanks.

Me, I take the captain,
cum grano salis.

Remember, I'm like
Shakespeare.

With a grain of salt.

I like the old man.
He seems a good skipper.

I've sailed with him before.

No, I mean it.

I like the way he talks.
The things he has to say.

I don't know.
I just stick to my job here.

I don't mix with the officers.

But I'll be glad
to teach you Latin

or take money away
from you at cards.

Alright. I'll look in
on you after my watch.

[bell rings]

Okay, I gotcha.

One forty-two.

One forty-two, sir.

Everything going well
on your watch, Mr. Merriam?

Oh, everything's fine, sir.

But I think I'll have
that hook secured

before I go below.
We might run into a sea.

That's fresh paint,
Mr. Merriam.

A line will mar it.

- I like a neat ship.
- Yes, sir.

Want that hook
made fast, mister?

Might be hard to do
if it gets sloppy.

No, Boats. Not yet.

Paint's too wet.

[bell rings]

[bell rings]

Lights are bright, sir.

Better turn in, Tom. Get some
sleep before your watch.

Okay.

Haven't you deck officers
any regard for life and limb?

- Why, that's alright.
- Alright?

Why, you fellows could
kill a guy with that.

- You better secure it.
- Tom: It's freshly painted.

Tom: We don't wanna
mar the paint.

You'll mar somebody's skull if
you don't do something about it.

I'll speak to the captain.

Excuse me, sir...

If you want to discuss the hook

with me, Merriam,
I've already given you

my considered opinion

as to the danger involved.

[wind howling]

[metallic clanking]

[clanging]

On the bridge.
The hook.

[clanging]

Look out!
Heads!

- Look out.
- John. John.

You men there,
get in and get that hook.

Make fast this end.
I'll fasten it around the hook.

Lower away on that winch.

I can't, the cable's fouled.

Boats: Get out, John
and grab me that hook.

[hook clanging]

[thudding]

[creaking]

Put a stopper on that hook,
Mr. Merriam.

Well, back to the
black hole of Calcutta.

What are you thinking about,
Mr. Merriam?

I think I can tell you.

You're thinking about
the hook.

You've made up your mind
that I was negligent.

That's about it, isn't it?

Yes, sir,
I was thinking that.

Well, you have no right
to think that, you know.

- The responsibility is yours.
- Mine?

I don't see that, sir.
I warned you about the hook.

- I told you twice about it.
- Exactly.

That's what I referred to.

You almost forced me
into a position

where I had to show
my authority

even though it put me
in the wrong.

I didn't see it that way.

But granted I was wrong, sir,

I don't see
how you dared risk

the lives of John
and the other men.

I have rights over their
lives, Mr. Merriam.

You remember the first day
you came into my office?

Only vaguely.

I told you you had no right

to kill that moth...

because it's safety
did not depend on you.

But I have the right to do
what I want with the crew

because their safety
does depend on me.

I stand ready any hour
of the day or night

to give my life
for their safety...

and for the safety
of this vessel.

And because I do,
I have certain...

rights of risk over them.

Now do you understand?

Yes, sir,
I think I understand.

You must understand.

It's the first thing you have
to learn about authority.

This liniment should
have penetrated by now, Peter.

It's always worked like magic
on cows and horses.

And it's the only thing that
ever cured my old man's lumbago.

It's the liniment
plus a kind of hypnotism

or something
I got in my hands.

There. How is that?

You feel okay now, don't you?

It's the other side
where the pain is, Jim.

You mean to tell me you've
just been laying there

letting me rub on this
side when it's there?

[groaning]

Mr. Merriam...

I... I was working on him and...

I just touched him there,
and he passed right out.

Has he ever complained
of pain here before?

Man on radio:
Panama calling Altair.

Is the patient
under anesthetic?

Sparks: Altair to Panama.
Patient is asleep,

breathing very heavily.

Man on radio: If the patient is
completely anesthetized,

you may proceed.

Are you ready?

Altair to Panama.
We are ready.

Man on radio:
Panama to Altair.

Captain Stone will bring
his right hand

to the point which we
have already established

as the region
of the appendix.

Place the point of the
scalpel exactly on this spot.

Make the incision.

Incise to a depth
of one-quarter inch.

Continue with the incision
vertically, 4 inches.

Have you made the incision?

Panama to Altair,
have you made the incision?

Altair to Panama,

wait a minute.
We're not ready yet.

Altair to Panama,
we are ready.

Please repeat.

Man on radio: Make an incision
a quarter of an inch deep.

Four inches on the vertical
line already described.

Altair to Panama,
the incision has been made.

[bagpiper music]

You're not doing so good
with that, Louie.

The Greek says you got
to be a Greek to play on it.

How do I know I ain't?

How do you know
you ain't gonna catch

appendicitis from it?

Huh?!

I heard it's catching.

Ah.

Wonder how they're getting on.

Me, I've got magnetic hands.
Healing hands.

Still I wouldn't wanna be
in the captain's shoes.

It ain't easy.

Hello, Panama.
Hello.

Government hospital, Panama.

Dr. Ostglow. Steamship Altair.
Radio operator speaking.

Dr. Ostglow on radio:
Altair, come in.

Hello, doctor...

the patient is breathing
normally, heartbeat is good.

Thank you, Dr. Ostglow.

We will continue to follow
with instructions.

Compliments of Captain Stone.

Thank you again.
Altair signing off.

Tertius, well done.

You're a gent.

And you'll be a scholar
if you hang around me.

Give me a cigarette,
will you?

Sure.

Thanks.

Sparks: He'll live, God willing.

And no thanks to the captain.

Sparks...

let's not say anything
about this.

What do you mean?

I mean, let's not tell anyone

the captain didn't
do the operation.

- You're crazy.
- But you know how it is.

Some guys don't like the sight
of blood and things like that.

Okay, if you want it that way.

But me...

I'd like to hear
the next conversation

you have with the captain.

One of those talks
he gives on authority.

Mark.

- Can I see you for a moment?
- Yes, sir.

Mr. Merriam, I want to
thank you for yesterday.

Oh, that's alright, sir.

I'd like to thank you
and I'd like to explain.

Oh, you don't have
to explain, sir.

There are a lot of people
that're squeamish about blood.

Oh, I'm not squeamish,
Mr. Merriam.

I'm not afraid of anything,
but failure.

That's why I didn't go
through with the operation.

I'm a sea captain.
I know my profession.

But I'm not a doctor,
and I might have failed.

You see that,
don't you, Tom?

Of course, I do, sir.

I knew you'd see it.

I knew you'd see it,
just as I knew

the first time I saw you
that you were

the man for me.

A man who'd think as I think.

I've not been disappointed.

Oh, hiya, Tertius.

You haven't said anything,
Sparks

about my having performed
the operation, have you?

Unh-unh.

I just thought
I'd remind you.

Been talking with
the captain again?

Yeah.

He's been talking
about authority?

That's right.
He made a lot of sense.

There's something in
what he says.

Wasn't much sense in what
he did yesterday, was there?

- Tom: He explained all that.
- Yeah, I'll bet.

He's a smooth man
with the words, the captain.

Now, wait a minute, Sparks.
You've got him all wrong.

He's the first older man who's
ever treated me like a friend.

- Tom: And that means something.
- Yeah, I know.

I can see your way of
thinking.

You had a tough time
when you were a kid.

Not much friendliness.

But, Tom...

there's a friendliness
that tries

to get you to thinking wrong.

But that's got nothing to do
with me. We're bound south.

It's a long voyage,
and I have to tend radio.

♪ A seal heard his whistle
and loudly did call ♪

♪ Way hey blow the man down ♪

♪ Roll up your white canvas
zips anchor and all ♪

♪ Give me some time
to blow the man down ♪

♪ Then the breeze it blew
gaily a terrible gale ♪

♪ Way hey blow the man down ♪

♪ And the ship blew... ♪

Now, if you guys want any more,

you can get it yourself.

Okay, Stew.

Boats, the captain's complaining

about the way
the deck's being kept.

I know, mister, it ain't as

spick and span as I'd like it.

We're shorthanded
with Jensen dead

and the Greek in his berth.

The boy's been taking turns

standing double watches.

Yeah. Can't help that.

The captain wants
a clean ship.

Aye, aye, sir.

[bell ringing]

[eerie music]

You're crazy.

Whoever heard
of a captain putting into port

just because one man's dead

and one man's off-duty?

I've been to sea
since I've been a boy.

I've never heard of
anything like that.

That's because most sailors
don't know the law.

With the Greek sick,
the captain ought to put

into the nearest port
to fill up the crew.

Why, you told me yourself

that the captain
is the law at sea.

That's the way it used to be.

Now they got new laws,
and the new law say

the captain's got to put
into port to fill up his crew

on a coastwise trip.

Never heard of it.

Why don't you tell all that

to the captain yourself,
Louie?

Who wants to bet
I don't dare?

I'll bet 1000 bucks,
you don't.

Ah, you four flushers wouldn't

bet ten real cents.

Put up or shut up.

[laughing]

So I felt it only proper
to bring this

just complaint of the men
to you in person, captain.

You know, there are captains

who might hold this
against you, Louie.

[metallic clanking]

Hey, in there,
nearly finished?

I'll be there in a minute.

Okay, let her go.

Alright. Let her go.

[chains rattling]

[door closes]

Hey, hold the chain.
The door's locked!

Hold the chain!

Stop it! Stop!

Stop.

[chain rattling]

Start washing down.
I'll take a look at the locker.

What's wrong?

Oh!

You'd better get a couple of
men down here

and get that cleaned up.

- It's Louie.
- He was a troublemaker.

But he was a nice guy.
Always kidding.

You're impressed.

Death is so absolute.

You looked into the chain
locker, no more Louie.

No more insolent remarks.

No more danger
to the discipline of the ship.

- You didn't like him.
- Of course, I didn't like him.

He was a sea lawyer,
full of windy complaints

seasoned with bad comedy.

So you shut the hatch.

Shut the hatch?

What do you mean, Mr. Merriam?

The hatch was shut.

And I think it was locked.

You accuse me of doing
this out of spite

because the man
was insubordinate?

This is what you meant
when you said you had rights

over the lives of the crew.

You murdered him.

You're a little hasty,
Mr. Merriam.

You can't expect me
just to stand by

and watch you kill a man.

What do you propose to do?

Denounce me?

May I speak to you, Mr. Bowns,

on a matter of
great importance?

What is it?

What is the law
about an incompetent

captain, Mr. Bowns?

Why interrupt me
with a question like that

when you see I'm working?

You know the answer. The first
officer would take over.

I think the captain
is incompetent.

Louie getting killed
in the chain locker.

That wasn't an accident.

The captain did it purposely.

I don't know what you're
trying to pull, fella.

But my advice is pull in your
ears before you get yourself

into a jam that you don't like.

Now, get away from me. I'm busy.

But, Mr. Bowns, I'm not joking.

You heard me.

And I'm the first officer.

[music on radio]

Hey, what's wrong, kid?

The captains' crazy, Sparks.

Sure, the captain's crazy.

Anyone who'd drive one
hobbyhorse so hard

is bound to be bugs.

And what a hobby to pick.

Authority.

Well, I'm glad you believe me.

Bowns practically
threw me off the ship.

Sure. The captain's
a little tetched.

This isn't a gag. I mean it.
He's really crazy. Insane.

Hey, now.

You know well,
most people are.

But he killed Louie.

That wasn't an accident
in the chain locker.

- That was murder.
- You know, kid.

You might be a little excited
yourself.

Well, let me tell you
from the beginning...

Unh-unh. Not me. Don't tell me.

I like my job
and I wanna keep it.

When we get to port, I'm gonna
tell the company agent.

You'll lose your job.

Even if I believe you,
I advice you not to.

You can't mean that, Sparks.

I believe in keeping
my nose clean.

Really clean.

And out of other
people's business.

That's the only
way to get along.

Not me. When something's wrong,

I've got to do
something about it.

I'm going to report this
when we get ashore.

♪ Oh dearie home ♪

♪ Oh it's home I want to be ♪

♪ My tassels are hoisted ♪

[bell rings]

♪ Oh the walk on the arch ♪

♪ On the honey virgin... ♪

Alright.

Report to the captain.

San Sebastian light,

two points off the port bow.

Yes, sir.

♪ Here we come
to San Sebastian ♪

♪ Going to see my happy land ♪

♪ And my heart is still
with great delight ♪

♪ I go to see my girl tonight ♪

♪ Well that's what
we will all go ♪

♪ For the Waltz and the Tango ♪

♪ And you break away I mean
to say that old Sebastian bay ♪

All fast, sir.

Hello, Will.
It's good to see you.

Always good to see you, Charlie.

I'd like you to meet my
first officer, Mr. Bowns.

- Mr. Bowns.
- Roberts.

- And my third, Mr. Merriam.
- Mr. Merriam.

- How do you do, sir?
- Mr. Roberts is our agent here.

This your first voyage
to this boat, Mr. Merriam?

Yes, in fact, it's
my first long voyage.

Hmm, well, if you drop
into the office,

I'll see you get a guide.

- Thank you, sir.
- Be sure and take on that, Tom.

Stone: The Dunham line may be
strict aboard ship,

But you'll find it
friendly on shore.

Don't forget to drop
by the office.

Thank you.

Well, I'm glad you accepted

my invitation
so promptly, Mr. Merriam.

Thank you.

Actually, I'd like to have a few
words with you, Mr. Roberts

on a matter of great importance.

- Of course. Please sit down.
- Thank you.

Make yourself comfortable.

- Alright, Jose. You can go now.
- Jose: Yes, sir.

Well, Mr. Merriam. What is
the matter of importance?

It's about Captain Stone, sir.

An old friend. A great friend
of mine, Mr. Merriam.

That makes it all
the more difficult.

What I have to tell you
is extremely unpleasant.

And not the captain,
it was Mr. Merriam himself

who gave the order not
to stopper the hook.

To my mind, sir,
Mr. Merriam had been

working kind of hard
or something.

Now, this is my first voyage
with captain Stone.

As it is the first
for all the crew

except Mr. Bowns, the radio
operator and the steward.

And all the men are agreed
that a fair and able a captain...

- That'll do, Boats.
- Aye sir.

- Thank you.
- Right.

Billy Radd.

Well, Billy, I'd like to hear
what you have

to say about the captain.

I'd like to know whether
you think him competent.

Whether you think
he had anything to do

with the death of Louie Carter.

No, sir. It's like
the others said.

We just can't understand it.

The captain is a good captain.

What you call a kind man.

And a gentleman.

And Mr. Merriam, he was
always a fine gentleman.

We all like Mr. Meriam too.

Hmm. That'll do for now, Billy.
Thank you.

If I could have your permission,

I would like to mention just one
thing, Mr. Robert, sir.

The captain here hasn't only
given us the best food

and looked after the ship
his own self at all times,

but he saved my life
by that operation at sea.

And I never in my life
can forget that.

Should I call in anymore
witnesses, Mr. Merriam?

You men may be a little puzzled
by what's been going on here.

Mr. Merriam made certain
statements.

I called this informal hearing

to prove him
how unfounded they were.

I felt it my duty
as the company agent

to prevent public investigation
of a baseless charge.

Thank you all for cooperating
so splendidly.

[indistinct chatter]

I'm sorry this
had to happen, Tom.

Ellen would be
wanting to see you.

I'm sure she's been waiting
for you ever since she saw

the Altair come
into the harbor last night.

Ellen?

Did she watch for my ship?

She's always watching
for your ship.

She's got good news.

Is Captain Stone aboard?

No, ma'am. He'll be
back in an hour or so.

He's with Mr. Roberts.

You're the new third officer,
aren't you?

I was. But how did you know?

Captain Stone
wrote me about you.

A long letter.
Even before he met you.

He was most enthusiastic about
your training ship record.

I know.

I'm Ellen Roberts,
an old friend of the captain.

Because of his letters,
I feel as if I knew you too.

- Tom Merriam.
- How do you do?

Where in the world are you
going with that bag?

Doesn't the Altair
sail tomorrow night?

She sails without me,
Ms. Roberts.

Mmm. That sounds serious.

Well, I'm waiting. Won't you
let me give you a lift?

Then you could tell me
all about it.

No. Thank you.

Well, that bag would be
awfully heavy

by the time you
reach the hotel.

- Come along.
- Alright.

And so, you're dreadfully
disappointed

and dreadfully hurt.

The whole world seems to have
turned against you.

Just because you
made a mistake.

I didn't make a mistake.

That's almost
the captain's voice, Tom.

"I didn't make a mistake.
I couldn't make a mistake.

I'm authority. I'm the captain.
I'm the third officer."

I've heard it all so often.

But it's all so wrong.

You're just like
the captain, Tom.

Lonely, austere, bitter

without family or friends.

Condemning yourself to a
bloodless ghost-like existence.

And in the end, it'll be only
a ghost ship you'll come out.

How long do you think
I've known the captain, Tom?

I don't know.

I've known him for 15 years.

For 15 years,
I've tried to give him love

instead of loneliness.

You mustn't be like him.

You've got to embrace
warmth and life.

A good joke, a pretty girl.

Tom: I don't know any girls.

That's clear enough.

But you will.

I have a younger sister
in San Pedro.

She's a secretary
for the Dunham line.

She'll meet you
on your next trip North.

I'll see to that.

And if you don't like her,
she'll introduce

you to the other girls

and other young men

young men who don't even know

what the word authority means.

I'll see that you don't become
another Captain Stone.

I'm going to change him too.

I can now.

I have the right.

But this is not like you, Will.

I've never known you
to hold grudges.

I don't want him on my ship.

People seem to be turning
against me.

The boy.

Some of the crew.

I feel their dislike,
their distrust.

Oh, nonsense.

You're only imagining things.

You work too hard
too long, Will.

This voyage down
without a second officer,

standing watches.

It's been hard on you.

When you get back to the States,
have a good check up.

Take a rest.

It isn't my health
that I'm worried about.

I've lived a lonely life.

A hard life.

Well, you and Ellen are the only
friends I've ever had.

All you need's a rest.

See a good doctor
just as I've said.

You'll see Ellen tonight.

Find new interests.

There are no new interests.

Just authority.

Authority.

[instrumental music]

I have something
to tell you, Will.

That's what Charlie said.

I wanted to be here,
aboard the Altair

when I told you.

I want my rival to hear
and feel my triumph.

I've always loved
your fancies, Ellen.

This isn't a fancy.

I want the old Altair to know

that I'm a free women.

That I can take you from her

and keep you from her.

- You won your case?
- Yes.

He finally gave in.

The final papers
came through last week.

I'm a free woman.

I expected a different
response, Will.

I thought we were
both waiting for this.

I had waited.

I had wanted this.

Now, there's little
I can do or say.

I'm afraid.

- Afraid of me, Will?
- Of my mind, Ellen.

- I don't trust it anymore.
- Your mind?

Don't come close to me.
Stand there.

But, Will, I...

I remember Captain Blaker
of the Ajax.

She's my first ship.

I was a mess boy.

I watched him lose his mind
little by little.

He knew it,
could do nothing about it.

It was awful, Ellen.
I've never forgotten it.

We were run down in a fog
off the coast of the Mersey.

Ajax sank like a rock.

Blaker went with her.
He was lucky.

It's only your memory
that frightens you.

It's more than that.

I felt strange.

Well, I've done
things that, I...

I couldn't remember doing.

I've had moments that I've

felt that I was
on the verge of...

losing control.

Doing some terrible,
stupid, ugly things.

And this morning when the boy
testified against me,

I could barely keep my seat.

Give me a chance
to get over this.

This feeling that
I don't know myself.

That I don't control
my thoughts,

my actions.

You can have all
the time in the world.

I'll be waiting here for
the Altair on her return voyage.

[speaking in foreign language]

I'm a British subject
and I'll not sing

for you or any other Heinie.

- Mr. Merriam.
- Tom: What goes on here?

What are you men up to?

Are you hurt, Mr. Merriam?

This man is my officer
from The Altair.

He's been hurt. I've got
to get him back aboard.

[foghorn blaring]

[intense music]

[music continues]

Naturally, had I had
anything to say about it,

I wouldn't be here.

Evidently, Billy had the
policeman bring me aboard.

Of course, sir,
I realize I have no right

whatsoever to be
aboard the Altair.

I'll be glad to make
arrangements to pay

my passage when
we reach San Pedro.

I don't want to be aboard
anymore than you want me here.

But I can't do
anything about it.

You can't expect me to swim.

That's quite the wrong tone,
Merriam.

I was just going to say that

you'd be my guest
on the trip North.

That you'll have no duties.

We'll do everything we can
to make the voyage

as just comfortable as possible.

- Thank you.
- In fact, Merriam.

I'm rather glad
that you're on board.

It will give me a chance to
prove certain theories of mine.

You know, I'm sure that you'll
find them very interesting

and instructive.

You can learn many
things from me.

I never doubted that, sir.

I'm sure you never doubted that

when you told Mr. Roberts

that I was a murderer

and incompetent.

But we'll forget
all that, Mr. Merriam.

Thank you, captain.

Uh, Mr. Merriam.

You know there are some captains
who'd hold this against you.

Oh, Raphael, I was wondering
if you got me to bed last...

[engine rumbling]

Hiya, Sparks. I seem to have
gotten myself in a kind...

Don't come in here, fella.

I don't want to get mixed up in
any funny business with you.

Look, Sparks. We're friends.
I need your help.

Now, stop kidding
and listen to me, will you?

Yeah. I'll stop kidding.

But it's for listening.

I tell you, I'm dead serious

and I don't wanna hear
a word you have to say.

Captain's gonna kill me, Sparks.

I can see it in his face.

I'm not too dumb
a guy now, Sparks.

I'm not yellow,
I'm not hysterical.

And I'm telling you, he's gonna
kill me and I need your help.

That is hogwash.

At least do me one favor.

Send a wireless to Mr. Roberts
in San Sebastian.

I can't do that.

Captain's forbidden all wireless

unless he personally okays it.

Don't you see?
That's part of what I meant.

Yeah?

[intense music]

[footsteps approaching]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[bell rings]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[clanging]

[glass shattering]

[instrumental music]

[intense music]

[rattling]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

Hold it.

Move and you'll get a bullet

through your abdomen.

Not a pleasant or quick death.

Perhaps you've never seen
a man die that way.

But I want you to live.

I want you to learn
the great lesson

that I thought I had
I taught you.

Authority cannot be questioned.

That's crazy talk.

Well, I never felt
more sane in my life

than I do at this moment.

Who's crazy?

You, who defied me
and are helpless

or I, who control your destiny

and the destiny of the Altair
and all the lives on board.

I wish Bowns, I wish the crew
could see what I see now.

Could hear you talk.

You think I'm insane?

Yes. And they would too,
if they could see you now.

Raving and ranting.

I'm captain.

As long as I wear these stripes,

there isn't a man in the crew

that'll believe you or help you.

You'll find them too lazy,

too cowardly,

too disinterested.

That's what I want
you to learn, Merriam.

Men are worthless cattle.

And a few men are given
authority to drive them.

You can't prove that to me even
with a gun, captain.

I know people aren't that way.

They're good, kind.
They help each other.

It's only hard
to get them to understand.

I'll give you a chance
to make them understand.

You go out there.

Go any place you
want on board ship.

Talk to them.

See if you can
get them to help you.

See if they'll stand up
with you against authority.

Why, even your friend Sparks
won't help you.

Go ahead.

Get out.

Try and get help against me.

Try! Try! Try!

But, Jim, can't you understand
what I'm trying to tell you?

But, Louie was your pal.

The best friend
you had on board.

How do you think your pal was
caught in the chain locker?

You think that door
closed itself?

If you'll take my advice,

you quit trying to start
trouble around here.

Boats, you're a sensible man.

Listen, kid, quit trying to stir
up trouble with the crew

against the old man?

They don't like it.
They don't like you.

Want some more?
Did you ever hear about mutiny?

Morning, Mr. Bowns.

There isn't any lock
on my cabin door, Chips.

I was wondering
if you could put one on.

[harmonica music]

Stone: Since you have no earthly
need of this...

Listen, Tom.

You'll only get anyone you try
to talk to in Dutch.

Now, why don't you
be a good guy and...

Get this. I'm desperate, Sparks.

- Why is the lock...
- I don't know anything.

There's only one thing
you can do to please me.

And that's by staying away
from me and not talking to me.

Seems to me, the captain's being
pretty decent after what you...

But it's true.

I've got to convince you.
Or Someone.

The captain's a homicidal
maniac. We've got to...

- Get this off right away.
- Yes, sir.

[instrumental music]

Finn: I know this man's
trouble.

I see the captain's hatred.

I know and I will watch.

I will watch.

[instrumental music]

Hiya, Tertius. Close the door.

I don't get this.

"Tom Merriam not aboard Altair.
Regards."

Why in the world
would the captain

want to send this
to Mr. Roberts.

I don't know.

And because I don't know,

I'm beginning to
believe your story, Tom.

This is a reply to a message
send by Roberts asking

if you were aboard.

The way I figured,
may be you're right.

Maybe the captain's does
intend to get rid of you.

Well, now you know,
are you going to help me?

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm going to take this
to Bowns in the morning.

It'll be enough to get him
to listen to you anyhow.

Meanwhile, you better
get some rest.

- So long, Tertius.
- So long.

And thanks.

[intense music]

[music continues]

[eerie music]

Huh?

Do you know how to operate
the wireless, Mr. Merriam?

Yes, sir.

If you don't mind,
I'd like you to get up

and send a message for me.

I beg your pardon, sir, but why
can't Sparks send the message?

The message I'm asking you to
send will answer that question.

Can you read, Finn?

What do you want the paper for?

[radio switching on]

I'm ready, sir.

This is a lie. You killed him.

You knew he was gonna help me.

Why, you...

[grunting]

You killed him.
I know you killed him.

He killed Sparks. Let me go.

I tell you,
he didn't fall overboard.

Captain Stone killed him.
Just as he killed Louie.

Just as he wants to kill me.
I tell you he's crazy.

Can't you understand?
He's crazy.

Mr. Merriam may be
giving us a clue

as to what's wrong with him,
Mr. Bowns.

- You mean, the boy is...
- It's not me, it's the captain.

He's mad, I tell you.

I don't know how you describe

conduct such as this, Mr. Bowns.

Let me go. Please let me go.

He killed my friend.
He killed Louie.

Maybe we ought to have
the boy restrained.

- So he won't hurt himself.
- Why you...

Get a rope, lads. Truss him up
and put him in his bunk.

What's all the excitement?

Ah, you couldn't be telling.

That's fine, boys.
That's enough.

Better give him a sedative.

Here's a needle all made up.

Bowns: Think he needs it?
Stone: Huh, he looks pretty bad.

Stone: It might quiet him.

Bowns: Yes, sir.

No.

No.

Please, no.

Tom: Mr. Bowns, please.

No.

Mr. Bowns, please.

[Merriam breathing heavily]

No, Mr. Bowns.

Please.

[eerie music]

What do you want?

[music continues]

[music continues]

Man 4: That's an odd message,
surely.

Can't make head nor tail of it.

With the boy here and alive.

Maybe the boy is right.

I don't know. Orders is orders.

I had the boy tied up
and gave him a sedative.

Maybe he ain't the
crazy one at that.

You deck officers
have your problem.

Yeah.

It's gonna be the problem
with you fellas as well as mine.

After me, you're next in rank,
and you gotta help me.

If the boy is right.

[instrumental music]

[thinking]
If the boy is right.

If the boy is right.

If the boy is right.

If the boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

Maybe the boy is right.

Maybe the boy is right.

Maybe the boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

[intense music]

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

Maybe the boy is right.

Maybe the boy is right.

Maybe the boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

The boy is right.
The boy is right.

[intense music]

[cracks]

Mac, we gotta do
something about this.

We can't let things
stay this way.

Hmm... I don't know.

♪ I'm Billy Radd
from La Trinidad ♪

♪ I ain't so good
and I'll ain't so bad ♪

♪ I like your singing
I like me fun

♪ I like me good old
West-Indian rum ♪

[whistling]

♪ I like me crab and milikalu ♪

♪ I don't like
no Mulligan stew ♪

♪ I like the smell
of the open sea ♪

♪ Believe me that is
the life of me ♪

[Billy whistling]

[door slams]

[crashing]

[knives clanking]

[indistinct singing at distance]

[grunting]

[knives clanking]

[thudding]

[grunting]

♪ Believe me friends
I made me no plan ♪

♪ When I return to La Trinidad ♪

♪ To see me friends
and me family ♪

♪ That will be
a happy day for me ♪

[groans]

[whistling continues]

[dramatic music]

Finn: The boy is safe.

And his belief in men

and men's essential
goodness is secure.

He stands beside me in command.

[rings bell]

All's well.

Lights are bright, sir.

[rings bell]

Finn: And we are homeward bound
to San Pedro.

♪ Way hey blow the man down ♪

♪ Although he could play
a remarkable game ♪

♪ Give me some time
to blow the man down ♪

- For luck.
- Thank you, sir.

Being a sailor,
you'll need luck.

[chuckles] You're a sailor,
alright, sir.

I don't need eyes to tell me
you're a seaman outward bound.

Woman 1: Oh, Mr. Merriam.
Mr. Merriam.

♪ Come all ye young fellows
who follow the sea ♪

Mr. Merriam, my sister Ellen
asked me to meet your ship.

Tom: How do you do?

Yeah, she told me all about you.

♪ You'll join in
the chorus with me ♪

♪ Give me some... ♪

[instrumental music]