Original subtitles

THE SHIP THAT DIED OF SHAME

I know about ships. They are wood, and metal and nothing else

They don't have souls, they don't have wills of their own and they don't talk back.

Or so I told myself a thousand times.

A thousand times I went over it all, from the beginning.

The beginning, like almost everything else about me, went back to the war,

to motor gunboat ten eighty seven, and to George Hoskins.

We spent nearly all the war in Coastal Forces.

The 'Beat-Up Boys', they used to call us.

That name tells you just about all you need to know.

Number One!

Stop wings!

The headland's on the starboard bow sir, about a mile, I reckon.

We'll go dead slow then creep around the point.

That's when we will see the target. Yes - and the battery will see us.

You have to let them have it first time, or else ... - What about the minefield?

As you fire, I'll rev up. We'll have to turn on a sixpence or we'll be right in it.

I hope we don't miss the gasworks and hit the casino.

Why? They owe me fifty quid!

Stand by left. Any moment now

I'll mark the target with tracer fron aft, and then you let them have it.

OK. I'll take over this one.

We are being swept down a lot SIr. There's a strong inshore tide. Shall I increase a bit?

She'll just make it. Don't want to make any more noise than this if we can help it.

We'll not get round without without starting wings.

I'll lay you 6:4 sir - in shillings I accept.

Two points starbord cox' n. Aye aye, sir

Odds on chance.

Keep her out cox!

A shame to take the money, cox'n!

Stand by, Number One.

B Gun, fire, fire, fire!

I think we got the tote double up.

Start wings! Hard to port!

Come on, my beauty.

They've lost the range! Ever known a boat turn like that cox'n? She's a beauty, sir..

Any other boat would have had us in that minefield.

She's a honey is old 1087! Rejoin squadron! Aye aye, sir.

You're pretty quick with the score, Number One.

I didn't think we ought to claim until the reconnaisance confirms it.

Oh there's no doubt abut this one, sir.. No, I suppose not..

She's not got a bad record, old 1087 The best team in the business are Randall and Hoskins.

You know, I've been thinking sir. We've picked up quite a few gongs between us, now. Why not chalk them up too?

DSO - 1. Oh, and bar. sorry sir. Not at all.

DSC - 1, your truly. Er, DSM - 3 etc. Would look pretty good wouldn't it?

No. Well there's no point in hiding your light under a whatchamacallit. Why not chalk 'em up?

I don't know. It's one of those things. It's difficult to explain.

You know what I mean, George.

Any sign of her, sir? I'm afraid not, cox'n.

Well, how long will she be staying down, sir? She's got a week's leave;

I expect she decided not to brave the night train. What, and miss the whole day, sir?

If I know Mrs. Randall, she'll be there alright, sir.

How right you are!

Full ahead, cox'n!

There you are. Home for one week.

The first we've had.

Who do we have to thank for it? A chap called Ferguson. He has a shore job since he was knocked about at Dunkirk.

He's living in the mess while we've got it. Open up.

It's fun! Come and see.

Are you sure there's no one here? I feel as if we are doing something wrong.

Why? We're married, aren't we? I didn't mean that, idiot.

I meant walking into someone else's house. Do you know your way around? No

Let's look.

Kitchen.

Bathroom. Coal hole.

Bill? Bill?

Hello.

You can get around. It's got everything. A real house.

Better than last time. That terrible hotel. Do you remember?

Yes.

What's the matter?

All this. Don't you like it? Oh yes, I love it, but... What?

You're going to laugh at me if I tell you. What are you talking about?

You. When we were married, we had three days together.

On our last leave, we stayed in a hotel.

But this... Well, this is a home.

It sounds sentimental. But, it means more than it sounds.

Helen! A lot more, and it's a problem. Helen!

For one thing, I can't cook very well.

I'll learn if you give me time.

Cheer up. I can't cook either. Oh can't you? I rather hoped you could a bit.

We'll manage. Really, we will.

But it's terribly important. Eating? Yes, but... I mean

You can't live on eggs and bacon!

But they'd do for a start.

You do see what what I mean, about me, don't you?

There's nothing in the house, and the shops are miles away.

I was going to ask you to stop the car and buy something, but I forgot.

When I saw you again, I forgot.

When you saw me again?

You put it out of my head, everything.

Except that I was seeing you again.

It's a very nice thing to have said. What?

That I make you forget everything.

Even breakfast.

Why did you marry me Bill? What?

Seriously why? Seriously?

Because I'm in love with you. I remember... - Go on.

I remember the first time I saw you. I thought she was looking a bit lost, that girl.

I'd better marry her. Oh, shut up.

Anyway, you're good for me. You make me laugh, for one thing.

And for another?

Well, since I've known you, there seem to be...

I don't know, purpose in things, I suppose.

Even in this damned war.

You are going to be alright, aren't you? Of course.

Helen. It's nothing. Nothing.

I just thought that... without you...

I thought...

I just want this war to be over. That's all.

Sorry.

When do you go out again? Tonight.

Something special? Routine.

Don't ever do anything silly with that ship of yours, will you? Promise.

I've already promised the Admiralty.

Promise me. Alright.

When do you sail tonight? Sundown.

Look, it's still up there.

Stay there, please.

B Gun! Fire, fire, fire!

Got him! Check, check, check, check, check!

Turn and beat it, cox'n. Hard a' starboard. Hard a' starboard, sir.

Alright, boys? Yes. Warm enough? Yup.

What's on your mind? It's only a little thing. We all know that, but what's on it?

Well, what I want to know is, what happens if the Skipper's luck gives out?

Well, it's every man for himself. That's what I thought.

"I'm alright, Jack. You make your own arrangements."

Looks as if we're first home.

Action Stations!

Come round 90 degrees and then zig-zag. Aye aye, sir!

B Gun, Red 100! Fire, fire, fire!

Check, check, check, check, check!

Eight, bring her back on course, make it quick as you can. Aye aye, sir!

Lucky windfall, eh, sir! Another one for the scoreboard!!

We can't claim that. He was still flying for home, happy as a lark.

A lark with a pretty sore tail! He was going down very slowly. We can't call it a confirmed kill.

The Air Ministry rely on our reports.

Look, sir, we did hit him, and he was going down!

We want to keep our records straight just as much as any chairborne clot in the Air Ministry.

We're missing a good chance! A good chance of what?

Call it damage.

That's it, 'swain. Aye aye, sir.

Take over, Number One, will you? Aye aye, sir.

Okay, wrap her up, boys!

D'you think you got him? Could be. What's the damage?

Shot us up, good and proper. No casualties, though.

Dropped his bombs on the recreation ground, silly clot. Hope he didn't upset the Fish Market.

I promised Helen I'd buy some mackerel for breakfast.

Helen! Helen! Helen!

Helen!

Helen! Helen! Helen!

After that... there was only the ship.

Through her, I could hit back.

There seemed nothing else in life... Only the ship.

It wasn't long before we too were parted.

One day, in the spring of 1945.

we took her to her last anchorage.

Well... here we are.

Everybody aboard, cox'n? Everything out, sir.

Ship's company all present and correct, sir.

Thank you, Number One.

And so we left her. The men went home, and I...

This place was for sale. I bought it.

The idea was to build it up from nothing.

Then, get some contracts for building boats... and build them.

That was the idea.

Thanks for your letter. Sit down. Thank you. See we're not disturbed.

Smoke if you want to. No thank you sir.

I was sorry to hear about this boat-building venture of yours.

Folded up, has it? Yes.

In your letter, you asked for your old job back. It's no longer vacant.

Thank you. Wait a minute. You wanted the truth without frills.

Yes. I'm sorry. You knew your job was waiting for you at the end of the war.

You didn't come back and I understand why. Do you?

You see, I was in the same position in 1918.

I could have gone back to being a clerk,. instead, i started this firm.

I succeeded first go. You must try again.

Oh I know it's easy enough to say. It's a question of - of choosing your line.

I find all the action I want, in here, sitting behind this desk.

But you, I'd say you need to be out and about with something-.

something living beneath your hands. You don't want to come back here, do you?

Well, er, no - I don't.

You'll be alright. You're on your own. Nobody but yourself to look after.

I am sorry. That's alright sir.

Good luck! Thank you very much sir.

Coastal Forces Club: Annual Reunion.

I don't know. Every year there seem to be less of the old faces around here every time we have one of these dos.

What? Ah, yes. You're a regular now.

I come here quite a bit.

Ever see any of your chaps from - let's see - What was she? Ten eighty-seven.

Of course! I used to envy you that boat.

Funny how each one was different.

The one I had wallowed like an old warus.

If I'd only had your turn of speed, I would have got that U-boat off Walcheren.

What was she called again? Ten Eighty-Seven

Yes. She was a special honey.

Well, good night, old man. Your're going already? - Yes... -

Are you a member? Yes of course I'm a member!

Bill! George!

Bill, you old devil! How are you? George, how nice to see you.!

The old firm, eh! Well, this calls for a celebration! What'll you have? You will excuse us won't you.

Well, seing it's you chum, a large Pink Gin. A large Pink Gin, and I'll have a light. Cigarette? Er, no, thanks.

Well, you're looking very prosperous these days. What are you doing? - Oh, this and that you know.

Got to scrape a living when you can, nowadays, with all these ruddy restrictions.

I suppose so. No, here, here, let me. Expenses. Thank you very much . Thank you.

Well, you look a bit glum. What's the matter?

Look, let's not spoil a good party. No, I'm interested. Tell me more.

Might be able to give you a little fatherly advice.

Right - well you asked for it.

You've had a rough time of it old boy. Not really. Just what they call unsettled I suppose. . .

I lell you what- I've got an idea for a sideline.. I need someone like you. -Well?

It would take a boat - a first class boat and someone to run it.

You and me. A fast motor-boat to make trips across the Channel and back.

We've made enough of those in our time. What sort of trips? Passengers? Freight?

Mmm, well, you could call it that.. Fast freight..

I suppose you mean smuggling.

Well, not to put too fine a point on it, yes.

Oh,, I mean nothing very serious you know. Just a few things to lighten up the post-war darkness a bit.

Nylons, a spot of wine and brandy perhaps.

It would be more like the real thing again, anyway, instead of all this living in the past.

The real thing? It'd be fine to be back on the old ship.

Ten eighty-seven? Yes, she's up for sale.

I'm going down to look her over. Care to come?

Well, I . . . Oh the trip's on me old boy . No obligations, as they say.

Yes, I'd like to. I'd like to see ten eighty-seven again.

Then here's to her, the old duck!!

There she is!

It's her alright.

Remember the night Nobby Clarke got his?

She's good.

There's a lot to be done, but she's good.

We'd certainly be doing her a favour getting her out of this grave-yard.

We must get her moved to where I can work on her.

A change will do the old girl good.

I'm betting she's ours?? Birdie!

- Mr. Randall, Skipper, sir! - Where on earth have you sprung from?

I work for a shipwright in Plymouth. I've got a load of gear here to deliver to a Mr. Hoskins.

Well, well well. - I wondered, when they said Hoskins. You know, I just wondered, I thought, could that be Jimmy The One?

But I never expected to see you, sir. That IS our Mr. Hoskins, isn't it? - Yes, Birdie, it's our Mr Hoskins.

We're going into the freight business. Oh ho! The old firm, eh? ! Randall and Hoskins!

And this is the ten eighty-seven.

What've you done to her? Brought all the controls up top.

There's only two of us to work her

It'll take more than two of you to run her. We'll manage.

I tell you what, sir! Why don't you take me on?

No, Birdie.

But sir, I know the ship. The ship knows me!

Good afternoon, Ship! There y'are sir, look,, she winked back at me!

I'm sorry Birdie. That's OK sir. But, look, why not let me stay on until you finish getting her ready?

Human beings are like Number Nines, you know. Two always work faster than one. -

No, Birdie. Oh come on, Sir! I know her.

Alright, then. Just till she's fitted out.- You'll never regret it, sir. It's a bet!

Well, you wouldn't know the old girl. Marvellous, what a facial will do!

Yes, sir! All she needs now is a real tiddly sailor.

I know the very man for the job. See to it, cox'n. Thank you sir.

Look George. I don't think we should involve . . . Bill, he needs the job and we need him.

That's all there is to it. Next week, we start work, Birdie. Aye, aye, sir.

Oh, Bill, by the way... This bumph. Put your name on it, will you?

What are they? Details of ownership. Ten Eighty-Seven's always been yours.

I wouldn't want to break it up.. What shall we be carrying?

What people want most. Whatever it is, we'll give it to them.

The old firm, eh? Hoskins and Randall.

Put like that, our operations were practically a moral crusade.

Our only aim in life was to make people happy.

Hoskins did the fixing, I sailed the boat.

It was wonderful to feel her bucking under my feet, and to be at sea again

We made a lot of trips, and a lot of money very fast.

In fact, we got a bit over-confident, returning home literally crammed with stuff.

Ten Eighty-Seven had red wine practically running out of her ears.

There we are, gents. A nice hot cup of cocoa, with the compliments of the management. - Thanks, Birdie.

All other drinks are quite inferior, For warming up a cold posterior,

So drink it down and soon you'll find... A lovely, rosy glow behind.

Always reminds me of those creeks along the Dutch coast.

Yes, that night up the Scheldt when Jerry was waiting for us.

Motor boat ahoy, turn off your engines! It looks official.

Stop your engines! We're coming aboard!

Open up a bottle, Bill. . We appear to be entertaining.

Now don'tt give the game away that you're new to this job.

No one respects a learner.

Just keep an open mind and your mouth shut.

what do you want? Customs

Where are you from? - Falmouth. You're late getting in aren't you?

Engine trouble.

THe wrong uns always say that and you can never contradict them.

Why no navigation lights? They fused.

Some blame the generator. Look, let's get it sorted it out it in comfort, shall we?

Come on down to the cabin. We shall now be offered a little light refreshment to keep out the night air.

Don't touch it.

Come on in. -Very nice. Yes, she's a trim little craft..

Take the glasses out, Bill, there's a good chap.

It isn't often we have guests at this hour of the morning

Are you sure you won't join us? -I'd like to. Oh you will - oh good.

I told him not to touch it. . I didn't say anything about me. Ta! - Good fellah!

Are you sure you won't? Quite sure!

Brought in? - Right, yes. I haven't paid duty yet either. Are you going to charge me on it?

Maybe.

Well, let us in to the secret..

Well I was remembering when I was last aboard one of these MGBs.

During the war? - Aye.

She saved my life, that one did.

How? - I was on patrol up in the North Sea.

1941 it'd be..

And we had a bit of a difference with a Jerry sub.

I was in the water, counting the stars for nigh on seven hours.

Just when I thought I was going to have a chanceof taking a closer look at them,

One of these came up.

They put me on the seat here I remember.

And pumped about twenty gallons of water out of me.

Aye, they were good lads in the MGBs. Oh, thank you very much.

What do you mean, thank you very much?

Come and meet a couple of them.

Were you in them?

Well, I don't know!!

Well, that's all over now.There'll be no time for reminiscing.

Go and have a look round. - I'll show you.

Beside what he shows you, have a look on your own account.

Use your initiative. And don't forget the usual offices.

I've known cisterns to be used for some very funny things in my time..

Well, have some more brandy. -No Thanks.

I only had the first tot just to see what you had aboard. Cunning, ey?

Common sense.

Can you tell if people are up to no good? I mean before you find the stuff? Usually. -How?

By looking at them. - Shifty huh?

No, they put it on you know - like you.

La-di-da.

That's hot. The other's cold.

Alright? Anything else?

He'll be back in a minute. - What's he doing? Using his initiative. Give me another please.

Well,, everything all right?

Well, you both can consider yourselves off duty, you can have a real drink.

Just minute - I think I'll take a look myself. I'll take you round. -No Thanks.

I'll go by mysef. You stay here.

What's up here? You're half full of water! What?

Get the pumps going Birdie!

She's not holed as far as I can see.

Wonder if it's that darned valve in the lavatory.

That's it. It's been left open.

You have to close the inlet valve after you've used it. Otherwise it floods in. It's below the water line.

For pity's sake! I told you to search the ship, not sink it!

I'm terribly sorry about all this. It's quite aright..

We'll doss in the charthouse for now and clean her up in the morning.

Well, it's not often I'm given to embarrassment, but... Well, I must say...

Come on!

Whatever happened to that automatic valve?

Well, it was automatic and it is now, again, Just for a short time it kind of got stuck.

Well done, that man! I couldn't have done it better myself!.

After that we were a bit more careful

And covered our activities by undertaking more legitimate business.

A round trip, four hours at three bob a head! Come on, don't stand around!

You, sir! Why not come along? Three bob a head. No charge for the kiddies!

Anything from a day return to Boulogne, to trips round the harbour.

Pleasure trips by day and business by night didn't allow much time for sleep..

But we revelled in it...

Hoskins ... and Birdie, and I ... and ten eighty seven.

Keep her as she is. I'm going to have forty winks. Aye, aye, sir.

Coast Guard cutter Orion. Heave to - we wish to board you.

Heave to. Full ahead all! Don't be a fool! Hold it Birdie! Full ahead I said!

W'll never get away with it George. Let's bluff.

If that fails, we'll get rid of the stuff overboard.

- Heave to, we wish to board you! - I'll start unlashing, just in case.

Slow all. What's your business?

Pleasure cruise! Why have you no navigation lights?

The fuse has blown! We're boarding you.

- What the... - You in charge here? Yeah. Who the devil are you?

Not the rummagers, that's one thing you can be thankful for. You amateurs are spoiling the market.

Pirates! In civvies! We'll take this load off you. Come on.

I give you 10 seconds to clear off my ship.

You and who else? Me, big head!

Alright - come back aboard!

Come back aboard!

Come back aboard!

Try high-jacking us again and we'll blow the lot of you out of the sea!

Nice work, chaps! Work? Blimey, that was only play!

Where the devil did you get that gun? Ah, it's a memento from the good old days..

In this game, we are professionals.

- Okay, cox'n, wind her up. - Aye aye, sir.

We'll haveto start a new scoreboard. What should I chalk up?

Nothing this time, I wasn't trying. Ah, you get it easy. We better get you something bigger.

How about a six-pounder up forrard? Yeah, I'll have it for my birthday!

Did you, um... Did you notice anybody on that other boat, on the bridge?

No. Why? I just wondered.

Not the sort of face you'd... want to fall in love with at first sight, but interesting.

Worth a little investigation.

If I wanted to buy this thing, would you be the person to sell it?

Oh no, sir. It'd be the Major. The Major, I see.

Good morning, sir. Good morning. Good morning.

It's a nice job. Yes.

Yes, I meant the car. That's what I thought you meant.

How many knots will she do? Oh, a seafaring man, I gather.

Well, we're both in the same boat, as they say.

Look, are you after a car, or what? Do you mean you sell those things as well?

In that case, I think we might come to a deal. I'm always open to an offer.

By the way... my name is Fordyce. Major. No need to tell me your rank.

I'm not one of your customers. What the devil do you mean? That was my rank.

Alright, alright. I'm Hoskins. Lieutenant.

Aha! The Centre of operations, I suppose. My office.

How did you come to get into this business, Major? What business?

Whatever business you had in mid-channel with... What was it? A Bren?

As a matter of fact, old boy, it was a 38. Want some of this? - Love some.

Well, I found things had changed a bit when I got out of the army.

Had to live, of course.

Got a bit tired of working for the plebs after fighting for them.

Perhaps you were fighting on the wrong side, Major.

Not so far from the truth as you think. - Say when. - When.

So, you struck out on your own? In a small way. Gives me an active life.

My sort's always supposed to end up at a seaside boarding house, taking tea with old ladies.

Never attracted me, I'm afraid. So, you're your own boss? - Absolutely.

Anything I want, I come to you. That's right.

By the way, old boy, I'm not of an inquisitive nature, but... how did you find me?

Your cover's not as good as you seem to think. Oh, thank you.

Well, tell me how you found me.

One day... when we're old friends who've worked together and can trust each other.

And you can make that as soon as you like.

So, you want to come in with me? Is that it? Oh come off it, Fordyce! Why the hell should I want to come in with you?

You're nothing. But the organisation that employs you... That's different.

I like the sound of it. So, let me in, Fordyce,

or I tell your boss how you're bungling things at this end.

Are you trying to scare me?

I'm not trying, Fordyce. I'm succeeding.

Want some more? Tell me all!

After that little fracas in mid-channel I got to know your face.

And then, last week, I went to London on the same train as you.

Funny, isn't it? Most amusing.

One thing led to another. You, for instance, led to the set-up.

So, you're your own boss.

And what do you call that common little man who orders you about, from London?

As a matter of fact, I call him Charlie. He's no gentleman, is he, Fordyce?

Unfortunately... no!

Alright, Hoskins, you know it all. What do you want?

You've got a good job. Let me help you keep it.

I'll see what I can do Good.

It'll be a 50-50 split on everything. What do you... - And no questions. Ever.

What's that for? Gentleman's agreement, old boy.

Don't be silly

That's a terrible noise, you're making Birdie. What's wrong? I'm just happy in my work, sir.

Those days weren't so bad either.

I wonder if she' happy in her new job.

I wonder.

Well, children, never say I don't look after you. While you were doing the housework,

Uncle George was away working his fingers to the bone for you. - You sound very pleased with yourself.

Ah, the firm is branching out. What's called in more respectable circles a merger.

Well, let's hear about it. That's all there is to it, old boy.

Ran into a chap who can give us all the work we can do, no questions on either side and a 50-50 split.

What kind of work? Well, the idea is we should smuggle in loads of lollipops and crates of lemonade and coke for the kiddies, bless them.

Very funny, George. Now, let's have it.

Why not leave that side of things to me old boy?

Listen, George. You've been keeping a lot to yourself lately.

But don't forget I'm in this with you, and Birdie.

Look, let me deal with the sordid details. They're right up my street. You're happy with the ship, I'll leave her to you.

Okay, so I'm responsible for Ten Eighty Seven

Then I'd better know what she's expected to do.

For Pete's sake! Is the ship gonna have a say in the kind of jobs we take on?

She won't ask any questions, certainly.

Like the ideal woman, eh? She does what you want, when you want it.

If we knew the way and could set a course for hell... she'd go.

I hope you're satisfied. - And your friends too. I think so.

Good. We'll meet again soon, won't we? - See you soon. - See you.

- Take her away, Birdie. - Aye aye, sir.

Bank of England to pay bearer £5

They're good, aren't they? They look like the real thing, if that's what you mean.

Jerry printed millions of quids' worth.

Could have gummed up the works pretty badly, I imagine, if they'd been circulated during the war.

Lucky they never got around to it. So now, we're doing the job for them.

Don't be a clot, old boy.

All of it that matters was rounded up long ago. This little lot just got overlooked, that's all.

Listen, our idea was running in a few luxuries people are short of.

There are plenty of people short of this, old boy. You ought to know that.

This job stinks and you know it!

Go and see to those engines.

Both the wings have packed up, sir. And the inner's choking like nobody's business.

Did you check her over properly? Only this morning sir. She was a clean as a whistle.

I've never know her do this before.

Go below and get those engines started. I'd put you on a charge for this if we were still in the Service.

There's lots of things would be different, Sir, if we were still in the Service.

Every one of these plugs is clogged with oil. Are you sure you serviced them?

Only this morning, sir. I... I can't understand it.

Get them cleaned off, then.

I hope she's not going to start playing us up.

She hadn't better! From now on, she's got to be right on the top line.

And one other thing, Bill! What we carry is my business.

The ship's yours. Now let's get her cracking

Business conference below, I suppose. - What's the job to be this time?

I don't know. You don't ask anymore, do you? No.

Just get on with it. That's right.

And hope for the best? For heaven's sake, shut up!

Yes, I can get right inshore there at high tide, and there's good cover on the land side, where the trees come down.

But I shan't want to hang about. Well, it's the biggest job you've done, so you'll have to ...

What's the matter? You look terrible! Oh, I'm not really used to the sea.

I say! You're not going to be sick, are you?

Well look, before you pass out, you better give me the dope. What's the cargo?

Alright then, just tell me the size. Oh, about your size.

- Human, eh? - Hm.

Alive? Just.

Here, drink this. My dear chap, you're bright green. Very fetching.

Oh, one other thing. How much is the, er... Five hundred.

Very nice!

It really is a big job, then. Are you going to tell me who he is?

I don't know. I...

- Cox'n! - Sir? Cox'n, help this gentleman to the side, will you? - Yes, sir.

Don't drop him. What's the matter, sir? You feeling poorly?

Oh, yes, you are!

George, we've got to get away. - I know. The tide'll catch us.

They said he'd be here on time, no waiting about.

Five hundred quid!

Oh, well...

Come on out.

I'm waiting.

Okay, okay, why keep us waiting?

Oh yes, you have! Do you want to be taken off or don't you? You must've seen us. Why not signal?

Leave us standing there like fools. Oh, come on, come on!

Just dumped you, did they?

Well, let's get going.

Can we make it? Just, I think.

Take it away, cox'n!

You see that? - The car? Yes. I said, take it away, cox'n!

Something big. Three engines, I'd say.

Get an alert to all coastal launches. Get the French on it too!

Fair gives me the willies, he does. For two hours, he's just stood there.

Not a word to anybody.

It's the port outer again. See what you can do. - Alright

Must be near the mouth of the estuary. Can't be more than a mile off shore.

Better make west of Honfleur. It's too busy this side. Right.

I wonder who the devil he is.

Let's just say 500 quid and leave it at that, huh?

Patrol ship! Will you stop?

Motor boat to port.

Patrol ship here! Will you please heave to?

Full ahead! Motor boat ahoy! Will you please heave to?

Full ahead! Motor boat ahoy! Will you please heave to?

Can't you hear me? Stop immediately!

Hard a' port, they're crossing us!

She's heavy on the helm again. What the devil's the matter with her?

I wonder.

(Motor boats! Stop, please!)

(Can't you hear me? Stop now!)

That's dodged them. Thank heaven for this fog.

Get below and see to those engines.

They're dying on us, sir!

I reckon she just don't want to know.

What the devil do you mean by that?

She's losing heart. That's what he means.

Don't talk like a fool.

If we work quietly, they'll never find us in this fog.

What the devil is he up to?

Our friend decided to swim for it.

Good luck to him.

(Patrol ship. Make your position known!)

(Make a mistake!)

What are you doing? - Why not? What have we got to hide?

Hello, you can come alongside now!

Sorry for the delay, our hooter was up the spout!

George?

I want to get out.

Get out? The jobs have been getting worse.

Ever since the tie-up with Fordyce.

Scared?

No. But last night... that man!

Pretty nasty. But then, we get paid for things like that.

You take the money, don't you? - I have.

Meaning? I've taken the last.

Just like that! You take it for the easy stuff,

but when we have to reach a little further into the drain, then you're afraid of getting your morality wet. Is that it?

Listen.. This sort of talk isn't going to help, George. I'm not scared and I'm not squeamish.

But there are some things I'll not do.

You know I always thought I'd have to face this situation with you, sooner or later.

You had this sort of... softness back in the war.

I thought that your down-and-out days might have cured you. It seems they haven't.

Lucky I invested in a little security. Security?

The ship and everything to do with her. She's in your name.

You signed for her, nothing to do with me.

She's all yours, Bill. Your baby.

You're holding her, not me.

Oh, come on, old boy. We've got a good firm, Hoskins and Randall. Why break it up?

We must stick together. I can't do a damned thing without the ship,

And you, well you don't want to go back to that tramp's life, do you? Brooding about how happy you might've been with...

What's her name, Helen?

Bet... Better now? You needed that, didn't you?

Well, ou can't say I'm not a good friend, when I allow myself to be knocked about just so you can... relieve your feelings.

...

...

...

...

...

That is all we have to go on, gentlemen. Not very much, I'm afraid.

A powerful boat, and men ruthless enough to do a job like this.

Are they likely to put up a fight? Well, f they understand the penalty for what they've been doing, I should say, yes, they'll fight.

Any more questions? Can we ask for help if we get near them?

Well... You can call on the Navy, within reason. But don't bring out the Fleet.

Good old Fred!

A signal has gone out to all ships in the area to report their present position and their course during the last 24 hours.

And that information will be available to you. Don't flood us with reports of anything you think merely suspicious.

I want you to be sure, then act. Thank you, gentlemen.

Coming, Sam?

Aye.

Think we'll find them? Aye. Soon?

Aye. How? By looking. Clever.

It's unlikely they're hiding in there. Maybe.

Automatic valve! First time I got my feet wet in the Service.

That's it. La-di-da.

What on earth are you talking about?

Merely a suspicion, sir. Sorry.

Sir! I've been waiting for you, sir. What is it, Birdie?

Did you know sir, did you know who he was? You mean, last night?

No, Birdie, I don't know who he was. Oh, I knew you couldn't have, sir.

Hunt for Raines in La Manche

-Hoskins aboard? -Yes, sir.

Pack your things and wait for me. Aye aye, sir.

I've seen it. And we were helping him to get away.

But we didn't know who he was! So, that's our excuse, is it?

It won't do, George. Not this time.

You said the jobs were getting worse.

You're right.

Last night was too much.

We'll get out.

Do you really believe that we can get out now? Finish?

Clean off the muck and forget what we've done?

Do you really believe that? - Why not?

Because it's happened!

We did those things.

From the smuggling of a few bottles of wine in the early days...

to the carrying of that raving maniac last night.

We did it all, George

And we can't wipe that off the scoreboard.

I believe you knew what that man Raines had done before we took him aboard.

You knew!

Not true.

I don't believe you, George.

Pity! Because you're going to have to put up with me for a bit longer.

I meant what I said about getting out.

Portugal's nice, I believe.

It'll need both of us to make a trip like that, though.

f you want to part company when we get there... well, alright.

When we get there.

No. I see.

Of course, there's Birdie's part in all this.

In other words... either I help you get away... or you turn Birdie in.

That's right. If you leave Birdie here, how do you know that he won't go to the police?

When you're with me? Don't be silly.

If I were alone, it'd be a different matter. He hates me.

But he has a... Well, let's say he's attached to you.

Alright. I'll tell Birdie he can go.

And you? I'll sail with you tonight.

Oh, Bill!

Look, about tonight.

I want you at the Creek. Makes for a simpler getaway.

And, and Bill... I didn't know about that man... what he'd done.

Honestly.

Ah! All ready, sir. I'm not leaving, Birdie.

You're what, sir? I've changed my mind.

You.., You can't mean that, sir! I'm in this pretty deep, you know, Birdie.

He's putting the screws on, is he?

Oh, well, sir! I always reckon it's better to keep it two against one. I'll stay as long as you have to.

Don't waste your sympathy on me, cox'n. I'm getting good money out of this racket.

If you want to get out, you are a free agent. What I do is my own business.

You fool, making all that racket! Would anything less have made you open up?

The place is being watched, I think. All the more reason to get out. When we've finished our business.

- What business? - The money for that!

Where is it? - My dear old boy! It was cash on delivery. You made a proper mess of the job.

Shut up! Have you been paid? You think I'd be creeping around here in the dark if I had a fiver on me?

Listen, Fordyce. I'm getting out tonight, all fixed. Only one thing keeping me.

My cut on last night! Can we make it?

Who said anything about you? My dear old boy, I took it for granted.

No go, then? Pay your passage. In cash.

Listen, Hoskins.. In words of one syllable, there is no cash. Get it?

I don't believe you.

Hello, up there! Anyone at home?

You want something? That's right. I want you.

Remember me, do you?? Yes.

You're the talkative one, the smart one.

Got a new partner, I see. Won't you introduce me?

My name's Brewster. Customs.

There's been a bit of trouble.

Anything to do with us?

Well, when it first came up, d'you know, I thought of you.

Oh, why? Oh, I can't tell, really.

I remembered you were in things in a small way.

I thought you might have got on a bit. Have you?

Struck me at the time. One day, these lads will take on something too big.

More than they can chew, maybe.

Seen the papers? What is this, an arrest?

No, not yet. I had my suspicions.

But until I'd seen you again, I'd not be knowing if you were up to a job of this... dirty sort

Well, now you've seen me again.

That's right. How do you like it?

I'm not suspicious anymore. Good.

I'm bloody certain.

I think I'll have a look at your mate. Turn around, you. Don't be shy!

That's a silly thing to play with. Put it away, you fool!

He's going to run us in. That's right.

So, we're going to kill him.

To give us a chance.

To give us a chance, you see.

You never want to do a lot of talking with one of these things in your hand.

You alright, Hoskins?

Yes. Good fellow.

Thought you might want to argue about it. Inclined to underestimate you.

I think he was alone, but we'd better wait a minute or two.

A shot'll bring 'em, if they're coming.

Can't we get going?

In a moment.

Now you'll have to take me on that ship, of yours won't you? Is that why you did it?

I'm getting too old and too tired to be caught at this job.

Afraid I took the decision on myself,

for you, I mean.

Or perhaps, you'd rather spend the rest of your life shut up

than try to get away with it.

The old fool! Ah, these men of duty.

Come on, Hoskins. Let's go.

Keep off. I know you.

You're one of them. Little cox'n.

No good being sorry now. Who was it?

Your boss. And the new chap.

La-di-da, he said.

La-di-da, then he fired

I'll get some help.

There's no help you can get.

You've seen men die before.

But you can get him.

Get him! The dirty, little, crawling, killing gent!

Don't talk.

Do you know, cox'n, it's funny.

Until I saw your boss... how he looked...

it was only a suspicion. What?

What are you doing here? I told you to get away. Up in the town, they shot that customs man.

Hoskins shot him? - Either him or the major.

What are you doing here, Birdie?

I ran into a friend of mine. Somebody had done him a bad turn.

They left him in a garage.

I'm sorry to hear it. George! You said Birdie could get out, remember?

Go on, run for it! Don't be damned silly.

Can't break up the party now.

Let's get aboard. Alright, alright. I know that thing works.

Then go ahead.

You'll never get away with this.

Let's try, shall we.

I'll get the pumps going! Check the engines!

You'd better come up. Let me have a spell down here.

Why are you tampering with the engines? Don't be a fool! We're trying to keep 'em going!

I don't believe you!

Oh, have a heart, mate! I've been down here for hours saying kind words to her.

Come out, both of you! You're mad! If we leave them now, they'll die on us!

You're lying! You're trying to wreck the ship. Come out!

Alright, alright. Birdie, stay where you are!

Bad? Fair to middling.

I'm turning back.

No, no, sir. You can't do that.

They'll pin everything onto you.

You've got to try to get away with it.

Sir, don't turn back for me, please.

It's not only for you, Birdie. It's for me too.

It's the only way now, you know?

Very good, sir?

Very good, sir.

We're turning back! Don't be a fool, we'll make it! We've been out in worse than this.

We're turning back. Birdie's been shot. To hell with Birdie! We're going on, I say!

Bill!

Bill!

Come on, my old darling. You can do it.

Birdie loves you.

I'm going to get you up top. I'll be alright.

Don't argue. I want you up on the bridge with me. Very good, sir.

She won't do it. Not after what we've made her do.

Not after that.

She's got her pride, like all of us.

She won't do it. You can't blame her.

No, Birdie, I don't blame her.

We'll take it easy. -Aye aye, sir.

I remember...

I remember she said...

Helen said... One day... the day before she...

She was joking, you know? Made fun of me a lot.

She said:

"Don't ever do anything silly with that ship of yours, will you?"

Well, Birdie...

we did do something... silly...

useless... futile... and pathetic!

And so she died.

She gave up and died.

in anger... and in shame.

Yes, she had her pride.