Original subtitles

Royal Charles, 300 tons.

John Haislip, Master. Burned off Barbados by Captain Providence.

All hands believed lost.

Sea Lady, 250 tons.

Edward Parrott, Master. Taken off the Carolinas by Captain Providence.

Man the guns!

Man the guns! Get them ready!

The Sheba Queen. Prepare to repel an attack!

Haul away!

Man the guns! Fire!

Quarter! Quarter! I've struck my flag.

You cared for the wounded, Doctor?

All but you. Take off your coat.

Our purchase will keep these swine in rum and wenches for a year.

For some, sleeping room with the sharks. We have twelve dead.

More left for the living.

We shall miss our sailing master.

SPLASH AND CHEERS

The blood vessels are untouched.

It's a scratch, no more.

Oh, you'll bear a scar.

I bear many scars from the English.

This one will mar your beauty.

Save that for the wenches!

Does it hurt?

No.

We all have a capacity for pain.

SPLASH AND CHEERS

I choose not to show it.

Nor pity.

Quite finished?

Yes.

SPLASH AND CHEERS

Come on deck. The sight may put some iron in your soul.

Only rum will do that now!

Is this the mercy of buccaneers?

I learned my mercy from the English.

I struck my flag to receive quarter.

So did my brother, when overwhelmed. Did you English show quarter? No.

You hanged him at Port Royal, where the scum of the Indies spat at him.

I know nothing of your brother.

You're not the first to learn of him.

Any last words, then say them now.

If he was a pirate, he deserved his end, as you will deserve yours.

God save the King.

Your nose shows you've drunk him in wine.

Now drink him in salt water!

SPLASH

Why's this one in irons?

We found him so in the merchantman.

A prisoner of the English is no friend of theirs. Bring him here.

Your name?

Pierre Francois. You have the advantage of me.

I am Captain Providence.

You are...?

Enchante, mademoiselle.

My title is "Captain".

Enchante,... Captain.

What were you doing aboard the English ship?

I was a guest, being sent to England for trial.

For what offense?

I captured too many of their ships.

You claim to be a buccaneer?

Nothing so exalted, a privateersman.

Privateersman?! A buccaneer who lies about his name!

(LAUGHS)

What was your ship?

The Molly O'Brien.

An Irish name.

The Irish, like we French, have little reason to love the English.

You know of such a ship?

Yes, Captain.

A privateer, with letters of mark to prey on English shipping.

Who named her that?

I did.

Hah! Do French cabin boys name their ships?!

I was owner and Master, Big-Belly!

Wait, I'm questioning him, and he's right - you stuff yourself like a pig!

You say you were master. Are you a sea artist?

I can navigate.

I need a sailing master. Dare you join us?

It's a small step, privateersman to buccaneer.

We know nothing of this swab!

Stow your breeze, Big-Belly!

Well, Mister?

If my choice is joining you or walking the plank,...

It is.

..then it isn't a hard choice. I'm fond of life.

Have him sign the articles.

A mate's share for all future purchases.

Aye, Captain.

All hands stand to!

I know the Molly O'Brien. The English took her a year since.

Why wait so long to send her captain back for trial?

Two English dogs to bark on command, Captain!

You, Doctor!

I doubt if there's anything here to please me. Oh...!

A book, is that all?

There's a magic in books.

There's more magic in a cannon. Can a book sink a ship?

Books have sunk mighty ships, destroyed armies, ended empires...

You, Frenchie, what do you choose?

I had no hand in taking the prize.

You're one of us now. Come!

Listen!

"What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul?"

Frenchie, choose from these geegaws.

I choose this.

The dress? Will you wear it?

Hardly, Mademoiselle... "Captain".

You have a wench somewhere?

I'm a Frenchman.

Well, I'll take the sword.

Not for myself, for Captain Teach.

Blackbeard.

You know him, Frenchie?

Everyone has heard of Blackbeard.

No, I've never met him.

The greatest sea rover of all.

Set course for Nassau - we need supplies, and we'll find him there.

Aye, Captain.

Noble ladies and captains of the sea - the wrestlers!

CHEERING

There, you swabs! A thousand pieces on the bear! Who'll cover it?

Here's a hundred.

Ah, a cool hundred!

Bring on the wrestlers!

GUNSHOTS

WOMAN'S SCREAM

Rackham! Put on your money!

Come on!

Come on! Come on!

Come! He's here!

Are you not coming, Frenchie?

I have some business in Nassau.

More important than meeting Blackbeard? Are you afraid?

No.

Well, then. Have no fear - you're under my protection.

Belay there, ya scum!

The man would've won!

Annie! Annie, lass!

Annie, lass! What fair wind brought ya here?

Hope of seeing you, old sea eagle!

I'm sick of my sparrows and lubbers who call themselves sea rovers.

You're like a nor'easter after a calm!

Dougal, you swill-bucket! Snug down an anchor!

Snug down an anchor yourself!

I'll not!

Ah, you're a girl for a Scotsman!

Who's that?

My new sea artist, Pierre Francois. A privateer turned honest.

Welcome to our honorable company.

Francois, eh? Haven't we met before?

I've touched at many ports but would not forget great Captain Teach.

A chance resemblance, perhaps, and I don't like flattery!

Doctor, still drinking the ship's varnish?! Away, you bilge slime -

..away for a real hawk of the sea!

Well, how were your fortunes?

Six English merchants - more hostages in hell for my brother's soul.

You scour the sea like a broom! I'm proud!

You taught me. In gratitude, I've brought you a souvenir.

There was no need, lass. The sight of you is enough.

It's a fine blade. Try it.

Balances well. Who'll try with me?

Bah, swill-tubs! You see? Sparrows, all of them!

I'm here.

You, lass? Why should I carve you?

Who says you can? Try and see.

Done, Captain! Captain Rackham, give me your sword.

Captain, you put me on the Sheba Queen to protect the girl. I do not trust the Frenchman.

Then throw him overboard.

He is under her protection.

Afeard of a woman, eh?

As you've made her, yes.

Are you ready?

Ready, Cap'n.

Can you learn the yard he came from - His registry and sailing orders?

I'll see to it.

Come!

Stuck in the gizzard by a mere girl!

You fraud - you could have cut me down at your pleasure!

Ah, Annie, lass!

Rum, to celebrate Blackbeard's downfall!

See, Dougal? Frenchie? Where is he?

He must've left during the fight.

Annie! Come, lass!

Not so fast, my hero.

Take your hands off me.

Temper! Best polish up your smile!

What do you want?

If it was only me, you'd be lucky. The Captain wants you in her cabin.

Here he is, Captain.

Where have you been?

I said I had business in Nassau.

What business?

Mine.

The wench for whom you chose the dress?

The dress is still in my chest.

Then maybe you're a spy.

You're at liberty to think so.

Careful - it might go off.

Not by accident. You're alive because I do not want blood in my cabin,...

..but I don't think you're a spy.

You know nothing of my plans. All Nassau knows my whereabouts,...

..so whoever you met, it was not to report on me. It was something else.

Well, Frenchie?

Mr Dougal! Put him in irons, as we found him.

Over the side would be better.

No, if he has a secret, I intend to learn it.

Aye, Captain. Here, son.

That was worth waiting for!

Have the watch loosen the tops'ls. We go with the top of the flood.

Aye, Captain.

How does she run?

Three knots, Captain.

With this wind? She's loaded with barnacles.

Too loaded to face a man o' war.

Best scrape her, before she drags like a scow.

Alter course for Anogoa Island.

Head her a-weather. Sou'west by west to half west.

A few more strokes and he'll die.

Am I to weep like a woman?

No, you do nothing like a woman,...

..but I have a good reason why he should live.

A buccaneer's reason, if you want.

Enough! Cut him down and take him below.

To my cabin.

I searched his cabin, as ordered - my first time as a thief.

Now I've tasted every crime.

Come to the point.

This was concealed in his mattress.

A map.

Half of a map.

It's been cut in two - see, there's some writing on it.

The wind's in my eyes.

Sorry. I forgot you cannot read.

I can read a chart, that's enough for me. What does it say?

This word is treasure.

This is a bearing - sou' by east, from some point on the missing half.

There's a word here, faded -

..an "M", an "O",...

..and this could be a "B" or an "R".

"Mob" or "Mor"...

Could it be "Morgan"?

Yes - "Morgan" and "treasure".

Captain Henry Morgan.

When he took Panama City, he took a king's ransom.

Not all of it's been accounted for. I could tell you tales...

What's this coast shown here?

The name is missing.

Come with me.

Forgive me for not rising...

..for a lady.

Where's Morgan's treasure buried?

How do you know about it?

Talk, Frenchie, if you still love life.

I bought that...

..five years ago...

..from an innkeeper in Bordeaux.

I found it on the body of a lodger of his.

I...

Give me that.

Here.

Go on.

I came to the Indies with one thought in mind -

..to find the rest of that map.

I've had no luck.

Go on.

Why should I trust you?

You have no choice. What you know, I can learn, but it will save time if we are partners.

Otherwise I'll cut your throat and go for the treasure alone.

Equal partners? Swear to it?

For me and my crew, yes.

By... the beard of Captain Teach!

Amen.

Go on.

A man in Portobello told me of a Portuguese in Nassau,...

..trusted by Henry Morgan.

I was on my way there when I was captured.

He had the other half?

No, but he told me who has it.

Well, who, Pierre, who?

A certain Carib named...

..Pedro Mendoza,... living in Port Royal,...

..on Jamaica.

Port Royal.

The lions' den. Headquarters of England's Caribbean squadron.

Could he be lying?

I'd swear it's authentic. The parchment's old enough.

It's difficult to counterfeit this faded ink.

That treasure's a king's ransom.

No wonder he wasn't anxious to share it.

Care for him, Doctor.

Bring him back to health.

Do we sail for Port Royal?

After we've careened.

If I'm to run the Sheba Queen under English guns, she needs a clean hull.

Captain...

Well?

You have the map - you know all he knows. Why not cut his throat?

I gave him my word.

While the ship is helpless, if any come by sea, our cannon command the passage.

That's a nice trick.

Blackbeard taught me. But then, only he and I know of this cove.

Seems he taught you everything. How long have you known him?

Since I was unable to wipe my nose.

He was father, mother, teacher to my brother and I.

The one the English...?

I had no other, or sister.

My half-brother, really. Spanish blood on both sides.

And you?

My father was English, they say.

Named Providence?

Mother never said. She died when I was young.

I was named for my birthplace - New Providence Isle, by Nassau.

I have no other name.

You have a name feared in all the Indies.

Someday it'll shake London itself.

It already has.

What do you know of it?

Talk - talk I heard in Port Royal, Charleston, New York.

You've seen much of the world.

What there is of it.

Where were you born?

In Paris.

I've often thought of it - Paris.

They say the houses are like the sea - Everywhere, nothing but houses.

Not as clean as the sea.

Mmm, but beautiful.

Any Parisian will say so.

Then tell me. Better - take me there!

Now?

When we have the treasure - we'll go together, as partners.

But they'd mock me, the grand people.

Not as Captain Providence.

Hmm, a fish on land.

Who did you choose the dress for?

No-one.

No-one?

Perhaps for a woman I hope someday to meet.

Well, see to your scraping, Mister, and keep a watch tonight!

Aye, Captain.

Good afternoon!

Why aren't you at work?

Dougal's there.

May I help, Captain?

Well, bear a hand with these lines astern.

They won't pull up properly.

Aye, Captain.

Do you think I'm made of iron?!

A fashionable wench endures this every day. Let me see.

There - the proper hourglass figure.

Wenches are mad! How can they move, glued up like this?

They don't.

They wait for the men to make the moves.

That's much better.

Do men like this?

Any man would be a fool who didn't.

Why?

It's the nature of man.

You mean a man sees a woman like this and wants to make love to her?

Yes.

How?

Surely you...

You've seen them in Nassau.

Those sea lice take their women as they take their rum - by the barrel.

How does a Frenchman make love? A gentleman?

Captain.

Captain, I...

Well, what is it, Mr Dougal?

A sail is bearing down upon the island.

A sail?

Give me the glass.

It's the Revenge - Blackbeard's ship. I know that tops'l!

Now what could he want here?

Make ready for him. Broach of barrel of Jamaica rum.

Aye, Captain.

Here - help me out of this. (LAUGHS)

What's the jest?

Blackbeard - he'd tear my hide off if he caught me in such a rig!

Oars, toss!

Oars, down!

Ahhhh! Little sea hawk!

Welcome ashore, you old sea eagle!

Dougal!

Mr Francois...

Doctor! Well, must an old friend stand dry in the hot sun?

I looked for you in Tartugas, then guessed you came here to careen.

You came fast.

Revenge sails sweet. Not as sweet as the Sheba Queen, with her guns.

Drink hearty, mates!

Aaahh! Barbados.

Jamaica.

I saw your guns on the headland.

You remember all I taught you, lass - Everything except one thing.

Yes?

I learned you never to trust a son of Adam...

..unless I signed his papers first.

Traitor, scum!

Traitor? What do you mean?

Let him tell you. Tell her it isn't true, Mr Pierre Francois!

Lieutenant Pierre Francois LaRochelle, of the French navy!

I should have known him at Nassau.

Lieutenant, remember Martinique, where you Frenchies hanged Sam Austin?

You didn't see me, but I saw you!

All the officers lined on the wharf in gold epaulettes...

..while poor Sam kicked from a rope over your stinking, perfumed heads.

You heard me swear I'd get you all!

Here, wait!

Pierre, is this true?

It's true. I held a commission in the French navy.

You lied to me.

No, everything I've told you has been the truth.

I neglected to mention my commission...

..because the memory of that part of my life is painful.

I was cashiered from the navy in disgrace.

Talk, mere talk!

I didn't hang Sam Austin. I neither caught nor tried him.

I was on the wharf because all officers were ordered to be.

Talk. Bilge!

I'll stop your lying mouth.

Captain, you're in command here. This isn't his quarterdeck.

I appeal to you. I've signed your articles.

True, he did, and I am captain here.

You're...!

You learned me that. A captain's bound by the articles, like his men.

You know the charges. Have you anything to say?

Only this. Since we left Nassau I have served you loyally and well,

..as I will serve in the ventures planned for the future. Together.

I will be judged by what I've done, not what he says I've done.

You're my captain. I put my fate in your hands...

..with confidence in your justice.

Put away your blade. I believe him.

He's turned your head with his smooth tongue...

Put away! I'm captain here!

Only because I made you so. I was mad to think you other than a wench, but I made you and can blast you!

You gave your judgment, now witness mine.

Annie, lass, I did it for your own good!

You murdering brute!

You'll pay for that.

Mr Dougal, disarm his men and put them in their longboat. Jump!

Doctor, see to Mr Francois.

If he's dead, you die on the sand beside him.

No, he's not dead. Yet.

I spare your life for past favors.

Go to your ship. If I see the tops'ls at four bells, I'll blast 'em!

The sea is wide, lass. Keep the width of it between us.

Unless you've forgotten everything,

..you know Blackbeard never forgives an insult.

Will he live?

Yes.

Doctor, you believe him?

Long ago, I gave up all beliefs.

Pierre...

Land ho!

Right above the starboard galleon.

It's Jamaica. Keep her to windward. Stand well offshore till it's dark.

Aye, Captain. Helm a-lee.

Helm a-lee.

Hands to the braces! Brace up sharp.

Ahoy there, "Blackbeard".

Do I look as bad as that, Doctor?

We've raised Jamaica.

Good.

How do you find him, Doctor?

Sound as a gold doubloon.

If you ask of his health.

Pierre...

I wish you'd shave. It tickles.

I'll need it ashore.

Instead of a shaven gentleman of fortune I'll be a bearded buccaneer.

I may braid it like Blackbeard.

Don't mention him. If he finds you...

Or you.

Pierre, I'm frightened.

Captain Providence, frightened?

There's danger in Port Royal. Let me go. I can find Morgan's man.

There's no danger. The English think I walked your plank long since.

I know, but I have a sense of misfortune if I let you go. Let me!

With every Englishman in the Indies looking out for Captain Providence?

No, for me it'll be easy.

And I found this. Give me the satisfaction of laying the other half in your hands.

Take care, my love. If you do, nothing will go wrong.

Dougal will take you ashore and wait on the beach.

Dougal? Why Dougal?

He roared and bellowed till I gave him his way. He's loyal.

Yes, to Blackbeard.

No, to me.

Well, you're Captain.

BANG

We're standing in to shore.

I'll make ready.

Heave-ho, heave-ho, heave-ho...

Can you make out Portland Point?

Not yet.

By the mark, five and rocky.

It's shoaling fast.

There. The Point. Just forward of the beam.

Drop the main yard, stand by to lower the boat.

Aye, Captain.

By a quarter less, five and sandy.

Here's the gold, in guineas. If he wants more, offer him a share of the treasure.

If I'm not back by daylight stand off and return tomorrow night.

Careful.

You're to wait here for me.

Mr Francois!

If you plan any little games, I'll tear your guts out myself. I can wait for that, too.

What games had you in mind?

Nothing. Just warning you. Take care.

What do you want?

Don't you know me, Grino?

Why, Captain LaRochelle!

Bring them here. Better if I don't venture out again.

Oh, Grino, is, er...?

Oh, yes, I'll get you the key.

Never mind.

KNOCKING

Yes?

How dare you?!

Pierre? I thought you were dead!

Oh, my darling.

There, there, darling. It's over now.

Careful, my love. Your husband was honored by a cut...

..from the great Blackbeard himself.

Blackbeard? You've seen him?

I've seen it all. Ships burned, men butchered,...

..but it's a long story and it will keep.

The important thing is, it's over.

Is it really over? The plan worked?

Yes. For three months I've been Captain Providence's sailing master.

Don't weep, darling.

We heard the ship you were on was taken and all hands killed.

I didn't dare hope.

Then I thought it might even be worse -

..you alive, in the power of that horrible man.

Captain Providence isn't a man.

He's a woman.

A woman? That's impossible.

She is incredible, but she's real.

Alive. Not ten miles from this room.

KNOCKING

Yes?

Captain LaRochelle, they're here.

I'll come down.

I'll be back soon, darling.

Gentlemen.

Captain?

As you instructed, I shipped on several merchantmen

in waters Captain Providence is known to favor.

The first two trips were uneventful. The third was on the Gemini, out of Trinidad, taken off Antigua.

By Captain Providence?

Yes. I was found in irons, as planned.

Yes, yes...

The Sheba Queen lies off Portland and will be there till daybreak.

The Captain suspects nothing.

You've done well! Quickly, rouse the Admiral.

Wait!

I've kept to my bargain, now keep yours. Give me my ship.

We will honor our agreement, which - you may remember -

..is to forgive your crimes and return your ship to you once we have Captain Providence.

Only then will the Molly O'Brien be yours. Good night, sir.

RIGGING CREAKS

Listen. Do you hear a boat?

Too soon.

The French of Martinique call these Caribbean nights "nuits de folie",..

..as they drive the wenches mad.

Stow your drivel and listen!

Listen, it's the boat. He's back.

You're right, my dear. I owe you an apology.

Cut the boat adrift. We've no time!

All hands on deck! Raise all sails. Jump to it!

What is this? Where's Pierre?

Drinking rum, with the King's men. It's a trap. Jump!

You're lying. Avast hauling, there!

This is mutiny, Mr Dougal!

Maybe. I never trusted that snake.

I followed him - he sold us to the King's officers!

A lie! He couldn't. He loves me.

Even there he played you for a fool. He...

Tell me! Give me the full of it.

He has a wife in Port Royal.

No!

YES!

Blethering fool, let it pay off!

It's a lie. I don't believe him. Dougal always hated him.

CANNON FIRE

Get forward - carry every stitch that'll draw. I'll take over here.

Aye aye, sir. Get those sails up.

Man aloft! Do you see any ships?

Nothing in sight. ^

Hmm, we've shown them a clean pair of heels.

Captain, what course do we set?

Round Cape Negril to the north. Stand offshore.

The King's ships are still close...

Those are my orders, Mr Dougal!

Aye, Captain.

I...

May I have your name, sir?

Sir, you may not enter - it's against the rules.

Captain Harris.

This is a private club, Captain.

Your office doors are closed to me!

We have no business that I know of.

Sir, our agreement. We shook hands.

You failed to keep it. The Sheba Queen is still free to burn and pillage.

All you offer is the unlikely story that Captain Providence is a woman!

Another card, please.

We put our hands to a bargain!

For my part, I've worn irons, been spread-eagled and flogged,...

..felt the cutlass of Blackbeard...

I saw murders and worse. That's not all! No...

Another card, please.

With the prospect of the plank at my back,...

..I've flattered, crawled, made myself agreeable in all ways...

..to the vilest she-monster to come from the sea!

All the oceans will not wash me clean again.

It's you, gentlemen, who bungled. I hold to my bargain!

One way or another, I'll have my ship!

Do you hear me? I'll have my ship!

Keep score of what I owe, gentlemen.

Captain LaRochelle!

Well?

If you so want the Molly O'Brien you can have her, on certain conditions.

What conditions?

You cannot have sailed with Captain Providence without, er, furthering your education.

So I can have my ship back if I agree to turn pirate?

You put it crudely, Captain. I can recruit a crew for you.

Real seadogs, eager to do anything for gold.

And for you?

For me and my friends, oh,...

..a captain's share?

I've had my bellyful of piracy. I want my ship for honest trade.

She's not your ship. She's a king's prize,...

..ours to dispose of in whatever way we choose.

There are other captains in Port Royal, you know.

Bring her in.

Leave us alone.

This is his idea of a mate for life!

If you're going to cut my throat, be done with it.

What do you take me for?

A disgrace to our sex.

His words?

No, mine. He spoke no ill of you.

He pitied you.

He dared to pity me, the scum?!

Before you blackguard him, remember he is my husband.

The best you could get?

You couldn't get him.

And you'll never have him again.

Then you do intend to kill me.

No, I'll not harm you.

My plan for you is quite different.

A life of travel.

New scenes, new faces.

Maybe an Arabian prince, or a rich merchant from the Levant.

A sugar planter in Brazil.

Whoever will pay most for the privilege of your company.

You wouldn't!

In the meantime you're my guest, until we drop anchor at Maracaibo.

Mr Dougal!

You can do as you wish with me. I have no defense.

But one thing you can never change - I am his wife.

Think about it. Let it eat into your soul. If you have one.

Take her below.

Beg your pardon, Captain, but what do you intend? We signed for gold or peg.

We've passed three fat merchantmen without a shot.

We seek a richer prize.

What prize, Captain?

The Sheba Queen.

MURMURS OF DISCONTENT

Well?

Beg your pardon again, we fear no purchase, but the Sheba Queen is...

If I said she held a rich treasure?

Does she? In truth?

I give you my oath.

A treasure for which I would gladly lay down my life.

But if you are afraid...

(ALL) No! Not me!

Good. Tonight we lie off Nassau, where I hope to learn news of her.

I will ask for volunteers to go ashore with me. I need twenty men.

♪ And all very hard is my fate

♪ And so I cry "Love, come back to me"

♪ "For thou art the cause of my misery"

♪ "For thou art..." ♪

Gentlemen. Keep your seats.

Hands on the table. Don't move.

GUNSHOT

SCREAMS

Take their weapons, Mr Hackett.

You're alive! I'll hang that doctor - He knows his trade too well.

I've no quarrel with you, Captain, nor any gentleman here.

I seek word of the Sheba Queen.

I will give 50 English guineas to any man with news.

What did he say?

News of the Sheba Queen.

Why do you want the Sheba Queen?

That's my affair, Captain.

Well? Surely someone here has word of her.

50 guineas.

A waste of time! I'd offer 500 guineas for that information.

5,000, and cheap at the price!

She must have touched here or somewhere for supplies. No?

No-one knows. Very well.

Apologies for interrupting. Proceed with your diversions.

Oh, it will be unhealthy for any man to put his head outside the door.

ANGRY CLAMOUR

COUGH

Wait!

We're followed.

Easy, Captain. Easy! I mean you no harm.

What do you want?

You offered 50 guineas for word of the Sheba Queen?

You know where she is?

Yes. She...

Blackbeard offered 500. Why not tell him?

They calls me cracked, but not that cracked.

Blackbeard never pays his promises, so I offers the information to you.

Where is she?

I was on the Tortuga a week since when she came in for meat and water.

She was bound for Maracaibo, to pick up a prize on the way.

Maracaibo?

For the opening of the slave markets.

Now I'll take those guineas if I may, Captain.

You'd better get some sleep. You were up all night.

KNOCKING

Come in.

No, thank you.

Soon we drop anchor in Maracaibo, filthiest hole in the Caribbean.

I'll welcome it after your ship.

I'm almost ashamed to offer her for sale.

I've got my reputation to think of.

Doesn't it make you sick to think of it?

Here. Put that on. I'll cheat the Arabs and sell you for a lady.

In this harlot's trumpery?

Don't turn up your nose at it. Your husband chose it for you.

Then he gave it to me.

You stole it. He'd give you nothing of mine.

Put it on.

Do I call my cockney to put it on for you?

Charming.

The Arabs love such a display of white skin.

It puts me in mind of the belly of a fish.

You'll fetch at least a hundred English pounds.

Ninety-nine more than you're worth.

Were you born in the gutter or did you choose it?

Take her out, before I forget myself and damage the merchandise.

You better take to your bunk.

Never. This is the day we market Captain LaRochelle's treasure.

He promised us treasure.

(LAUGHS) Treasure!

(SOBS)

Your attention, gentlemen! What am I offered for this beauty?

This is a proud daughter of the Aztecs, a princess of the New World.

One thousand drachmas here.

Any other offers?

Sold for £30.

Move up with the others.

You know what he'll do to you.

^ Gentlemen, now I offer three sisters from Trinidad.

^ Perfectly matched in beauty...

If you consider yourself a woman...

You plead with me now?

Only for your own sake. Someday he'll find you.

I take the stand myself to make you a rare offer.

You all know me - Captain Providence.

I cheat no man and deal only in the finest of merchandise.

Here is one fit for the noblest among you -

..a woman of breeding and temper, spirited like a mare of Araby,...

..smooth like the silks of Cathay.

You, sir! 2,000 drachmas? Surely you jest!

Do I hear three?

Stop! Stop it!

This is a decent, honest woman.

Stolen by a woman gone mad.

We are peaceful men. If she was truly stolen...

CANNON FIRE

Pierre!

Captain, take your ship away. And take that woman with you.

Please leave at once.

Come away, you fool.

Go to your cabin. I'll deal with you later.

We're caught, Captain, with no room to manoeuvre. He can wreck us.

Take the woman for'ard.

Aye, Captain.

Stand by to fire, Mr Hackett. Aim high to dismast her.

Aye, sir.

No, wait!

On the foreshrouds. See?

Hold your fire.

What do you intend, Captain?

To take her with pike and cutlass.

She'll blow us out of the water!

Do as I say! The woman is my wife.

EXCITED SHOUTING

CANNON FIRE

Larboard a point! Easy!

What does this mean?

Captain, we signed on for gold.

Not to get killed for the Captain's wench.

Get for'ard!

You yield the ship to us!

I yield nothing! Get for'ard!

Then let us fight!

First man to fire dies. Back on course!

Nearer the wind.

Mr Dougal, put a boat over the side. I want him alive.

Pierre!

Take her below.

No! No!

Bring him to my cabin.

Leave us alone.

Well, Pierre?

I don't ask mercy for myself. I only beg you to spare my wife.

Why should I?

I could watch your face...

..while I let my men throw dice for her.

She's done you no harm.

Give me a better reason than that.

You're a woman.

You taught me to be a sort of woman.

I'm sorry for that. It was no part of the plan.

What are your present plans, Captain LaRochelle?

Well,... I would say...

..they're in your hands, Captain.

I must think of something diverting.

Would you crawl on your knees for her?

I would do anything.

Anything for her. Nothing for me.

Nothing at all, Pierre? Is there no memory? Nothing?

I lied to you once. I cannot lie again.

Then it was all lies. Every word.

Mr Dougal! Take him forward, lock them up together.

Together? You are generous.

I wish to encourage so true a love.

The only kind I've known was a lie.

In the old days when Spanish treasure fleets passed by,...

..buccaneer captains marooned their men here.

There's plenty of water - though it's salt.

Shade - though you must dig for it.

And good company.

You see, my true love, I have arranged for you a new honeymoon.

It will not last long.

The best things in life are short and sweet.

Like our few weeks together.

I ask a favor.

Take my wife to some civilized port and I'll go with you on your terms.

No! I'd rather die.

She has more courage than you, Pierre.

But it's too late. Much too late.

Then shoot us now. Let us die clean.

And spoil your honeymoon? Oh, no. I want you to enjoy it.

To see your love scald in the sun, her tongue turn black and shriveled,

..her eyes change, till their only light is the light of madness.

Till she cuts her wrists to drink her own blood!

No-one but you would do this.

The men you know, scum as they are - Bonnet or Rackham - even Blackbeard,

not one of them would sink so low.

I am Captain Providence.

Give us no more than Blackbeard would - a clean death.

You like to play the man - then act like one.

But I'm a woman.

As you're so fond of reminding me.

You shouldn't have betrayed me.

Now I'm making sure your last thoughts will be of me.

(CAPTAIN SOBS AND WAILS)

You'd best go down.

Three days and nights of this!

What is it, Anne?

Nothing. I was dreaming.

Light.

Strike a light!

Better not. Much more of that'll kill you.

Do you tell me that?

You pay me to advise you.

Then tell me why I dream.

In an ordinary human being it would be called conscience.

You're driving on a lee shore.

The thought of those two on that lowly cay taking their time to die.

I hope they're weeks at it. Let them learn!

I used to like you.

You gave no quarter, but you were gallant, and somehow clean.

Now you're so foul, even your own crew can no longer stomach you.

No more, bloodsucker!

Jealousy is a killer.

But usually it kills hot. Not viciously, in cold blood.

You'd betray me too?!

I dragged you from a gutter, made you a man.

Get out!

You have betrayed yourself, my dear.

SHOT

(SOBS)

I've had provisions and water put in the longboat.

A mast and sail, compass and chart.

That'll take them to any port.

Good. Anne, I...

My title is "Captain".

Take the boat ashore. They'll need a doctor.

Strike his irons.

How am I to return to the ship?

You won't. You'll go with them.

I've struck your name from the articles.

No man sails with me who no longer respects me.

Perhaps I've changed my mind.

I haven't changed.

This one thing I will do for conscience. But it's the last.

Aye, Captain.

Will you shake my hand?

Bless you, my dear.

Boatswain!

Aye, Captain?

Set a course for...

^ Sail ho!

What sail?

Can you make her out?

^ It's the Revenge!

COMMOTION

Is the longboat ashore on the cay?

Aye, Captain. The Doctor's beaching her now.

If Blackbeard comes closer, he'll see them.

The Frenchie'll walk his plank.

Will I tell Mr Dougal to get under way, Captain?

Yes, tell him.

Stand by to weigh ship.

Sheets and tacks! Up mainsail!

Hold her to wind'ard.

Hands to the braces! Haul in your sheets!

What are you doing?

Close hauled, the Sheba Queen can outsail him.

Run to leeward.

But we'll be under his guns.

I'll decide whose plank the Frenchie walks.

But...?!

You've had your orders!

Helm amidships! ^

She's closing, Captain.

She's closing us.

I can blow her out of the water.

The wench must have lost her mind!

Do I stand away, Captain?

No! If she wants a fight, we'll give her one.

Man the bow chasers!

Look. She's making for Blackbeard.

To cover our escape.

She's giving us our lives.

The only way she can.

We can't beat her, Anne.

My title is "Captain".

The men know the barracuda cannot fight the tiger shark.

If you wish, lower a boat and cast off.

No, Captain. Blackbeard put me on board to care for you.

I cannot leave without his orders.

CANNON FIRE

His long twelves.

Answer.

Make ready! Fire!

The men are breaking. Go forward, Mr Dougal, and use the lash.

Strike the flag!

Stop it!

Strike the flag!

Stop it!

Raise that flag! Raise it!

No, no, stand off from him! She's lost her mind!

The mizzen's gone. Run for it!

Will any guns still fire?

I fired the last one myself!

Cutlasses, Mr Dougal!

Blackbeard! You fraud!

Come aboard - if you dare!

Hold your fire, you swabs!

Hold your...!

CHEERING

She's home at last.

Let the sea keep her.

'Pirate ship Sheba Queen, sunk off Barbados.'

'Anne Providence, Master.'