TALES OF THE GOLD MONKEY

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Written by
George Geiger

Written: December 14, 1982
Revisions: 12/21/82



			_ACT ONE_


FADE IN

INTERIOR SHIP'S ENGINEERING COMPARTMENT - DAY

Spit and polish are the watchwords of this steel cavern containing 
turbines, pumps, machinery and mazes of pipes and wiring.  Sailors in the 
uniforms of a British steamship line stroll along catwalks reading dials 
of great switchboards.  An erect officer surveys his domain.  First 
Officer Bryant appears on the catwalk.  Unable to call above the din of 
the turbines, Bryant shows his watch to his fellow and indicates it's time 
for a pint.  As the other officer agrees:

CLOSER

The switchboard behind him disintegrates in a ball of fire, blowing him 
over the catwalk.  Sparks shoot from the ruined cables and thick smoke 
engulfs the cringing sailors.  Bryant issues urgent orders, coughing in 
the acrid smoke.

			BRYANT
	Bridge the power to the emergency banks.

BRYANT'S POINT OF VIEW - BELOW

Sailors who have gone to the fallen man's aid look up from his body 
sprawled across a turbine and shake their heads.

					CUT TO

EXTERIOR SKY - DAY - THE GOOSE

scooting through quiet clouds on a sunny, perfect Pacific afternoon above 
an open sea.  Jake tips the Goose onto one wing and slides her around a 
one-eighty descending spiral.

			JAKE'S VOICE OVER
	Everybody does the same thing the first time he flies an 
	airplane...holds his breath, holds his stomach, and gets ready to 
	fall out of the sky.

INTERIOR THE GOOSE'S COCKPIT - DAY

Flying through the spiral with one hand, Jake flicks the floating compass 
over his head, checks his watch and takes a grease pencil from between his 
teeth and scribbles a note on a plastic clipboard.  Corky presses the 
radio earphones to his head, holding the microphone and looking 
expectantly ahead.  Clouds wisp past the windows.

			JAKE'S VOICE OVER
		(continuing)
	After that, being free as an eagle feels so good it usually takes 
	something...a little different to get your head out of the 
	clouds....

Sunlight floods the cockpit as the Goose breaks out of the clouds.  Both 
Jake and Corky whistle silently at what they see.  A terrible British 
voice filtered through the radio, makes Corky press the phones even 
tighter to his head.  Later we will learn that the voice belongs to a 
ship's second officer.

			SECOND OFFICER'S VOICE OVER
	Cheerio, Cutter's Goose.  This is the Queen.  We hear your engines.

			CORKY
		(into mike)
	Roger, Queen...I don't think we can miss you.

Jake banks and across him, through his window we see:

EXTERIOR OCEAN - DAY - THEIR POINT OF VIEW - THE QUEEN - STOCK

An ocean liner that seems to go on forever, a resplendent triumph of 
engineering and luxury dominating the empty ocean.  Across her bow she 
bears the name "Queen Victoria."

INTERIOR THE GOOSE'S CABIN - DAY

Jack is standing on a seat looking out a window on the low side as Jake 
banks the plane.  Jake smiles back at him.

			JAKE
	What's all the excitement?  She's not that much bigger than 
	Boragora.

Jack barks twice...yes she is.  Seated opposite Jack is the Goose's sole 
passenger, Lord Hedriks, a man nearing forty who calmly expects the 
deference others automatically show him, attired in a dove grey suit that 
wouldn't dare wrinkle.  Jake gives Corky a nod, so he unstraps and steps 
into the cabin.

			CORKY
	Better brace yourself.  Settin' down in open water can sometimes 
	knock your teeth loose...
		(remembering; studiously polite)
	Lord Hedriks.  That goes for you too, Jack.
		(sotto; to Jack)
	All but the 'Lord' part.

Corky lifts Jack over the pile of Hedriks' leather-bound suitcases and 
trunks, checking that they are secured tied.  Trim and level, Jake leans 
back into the cabin.

			JAKE
	Ever seen the Queen before?

Hedriks' voice is refinement itself.

			HEDRIKS
	Yes...when she was still on the ways at Clydebank.  Regal, even 
	then.  You?

Jake shakes his head "no" and adds another touch to the trim.  Hedriks 
dips a watch out of his fob pocket.

			HEDRIKS
		(continuing)
	We're falling a trifle behind schedule, aren't we?

			JAKE
	You said noon...it's noon.

			HEDRIKS
	Twelve-oh-five...
		(a smile)
	Not to put too fine a point on it.

Jake thinks twice, then gives in and adjusts his watch.  Dealing with 
Lords can be a bit tiring.

			JAKE
	At least we won't have to wait for the captain to put his brakes on.  
	She's already at full stop.  I guess his watch works better than 
	mine.

Hedriks settles back.

			HEDRIKS
	Punctual, yes.  I should say.

ON CORKY

Behind him, out of Hedriks' vision, Corky makes a face and silently mimics 
Hedriks' rather pursed way of saying, "I should say."  He motions "get 
him," and Jack barks twice, agreeing.  Jake can't help grinning.

				CUT TO

EXTERIOR SEA - DAY - THE GOOSE - STOCK

settling into the waves, throwing a rooster tail behind.

INTERIOR THE GOOSE'S COCKPIT - FROM BEHIND JAKE

The Queen looms ahead.

			JAKE'S VOICE OVER
	Floating palace...leviathan...call her what you wanted...she was 
	big, too.  Lay her up one side of the Great Pyramid and she'd rock 
	down the other like a seesaw.  Biggest thing ever made by man.  
	Well, maybe that new building in New York has her by a few 
	feet...but, she's the biggest thing that moves.

EXTERIOR SEA - DAY - THE GOOSE - STOCK

slowing and settling.

					CUT TO

EXTERIOR TOP DECK - DAY

A retinue of ship's officers flank a length of red carpet, striking in 
their pressed whites, standing to crisp attention.  Just arriving to join 
them is Captain Townsend, master of the Queen Victoria, conducting a 
hushed inquiry of First Officer Bryant.  Captain Townsend would appear to 
have it all under control.  He is almost as old and weathered as the Rock 
of Gibraltar, and has seen almost as much water flow under his feet.  He 
times his arrival perfectly to be waiting with a slight bow as Lord 
Hedriks steps onto the deck.  Jake and Corky are behind.  Corky carries 
Jack.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Lord Hedriks...on behalf of the Silver Star Line, welcome aboard the 
	Queen Victoria.  Townsend...at your service.

The Captain leads his officers in a smattering of polite applause.  Lord 
Hedriks beams back at them...all quite jolly.  Corky is positioned next, 
but his offered hand is apparently invisible to Townsend.  The Captain 
does run his eye over Jack like the finger of his white glove.  He leads 
Hedriks aside.  Hedriks shakes hands with Captain Townsend.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
		(continuing)
	Pity you missed us in Tahiti...
		(knowing chuckle)
	Bit dicey in Parliament, was it?

			HEDRIKS
	I'm not sure.

Hedriks fishes out his watch while Captain Townsend harrumphs and mutters 
a useful sound for suggesting it's perfectly clear what a Lord means when 
it isn't clear at all.  The Captain has it down to an art.

ON JAKE AND CORKY

standing isolated, snubbed by Townsend, they can't miss the message:  they 
have just joined the ranks of the servant class.

			CORKY
		(sotto; to Jake)
	I just guess that puts us in our place.  Sorry, Jack.  You may be an 
	Egyptian king on Iwa Kona, but here you're a nobody.

Jack disagrees instantly with one bark.

			JAKE
	Don't worry about it.  We'll go in a minute.

Jack barks once again, which puzzles Jake.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I'm sure I'll see you this afternoon at the Duke of Windsor's 
	reception.  Sir Edward will be happy to see you aboard.  But, if you 
	would allow me, M'Lord, just at the moment....

			HEDRIKS
	I'm sure you're busy, Captain...considering that half your main 
	machinery electrical supply has been disrupted by an explosion.

Hedriks' casual remark shocks the officers.  Captain Townsend's weather 
eye hardens, sensing trouble ahead.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Most extraordinary you should know about our...mechanical problems.  
	It hasn't been half an hour....

			JAKE
	And that's why you're stopped, not just the rendezvous?

Captain Townsend acknowledges Jake with a nod, not taking his eyes off 
Hedriks, who is now holding the watch constantly in his line of sight.

			HEDRIKS
	Only seconds now....

The Captain's genial charm has frosted over.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I'm afraid, Lord Hedriks, we're due an explanation.

The fuzzy hum of an electrical overload passes through, and a muffled thud 
vibrates the deck.

ON HEDRIKS

He replaces his watch carefully, watching the officers' reactions.  Bryant 
takes a quick step to a phone.

			HEDRIKS
	Of course.  A small incendiary device...slightly larger than the 
	first, has just destroyed the emergency switchboard in your aft 
	turbo generating room.

At the phone Bryant sags and wearily nods confirmation.  Captain Townsend 
is transformed into a towering rage.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I don't know what you've got to do with this, but a man is dead and 
	I _will_ know why!
		(to Bryant)
	Mr. Bryant, keep Lord Hedriks in your personal company, and...
		(re: Jake and Corky)
	Put these men under guard.

ON JAKE AND CORKY

Corky gathers Jack more tightly into his grip and takes a nervous step 
behind Jake.  Not certain what's going on, but definitely not liking it, 
Jake shoulders past Hedriks.

			JAKE
	Do whatever you want to him, Captain, but don't count us in.  The 
	man chartered my plane.  That's all.  He sure never mentioned any 
	bomb.

Bryant pays little attention to Jake's denial.  He steps up, putting a 
hand on Jake's arm.  Jake shrugs loose and Bryant senses he'd better not 
push it.  Instead, he signals for other officers to flank the three men.

			CORKY
	I don't get it.  What'd we do?

			JAKE
		(looks to Hedriks)
	We came aboard with him.  That's probably plenty.

Jack looks up from Corky's arms and barks twice.  Captain Townsend starts 
off toward the stairs, motioning to Bryant.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I want damage reports and repair estimates to the bridge on the 
	double.  Bring them along.
		(pauses)
	Do _not_ alarm the passengers.

			HEDRIKS
	By all means, Captain, do your duty.  But, do it in something less 
	than five hours, fifty-seven minutes...or you'll be doing it from a 
	lifeboat.

					CUT TO

EXTERIOR THE QUEEN - DAY - STOCK

at rest in the open ocean.  Captain Townsend's reassuring voice booms from 
the ship's PA.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE OVER
	Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain Townsend.  We've found 
	ourselves such a nice spot of South Pacific, here, I thought we'd 
	stay a while and get a really good look at it.

					CUT TO

EXTERIOR SUN DECK - DAY

Fashionable and well-heeled passengers sunning themselves in deck chairs 
enjoy the Captain's joke.  They have no idea of the grave situation he is 
concealing from them.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE OVER
		(continuing)
	Ah, well, you've seen through my deception, and you force me to 
	reveal a dread secret of the Silver Star Line.  Once in a very rare 
	while...something breaks.  But rest assured, we've stopped here only 
	as a precaution.  We'll make up lost time and be in Sydney on 
	schedule.	

					CUT TO

INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY

In stark contrast to the relaxing passengers, the scene here is one of 
grim purpose.  A pall of smoke from the explosions still obscures the air 
as officers and crew inspect the damage.  Another of the giant switchboard 
panels has been blown apart, frayed cables dangling uselessly, some still 
arcing against the scorched metal deck.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE OVER
		(continuing)
	That's another secret.  Nothing breaks on a Silver Star ship that we 
	can't fix.

Two of the officers working on the switchboard trade knowing looks and 
shake their heads doubtfully.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR BRIDGE - DAY - ON CAPTAIN TOWNSEND

He replaces the PA mike and takes a sheaf of reports from the Second 
Officer.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Thank you, Number Two.

Bryant approaches and shares a whispered moment with Townsend.  Townsend 
nods.

ACROSS BRIDGE TO HEDRIKS

The bridge is fitted with gleaming binnacles and navigational equipment.  
The giant wheels are idle, though, as the Queen drifts with ocean 
currents.  Lord Hedriks sits calmly in the Captain's chair, a sailor with 
a sidearm posted close behind him on guard.

ANGLE TO BRYANT

as he crosses to Jake and Corky.  They are huddled in one corner of the 
bridge under close guard by two sailors wearing sidearms.  At a nod from 
Bryant the sailors fall back a few steps.  Bryant holds a pouch of 
documents out to Jake.

			BRYANT
	Everything is in order, Mr. Cutter.  Our apologies...but we had to 
	be cautious.  You understand.

Jake pockets the documents.  His reply isn't as light as his expression 
suggests.

			JAKE
	Oh, sure...nothing like a little bomb to make you jittery.

Bryant isn't sure how to take this, so he lets it slide.

ON JAKE AND CORKY

losing Bryant.  Jake tries to step toward a nearby navigation table.  The 
guards don't object.  Corky follows and puts Jack on a stool in front of 
the table as Jake inspects a chart pinned to it.

			JAKE
	Hard to pick a better place to strand a ship.  Nearest landfall 
	would have to be a ship in the Solomons.

Jack barks once that he disagrees.  Jake picks up a plotting compass and 
walks it off on the chart.

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	I suppose you'd try for Tuvalu....

Two barks.

			JAKE
	Shows what you know.

INSERT - NAUTICAL CHART

A large scale map showing the open ocean northeast of the Solomon Islands.  
The Queen's course is plotted in pencil, her position "X'd" well away from 
any land, heading for Australia via the Santa Cruz Basin.  Jake steps the 
pointers and hits Tuvalu.

BACK WIDE

Jake and Jack trade looks.  Clearly, Jack's right.

			JAKE
	Either way, it's not a fun row.

Jake realizes how nervous Corky's getting at the prospect.

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	Don't worry...Nobody's rowing anywhere.  We're going home on the 
	Goose.  Relax.

			CORKY
	If I relax, the blood will quit pounding in my ears and I'll be able 
	to hear that bomb ticking.

			JAKE
	Even if Hedriks does have another bomb on here, he doesn't want it 
	to go off, because he doesn't want to row to Tuvalu any more that we 
	do.

			CORKY
	Maybe he just wants to...you know...go kapow!

			JAKE
	You can go...kapow without this much trouble.  Uh uh...he wants 
	something else.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND'S VOICE
	I believe he mentioned the royal jewels.

ANGLE TO INCLUDE CAPTAIN TOWNSEND

He's standing behind them.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
		(continuing)
	Eighteen million pounds worth...give or take the odd priceless 
	treasure.

Townsend has the look of a man who's just been given his death notice.

			CORKY
	That's it!  A robbery, I'll bet!

Captain Townsend gives Corky a long nod suggesting, "I thought that was 
obvious by now."

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Damn good one, too.  We give him the jewels, he tells us where he's 
	hidden his _third_ bomb.  Even swap.

Jake checks Hedriks, who is placidly watching them.

			JAKE
	That's a lot of ice to bring along.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Ice?..A form of gangster vulgate?  I presume you mean the jewels.

Corky flinches at the Captain's superior glare.  Jack barks twice.

			CORKY
	Even Jack knows what 'ice' is.

			JAKE
		(cautioning)
	Corky, we've got a situation here, you know....

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	The plan is, once they're worn by the Duke of Windsor's party at the 
	official reception in Sydney, the jewels will be on loan for a 
	year's exhibition.

			JAKE
	That was the old plan.

ANGLE TO INCLUDE SECOND OFFICER

He hands Captain Townsend a message flimsy.  Townsend scans the short 
note, looking back at Hedriks, then to Jake.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	So it seems.  The home office has ordered me to cooperate.

Townsend utters this line like an unthinkable surrender order he will, 
nevertheless, carry out.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
		(to Hedriks)
	If you'll accompany me....

Hedriks stands, smoothing his suit.

			HEDRIKS
	Pleasure.

Jake can't believe the civility of this capitulation.  Without thinking, 
he grabs Townsend's sleeve to stop him.

			JAKE
	Wait a minute!  This guy has already killed one of your crew and 
	blown the hell out of your power plant.  You can't just open the 
	vault.

Captain Townsend pries Jake's hand away.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Please, Mr. Cutter.  This is difficult enough.  I'm obliged to put 
	the safety of ship and passengers first.

He moves to lead Hedriks off the bridge.

			JAKE
	You don't even know if there is another bomb.

Hedriks sighs a little with impatience and gestures forward.

			HEDRIKS
	May we?

ON CORKY

He sidles over to Jake as Jack watches from his stool.

			CORKY
	Maybe you ought to let 'em do what they want to.  It's no skin off 
	our nose.

Jack agrees with two barks.

			JAKE
		(to Jack)
	Speak for your own nose.
		(to Townsend)
	Look, Captain...You can give him whatever you want, but I still have 
	to fly him out of here.  And, it's a trip I'm not that anxious to 
	make if I don't have to...seeing as it'll probably be my last.

Townsend pauses, realizing Jake may be the snag he doesn't need.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	When I verified your documents with the magistrate on Boragora, he 
	assured me I could rely on you.

			JAKE
	Not to be a fool.  Let's be honest about what's at stake...This man 
	isn't going to let anybody live who can tell you where he's taken 
	your jewels.

PAST CORKY TO HEDRIKS

Corky absorbs this latest wrinkle, stealing a look at Hedriks.

			CORKY
	Tuvalu is sounding better all the time.

Townsend senses he'd better ascertain Jake's help before proceeding.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Bryant...Take Mr. Hedriks on ahead to my cabin.

The First Officer nods curtly and guides Hedriks into a corridor with 
gentle pressure on his elbow.  Hedriks allows himself a good look at Jake 
before complying.  He exits while producing his watch.  The move has its 
desired effect.  Both Jake and Captain Townsend check their own watches.

					CUT TO

EXTERIOR DECK - DAY

Moving with Jake, Corky and Captain Townsend.  Townsend sorts through the 
stack of flimsies in his hand and gives Jake several.  He adopts the 
compelling tone of a confederate in need.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	This is all our office in London has been able to unearth about the 
	man.  But, it doesn't leave much doubt.

Jake reads each flimsy carefully, passing them on to Corky.

			JAKE
	Nothing here 'bout his being a Lord.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Hardly.  How he managed that pedigree I'm sure I don't know.  Our 
	First Class listings are not taken casually.

			JAKE
	And all this about being cashiered out of the Army in thirty-
	one...sketchy.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	You don't know the British military.  They won't soil a man's record 
	with words like 'unstable'...or 'deranged.'  They use tidy little 
	phrases like...
		(reading)
	'...overzealous leadership impulses.'

			CORKY
	If that means he got seven of his own men killed...says that right 
	here.

Captain Townsend nods gravely and collects the flimsies.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I'm sorry you men are caught in his trap along with us...but that's 
	done.  I believe him.  I believe he's put another bomb aboard.  Even 
	if London hadn't given me orders, I wouldn't risk three thousand 
	souls and this ship to prove myself wrong.

			JAKE
	Look, if it gets close, I'll fly him...
		(looks to Corky)
	...alone, and take my chances.  But, you've still got five hours to 
	find his bomb.  Use them!  Tear the Queen apart, and while you're 
	doing it, sweat him a little.  A bluff is only as good as the 
	bluffer.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
		(through debating)
	The Queen is a thousand feet long, eighteen decks.  I have a Prince 
	of England aboard.  I consider every minute that passes with that 
	bomb waiting to explode increases the risk.  You must fly him...now!

					CUT TO

INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY - CLOSE ON SAFE

Captain Townsend has the safe standing open, and has used his key on a 
series of internal drawers, sliding them open to reveal case after satin 
case of jewel-studded rings, pendants, chains...a Queen's ransom.  Bryant 
leans in to Townsend.

			BRYANT
	Shouldn't we at least inform the Duke before we ---

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	London has given us an emphatic 'no' on that, and I must agree.  We 
	can't put Edward at risk.

Townsend and Bryant busy themselves removing drawers.

ON CABIN - WIDE

Hedriks is helping himself to a small taste of sherry from a setup of 
crystal decanters.  He's watching Townsend, allowing himself a delicate 
smile of satisfaction.  The quarters are anything but spartan, darkly 
paneled and heavily furnished, decorated with model ships and classic 
paintings of sea battles.

ON JAKE AND CORKY

to the side.  Officers are close by.  Corky has again taken Jack into his 
arms.  He leans in to have a private word with Jake.

			CORKY
	I got an idea.  If that guy can't get away, he'll have to tell 'em 
	where the bomb is, right?  What if we break somethin' on the Goose 
	so she can't fly.  Smash the fuse box, maybe?

			JAKE
	Before we do that  we'd better be sure he'll give it up.  We're not 
	the only ones on this tub, you know.

			CORKY
	But, you can't fly him.  You said so.

			JAKE
	I said I didn't want to until we'd run out of alternatives.  We've 
	got to buy some time...find the bomb...figure another way out of 
	this.

JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - THE DOOR

A steward is just rolling a tea cart into Townsend's cabin.  He parks the 
cart near the door and begins to uncover trays of sweets.  Jake studies 
this new development, then begins to repeatedly smooth down the back of 
his hair under his hat, brush his nose and squeeze his chin...baseball 
signals.

			JAKE
	You know what just popped into my head, Corky...playing ball with 
	the squadron in China.

			CORKY
	Huh...you're startin' to be just like me, Jake.  You get tense and 
	your mind dredges up something completely unimportant.

			JAKE
	I wouldn't say it was unimportant.

Jake catches the eye of the officer.

			JAKE
	Ever play baseball?

The man shakes his head...talking sports at such a time!

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	Great game...all strategy...secret signs to the players.

Now Corky gets with it, watching the sequence Jake is using.

			CORKY
	Head...nose...chin.  Ah, I know that.  Remember, Jack?

Jack barks twice.

			JAKE
	Don't say it.

			CORKY
	How can I?..I don't remember.  Head...nose...chin.  Let's see.  If 
	I'm on base...I got it, Jake!

			JAKE
	Then let's play ball.

			CORKY
	You want me to 'slide into home?'
		(realizing)
	Oh, yeah!  Play ball!

Jake makes a sudden wide move toward the door.  The officers reach to shut 
him off.  Townsend turns from the safe in time to see Corky slide in low 
under the officers, spilling them into the tea cart.  Jake sails a metal 
tray of rolls toward Townsend and the others, causing them to duck long 
enough for him to pull Corky to his feet and push him out the door.

			JAKE
		(shouting)
	Hide, Corky!  I'll find you.

Jake pulls the steward off the cart and swings him around.  Then, Jake 
follows Corky out the door, pushing over the cart.  The others follow in a 
scramble, leaving Townsend and Hedriks behind.

ON HEDRIKS

Hedriks is unruffled, helping himself to more sherry as Captain Townsend 
turns in from the door.  All the others have joined the chase.  Hedriks 
fishes for his watch.

			HEDRIKS
	Well...you might have been more careful, Captain...but, you do 
	have...
		(checks)
	...four hours, forty-one minutes to repair your mistake.

					FADE OUT

			_END OF ACT ONE_


			_ACT TWO_

FADE IN

EXTERIOR SUN DECK - DAY

The very top of the deck.  A few couples stroll by, enjoying the light 
breeze and beautiful afternoon.  Jake tops an exterior stair and nods at a 
couple who follow him with their eyes as he passes, no doubt astounded at 
the contrast between his flight jacket and cap and their own continental 
attire; sundress and blazer.  They trade smiles and forget him, strolling 
on.

ON JAKE

His eyes dart around as he marks possible cover and reacts to the open 
spaces in exactly the opposite way as the passengers.  Spotting something, 
he instantly ducks out of sight around the mass of one of the ship's 
stacks.

ANOTHER ANGLE

A pair of officers is approaching, their wary manner much the same as 
Jake's...part of the search party.  One of the officers takes a moment to 
peer around the same stack behind which Jake has just disappeared.  But, 
he emerges a moment later, obviously none the wiser.  The officers descend 
the stairs at the end of the deck.

ANGLE TO STACK

The same strolling couple that reacted to Jake returns and steps into what 
has suddenly become a popular spot.  They also are looking for a hiding 
place.

ON THE COUPLE

Nestled beside the stack, they quickly embrace and are locked in a kiss 
when Jake drops out of the blue from a ladder that climbs the stack.  The 
couple springs apart and is greeted by a wide smile from Jake.

			JAKE
	This baby won't give us any more trouble.  Don't mind me...you kids 
	have fun.

Jake slaps the stack like an old friend, tips his cap and walks away from 
the couple leaving them to wonder.

WITH JAKE

Out of sight of the couple, Jake checks his watch, wipes his brow and 
slips around another corner, anxious to find some real cover.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - CLOSE ON JACK

He pokes his head through a heavy hatch surrounded by pipes and the dark 
metal of a working environment.  The rumble of machinery is loud.  Jack 
looks both ways, then softly barks twice.  He leaps the low sill of the 
watertight door and waits as Corky follows suspiciously behind.

WIDE

Miles of pipes and cables run along the walls of this compartment deep in 
the hull of the ship.  The vibration of heavy motors trembles the decks 
under their feet, and everything seems to be coated with a thin film of 
water and oil.  Corky gulps, more than half convinced he's in big trouble.  
Jack heads right as if he knows the layout.

			CORKY
	Jake ain't gonna be able to find us down here.

Two barks.

			CORKY
	What makes you so sure?  I couldn't find us, and I've been with us 
	every step of the way ---

ON JACK

He freezes, looking quickly behind, then darts through the tight space 
between two machines.  It's enough to hide him, but Corky's out of luck.

ON CORKY

He kneels down and peers into Jack's bolt hole, quickly understanding 
he'll have to fend for himself.  A mumble of voices reaches him.

			CORKY
		(continuing)
	Thanks a heap.  You ever think I might like a place to hide?

Jack sticks his head out long enough to bark once, then ducks back out of 
sight.

HIS POINT OF VIEW - UP ANGLE TO THE BLACK GANG

Corky is surrounded by the burly figures of three engine room "wipers"; 
two African blacks and an East Indian.  They bear the greasy signs of 
their work on their faces and clothes.  One of the men, a black named 
Gabriel, reaches down and easily hauls Corky to his feet.  He speaks in 
the deep, soft rhythms of African patois.

			GABRIEL
	If you wish to hide like a rabbit, you should not wave that big 
	white tail, stowaway.

His fellows laugh and enjoy Corky's wiggling in Gabriel's iron grip.

THE GROUP

Corky finally shakes the hand off, a greasy mark left in its place.  Corky 
summons up his bravado.

			CORKY
	I am not a stowaway.
		(more laughter)
	I'm...I'm lookin' for Jack.

For some reason, the three wipers find this to be intriguing.  Pandit, the 
Indian, tweaks Corky's cheek.

			PANDIT
	Could it be that we have stumbled on two of these trembling rabbits?

			CORKY
	Jack better not hear you call him that.

			GABRIEL
	Stowaways do not order...they explain.  They always have much to 
	explain.

			CORKY
		(remembering)
	The Goose!  You must'a seen the Goose.  That's how I got here.

			PANDIT
	Two rabbits who flew to us on a goose.  We have not had any of them 
	for a while.

Corky's getting tired of being made fun of.

			CORKY
	It's a Grumman Goose...a seaplane.  I flew here today in it with my 
	buddy Jake and this English lord guy who wants to steal the jewels 
	and blow up the ship.  And Jack too.  That's the whole story, like 
	it or not.

Corky crosses his arms.  He's had his say.

			PANDIT
	I like it.  For a stowaway it is very, very good story.

			CORKY
	It's the truth!  You must have seen us land.  Everybody was up on 
	deck.

Gabriel dangles his greasy rag in Corky's face.

			GABRIEL
	Everybody but the black gang.  When you die you will go to heaven.  
	When we die we will go to the deck.  Where is the other stowaway?

ON CORKY

He sees no other option, so he bends to Jack's hiding place.

			CORKY
	Might as well come out, Jack.  Maybe you can convince these guys.

ON THE HIDING PLACE

Instead of Jack, a sleek, black ship's cat strolls out of the hole, a 
satisfied mouser with a full stomach.  Pandit stoops and picks up the cat, 
which dangles lazily.

			PANDIT
	You are fatter than ever, my good fellow.  I suppose you have eaten 
	this stowaway by now.

			CORKY
	He better not have.

ANGLE TO JACK

Jack barks once from his hiding place, then also strolls out.  For all we 
know, Jack and the cat could have been having a pleasant conversation.

ANGLE PAST GABRIEL TO OFFICERS

Two white uniformed officers are approaching, still some distance away.  
One is Bryant.

			BRYANT
		(calling ahead)
	You men, there.  No slacking.

			GABRIEL
		(urgent)
	Keep your dog still, man.  Pick him up.

Corky doesn't move fast enough, so Gabriel unceremoniously scoops Jack up 
and stuffs him into Corky's arms.  He and the other black quickly step on 
either side of Corky and lift him high  into the air by his elbows.  
Pandit drops the cat and steps behind them, shielding Corky from the 
officers.  The three begin to walk away from the officers, Corky hidden 
between them.

TO THE BLACK GANG

coming towards us, Corky dangling in their midst holding Jack.  The 
officers have seen nothing suspicious.

			CORKY
	What are you guys doin'?

			PANDIT
	Stowaway rabbits should learn to recognize their friends...they need 
	friends.

Jack barks twice, muffled behind Corky's hand.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY

Hedriks is seated comfortably in the Captain's reading chair, the soul of 
patience, while Townsend chews up the rug, pacing to a porthole and back.  
Captain Townsend makes an effort to sit.

			HEDRIKS
	Only a suggestion, Captain, but I hope your men are searching for 
	the pilot.  Searching for the bomb...quite fruitless, I assure you.

Townsend is bearing up better than most men to having his command stripped 
away by circumstances.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	You've calculated it all quite handily, haven't you?  Any leeway in 
	your planning for luck?

			HEDRIKS
	None at all.  Luck won't help you.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I was thinking of bad luck...should time run out and we haven't 
	found Cutter.  What then?

			HEDRIKS
	Then you will have reneged on your portion of our agreement.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
		(knowing it's futile)
	You can have the jewels.  I stand by my word.

			HEDRIKS
	And I.  Find the pilot and I'll find you the bomb.

Captain Townsend grabs at the arms of his chair to suppress a surge of 
rage and returns to his pacing.  Hedriks smiles contentedly and 
yawns...the picture of contentment.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR SWIMMING POOL - DAY - CLOSE ON DIVER

Swimmers lounge around enjoying the ship's pool.

EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - JAKE

as he sidles along a wall, trying to look nonchalant, incongruous in his 
flight jacket.  A striped beach ball bounces at his feet and a girl in a 
bathing dress runs up laughing to retrieve it.  She gives Jake a curious 
look.  He notices he's standing next to a door marked "Gentlemen" so he 
ducks through it.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Jake is staring at a long line of lockers.  He opens one, then another 
looking for a change of clothes.  The locker room attendant rounds the 
corner.  Jake just has time to flip his cap inside a locker before the man 
is even with him.

			ATTENDANT
	'Day, guv.  Have a towel?

Jake nods without turning, tossing his jacket into the locker.  He starts 
unbuttoning his shirt as the attendant holds out a clean towel from the 
pile he's carrying.  Jake takes it blindly.  The attendant studies him.

			ATTENDANT
		(continuing)
	Steam bath or a straight swim?

Jake shrugs, realizing he can't carry on this charade much longer.  He 
doesn't have any trunks.  He sits on the bench running in front of the 
lockers and begins to roll up his pants legs.  By now the attendant is 
openly skeptical.

			ATTENDANT
	I suppose a massage would be out of the question.

Jake nods and stands, wrapping the towel around his waist.  Not much he 
can do about his shoes.  Slamming the locker, Jake steps past the 
attendant with a wave, clomping back toward the pool area.  The attendant 
shakes his head.

			ATTENDANT
		(continuing; to himself)
	A quid says he's First Class.

EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - JAKE

He emerges from the locker room and picks a direction.

NEW ANGLE - WITH JAKE

On open deck, Jake tries to look casual in his towel.  Two officers walk 
right by him and Jake stretches, enjoying the sunshine.  The couple he 
encountered before stroll by and he gives them a pleasant smile.

			JAKE
	Hi there...Nice day for it.

Apropos of nothing.

ON THE OFFICERS

They've turned, looking after Jake, and decide he needs closer inspection.  
But, before they can call after, Jake scoots to a stairway and goes down.

INTERIOR CORRIDOR - DAY

Jake screeches around a corner and towards us.  The shouts of pursuit are 
loud behind.  Just before the officers turn the corner behind him, Jake 
steps behind a steward's rack of pressed clothes.

ON OFFICERS

looking confusedly around for Jake.  They've lost the scent.

PAST JAKE TO OFFICERS

It's going to be close.  The knot of officers has stopped at the end of 
the corridor.  Jake blocks his body with an armful of clothes from the 
rack.  He's cut off from retreat by new arrivals coming in his direction.  
He has no choice but to barge through the nearest stateroom door.

INTERIOR STATEROOM - DAY - ON DOOR

Jake slips inside, leading his way with the clothes, and easing the door 
shut behind.  He's almost afraid to look at what he's probably blundered 
into.  But, a quick scan of the room and his face relaxes into a relieved 
smile.

JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - THE STATEROOM

Quite palatial, the room is dominated by a canopy bed, furnished with 
tasteful elegance, and best of all, empty.  Jake only has time to draw a 
few breaths before the door to the bathroom opens.  The owner of this 
particular room is Melodie LaFontaine, a stunner in her twenties.  All her 
aristocratic breeding can't conceal the wild streak that animates 
Melodie's every expression.  Also, the loose robe she's wearing doesn't 
conceal much of the rest of her.  Melodie is toweling off her face, and 
doesn't really look.

			MELODIE
	Thank you, Emma.  You can just put them down.

Melodie lowers the towel and cocks her head at the sight.  Typically, she 
is more taken with wonder than she is startled.

MELODIE'S POINT OF VIEW - JAKE

At first his face is hidden by the clothing, but his bare legs and shoes 
jut from underneath.  He lowers the clothing to see who he is confronting, 
and Melodie gets the full effect.  Now, her wonder changes to 
astonishment.

JAKE AND MELODIE

Jake has no time to formulate a convincing explanation before Melodie has 
opened her mouth for what might be a scream.  Jake does the only thing he 
can.  He flings the clothes aside and clamps a hand over Melodie's mouth.

			JAKE
	It's all right.  No reason to ---

CLOSE ON MELODIE

She's no trembling flower.  She simultaneously gnaws into Jake's hand and 
sticks an elbow into his gut.  He makes more noise at the sudden pain than 
she has.

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	Damn it, lady!  Listen to ---

They've opened a few steps between them and Jake never gets to finish 
because he's busy ducking a handy vase full of roses Melodie is swinging 
at him.  Water and rose petals spray into Jake's face.  Temporarily 
blinded, Jake wipes at his eyes and gropes for Melodie.  She's already 
grabbed up another vase, this one full of tulips, and stands at the ready.  
The short tussle has dislodged some of her long hair, which has been 
pinned up, adding to her wild beauty.

JAKE AND MELODIE

Half his sight back, Jake motions for a truce.

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	You can put that down.  I'm not gonna hurt you.

Seeing that Melodie has the obvious advantage, the statement is largely 
comedic.  Melodie gives him a wicked smile.

			MELODIE
	I'd say you bloody well got that right!

And, as Jake wipes the remaining water from his face, he watches as 
Melodie breaks into peals of laughter.

					FADE OUT

			_END OF ACT TWO_


			_ACT THREE_

FADE IN

EXTERIOR THE QUEEN - DAY - STOCK

Sitting quietly.  We hear Corky's voice from deep inside the hold.

			CORKY'S VOICE OVER
	I don't suppose you guys have any beer stashed down here.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY

There is not the shade of difference in this part of the ship between day 
and night.  Corky has joined the ranks of the black gang, wearing a pair 
of dark coveralls over his own.

Already, the oily environment has smeared his face nearly as black as his 
hosts'.  They are busy wiping down some machinery.  The ship's cat is 
curled on a warm ventilator.

			PANDIT
	No beer...but we are still in the possession of a most recent batch 
	of raisin wine.  Excellent.

			GABRIEL
	You are welcome, but I should tell you, it has a certain effect on 
	the eyesight.

Corky considers, licking his lips.

			CORKY
	I can get used to just about any ---

ANGLE TO JACK

He's watching the work.  Jack barks once, warning Corky off the home brew.  
Corky winces.

			CORKY
	Come on, Jack...this is kind of a special circumstance.  Don't ya 
	think Jake would drop the rule?

Jack barks once again, and artfully dodges the greasy rag Corky flings at 
him.

ACROSS CORKY - TO PANDIT

He sits and strokes the cat.

			PANDIT
	It is in any case not the wisest thing for stowaways to be drunk.

			CORKY
	You help stowaways all the time?

			GABRIEL
	It has happened...but usually our own countrymen.  Half of them 
	going to America...for their dreams....

			CORKY
	Why don't you go there?  You wouldn't have to do this kind of work, 
	I'll tell you that.

			GABRIEL
		(finishing)
	...The other half coming back.

			CORKY
		(thoughtful)
	Yeah...I guess any job's a good job these days.  I'm just glad I 
	found you down here doin' it.

Jack barks once.

			CORKY
		(continuing)
	Okay, okay, Jack found you.  I hope Jake can.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR STATEROOM - DAY - CLOSE MIRROR SHOT ON JAKE

He's concentrating on trying to hurriedly fasten the studs into a tuxedo 
shirt, holding his neck stiff above its wing collar.  Frustrated with the 
chore, he shoots a tight shirt cuff to check his watch.

			JAKE
		(calling off)
	Come on, Melodie...Shake a leg.

Melodie laughs at the notion, her voice coming from the bathroom.  Without 
seeing her, we know she's enjoying the adventure.

			MELODIE'S VOICE OVER
		(mock servility)
	Shake my leg?  If I must.  I've never been held against my will by 
	an American before.  I don't know the form.

			JAKE
		(impatient)
	The form is for you to cringe with fear and hurry it up.

			MELODIE
	Sorry.

			JAKE
		(gets the stud)
	Finally, thank God.

WIDER

Jake fishes a cummerbund out of the pile of clothes he brought into the 
room and fastens it around his waist.  Then goes to work on his tie.

			JAKE
		(continuing; to himself)
	If Sarah could only see this.

			MELODIE'S VOICE OVER
	What?

			JAKE
	I said, this has got to be one for the books.  I break into your 
	room wearing a towel, you bash me with a vase of flowers...a bomb is 
	ticking away that might sink this ship in less than an hour...and 
	we're going to a cocktail party.

ANGLE - TO INCLUDE MELODIE

Jake turns to find her in the door admiring him.  Her wild beauty of 
before has been more or less concentrated into a simple, black Paris 
original that is a devastating fit.  She also likes what she sees.  The 
moment transcends the emergency.  They close the few steps between them, 
each getting an eyeful.  As natural as can be, Melodie takes over tying 
Jake's tie.  She fits the tone of her voice to their intimacy.

			MELODIE
	How can you lose with a handsome man who brings you stories of a mad 
	bomber.  I'm either humoring a dangerous lunatic, or helping a 
	hero...And this was getting to be such a dull cruise.

Melodie tugs Jake's tie tight, but doesn't stand back.  She knows what she 
wants and Jake isn't about to get away.  They embrace in a lingering kiss 
that leaves them both breathless.

			MELODIE
	Sorry, again.  This is hardly the time...but are you absolutely 
	certain we have to go find the Duke this instant.

			JAKE
	Uh huh...
		(coming back to Earth)
	If I don't get Edward's help, I might as well go back and fly 
	Hedriks where he wants.

			MELODIE
	Of course he'll help you.  Edward will think you're perfectly 
	smashing.  After all, you were clever enough to barge into my cabin.

Jake grabs his coat off a hanger, holding it.

			JAKE
	If they spot me before we get there, it's all over.  I'd be a lot 
	happier if you could bring him here.

			MELODIE
		(laughing)
	I'm afraid you don't tell the Duke of Windsor to 'shake a leg.'

Melodie spins Jake toward the door.

			MELODIE
		(continuing)
	At the moment, he is no doubt terribly busy brushing up on his 
	protocol.  I can't bring him tales of bombs without bringing him the 
	storyteller, now can I?

ANGLE TO DOOR

Melodie stops.

			MELODIE
		(continuing)
	You're looking too good.

Jake takes another peak in the mirror.  Melodie dips in her small bag for 
a comb.

			MELODIE
		(continuing)
	I can't have all the other women wondering how I suddenly plucked 
	such a specimen out of an empty ocean.  They'd be much too curious.

Melodie parts Jake's hair in the middle, trying for a twenties' look.  
Jake shakes it out.

			JAKE
	That looks stupid.

			MELODIE
	You're right.  It's perfect.  Well...'Once more into the breach....'

She levels him with an inquisitive look.

			JAKE
	Kipling.  I know a little something.

It's not good enough for Melodie.

			MELODIE
	It's not just...Kipling.  It's...
		(very British)
	...Kipling!  He's well established in the English pantheon of lesser 
	gods.  Most of the old war horses we've got with us used to read 
	Kipling to their troops in _'In_-jah.'

			JAKE
	I doubt my inflection is going to get me very far.

Melodie holds Jake's tux coat for him and he slips into it.

			MELODIE
	Just so long as it gets you to Edward.  Anyway, they won't be 
	looking at your face, Jake darling...they'll be looking at your coat 
	of arms....

She pats the lapel of the tux to point out that a coat of arms has indeed 
been tastefully embroidered.

			MELODIE
		(continuing)
	And at me, of course.

Jake tries to read the coat of arms upside down.

			JAKE
	They're gonna know this isn't my coat.  Who am I, anyway?

			MELODIE
	Nobody can read those things.  We'll make you up.

EXTERIOR CORRIDOR - DAY

Other couples dressed for the evening in furs and finery are passing in 
one direction.  And, as Melodie predicted, more than a few of the men are 
in British regimental dress.  Melodie steps out of her room and, when 
there is a clear moment, signals Jake to join her.  They walk arm in arm.

					DISSOLVE TO

EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - WITH JAKE AND MELODIE

She keeps him to an upper class stroll.  Other couples pass, admiring 
them.

			MELODIE
	Ummm...feel that fabulous tingling sensation along your spine.

			JAKE
	You too?

			MELODIE
	That's the feeling of jealous eyes on your rear.

			JAKE
	Or a gun.

Jake cringes slightly as a pair of officers, also in their dress uniforms, 
pass them going the same way.  One is the Second Officer, who touches his 
cap.

			SECOND OFFICER
	Duchess.

She smiles at him until they are past.

			MELODIE
	You see...this is going splendidly.

Jake is taking a new look at her.

			JAKE
	Duchess?

			MELODIE
	Sort of.

			JAKE
	Nobody is 'sort of' a Duchess.

			MELODIE
		(mock airs)
	The Duchess of Fitzhurst...ac-tually.  It's really quite a stale 
	title, wouldn't you say?

			JAKE
	I would if I hadn't just kissed the Duchess herself.

Melodie smiles with private pleasure, nodding at several of the other 
couples in the corridor.  She snuggles into Jake's arm.

			MELODIE
	Don't tell Uncle Edward that.  He's a trifle over protective.

			JAKE
	Uncle Edward?

			MELODIE
	He's just like any stuffy, old uncle.

Jake stops in his tracks.  An old couple behind them are forced to 
sidestep.

			JAKE
	The King of England is not just 'any stuffy, old uncle.'

Melodie winces at the volume of his voice.  She urges him along with the 
flow of people.

			MELODIE
	You're falling into the habit of repeating me.  Besides, he's not 
	king any more.  Not since he married that American woman...I'm 
	beginning to understand what he sees in Americans.

They continue in the royal parade.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY

The Captain and Bryant, his First Officer, are going over a chart of the 
Pacific on the wall.  Both are in their dress uniforms.  Hedriks is 
stretched out on a sofa.  Bryant consults some radio flimsies in his hand.

ON BRYANT

pointing out positions on the map.

			BRYANT
	...A New Zealander sheep transport, the South Star is bound from 
	Darwin...A Chilean packet can steam from Brisbane...Two smallish 
	Dutch spice ships making a run down from Java.  Four days...six 
	days...and more than a week for the Dutchmen.

Captain Townsend nods his understanding at the slim possibilities of 
rescue if things don't go his way.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	You told them to stand by?

			BRYANT
	I thought an SOS would be ---

			HEDRIKS
	Inflammatory?  Such good company thinking, Bryant.  No need to 
	unstiffen the lip, eh?

Bryant ignores this barb.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	You were right.  An hour, either way....
		(a shrug)

			BRYANT
	Rough calculations only, sir, but the ships I've named, plus 
	whatever small fishermen might reach us from the Solomons...I figure 
	fifteen hundred...on decks, mostly.

			HEDRIKS
	Desperate people will accept desperate conditions...even peers of 
	the realm.  I'd go seventeen.

Bryant's grim control snaps and he throws the flimsies, flinging himself 
onto Hedriks and hauling him off the couch.

			BRYANT
	You don't have to enjoy it!

Before Townsend can prevent him, Bryant has lashed Hedriks with a 
backhand.

			TOWNSEND
		(pulling him off)
	Giles!  This won't help.

With a great yank the Captain separates his First from Hedriks, who finds 
blood on his hand when he pulls it away from his mouth.  He calmly 
produces a white linen handkerchief and daubs at his lip while Bryant 
fights for control.  Hedriks steps to the map, and we may detect just the 
slightest notch increase in the tightness of his voice.

			HEDRIKS
	I'll finish his report, Captain...with your permission.
		(pointing)
	The U.S. Navy is all pulled up around Pearl Harbor...Japan in the 
	Philippines...I suppose Australia has a few old frigates she can get 
	here in...a while.

ON TOWNSEND

He leaves Hedriks to collect a pipe and pouch from his desk.  He takes out 
a moment to give Bryant a reassuring nod.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Frigates will be most welcome.  Perhaps it's time we laid them on.

Bryant nods and exits.  Captain Townsend stokes his pipe and looks up to 
see Hedriks checking his watch again.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
		(continuing)
	I shouldn't wonder you did well in the Great War, Hedriks...a 
	military mind...Mountbatten's three rules of attack all perfectly 
	executed:  preparation, position, resolution.

			HEDRIKS
	All that remains is decision.

Townsend puffs his pipe, striding toward the door.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I'm obliged to attend the Duke of Windsor's reception or I'll be 
	missed.  You'll be here?

Hedriks nods, folding the handkerchief.

			HEDRIKS
	For another thirty minutes.

The meaning is not lost on Townsend.  He pauses.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
		(afterthought)
	By the way, Whitehall has offered you total amnesty in exchange for 
	locating the bomb...if we can't find the pilot, of course.

			HEDRIKS
	Decent of them.

Captain Townsend nods like this is the most reasonable possible response.  
He exits.  Hedriks walks to a porthole and looks out at the ocean.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - EXTREME CLOSEUP ON EYES

panning from one pair of wide, attentive eyes to another.  The faces 
belonging to the eyes are so smeared with grime it's hard to separate 
black from Indian to Corky.  Only the last pair of eyes, belonging to 
Jack, are easy to spot.

WIDER

The three members of the Black Gang are kneeling beside Corky, ostensibly 
working on a array of pipes.  Jack is seated with them.

			GABRIEL
	This talk of bombs may not just be stowaways after all.

			CORKY
	We already looked over there.  Can't we tell 'em they're wasting 
	time?

REVERSE - THEIR POINT OF VIEW - OFFICERS

Three officers are coming toward them, poking around the piping with 
battery torches.  Bryant leads the party.

ANOTHER ANGLE

More officers are coming from the other direction.  The two groups form a 
vise that can't be escaped.

			PANDIT
		(softly)
	Officers never waste time.

			GABRIEL
	We should be honored, so many have come to visit us.

			CORKY
	I'd just like to be ignored.

Corky rubs more grease from nearby pipes on his face.  The officers are 
getting closer.  Corky turns to Jack.

			CORKY
	Grease won't do a thing for you, Jack.  Better am-scray.

Jack barks twice, jumps up on a platform, then turns back.

			CORKY
	Yeah...good luck to you, too.

ON JACK

He spurts through a hole in the pipes too small for a person.  He looks 
back out for the cat.

THE CAT

is draped over a pipe.  He stands and lazily follows.

ANGLE - TO THE OFFICERS

Their probing lights reach the four men, finding mostly stooped backs as 
the four furiously wipe.  Bryant frowns.

			BRYANT
	You men...face this way.

Slowly, the four respond to the order.  They stand as if in a police line 
up.

ON THE BLACK GANG AND CORKY

They squint as the light beams play over their greasy faces.  It isn't an 
easy choice, but one by one the lights select and hold on Corky.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR EDWARD'S SUITE - DAY

An intimate reception is in progress for a few couples of British nobility 
aboard the Queen Victoria.  A string quartet is providing the polite music 
as a waiter off screen passes with a tray of champagne.  Several tables 
are groaning with beautifully presented hors d'oeuvres.  At the head of a 
distinguished reception line stands the Duke of Windsor, Edward VIII.  
Edward is now forty-four and distinguished.  He shuns sashes and other 
marks of office, greeting his guests in plain formal clothes.  The Second 
Officer introduces each couple as they step forward to meet Edward and 
Wallis.

			SECOND OFFICER
	Sir John Douglas, Baronet and Lady Douglas...Baron Armitage of 
	Bishopston and Lady Armitage...Viscount Foxwell of Pellingham and 
	Lady Foxwell....
	(more as required)


ON JAKE AND MELODIE

He is doing his best to fit in, but standing exposed, stationary in the 
line has him edgy.

			JAKE
		(aside)
	I'm just gonna walk up there.  Why are we wasting time like this?

Melodie digs her fingers into his arms.

			MELODIE
	Go up there unannounced and start ranting about a bomb, and you 
	won't convince anybody before those officers drag you away.  Do it 
	my way.

			JAKE
		(fidgeting)
	The witching hour is six fifteen ---

A starched and coiffured matron wearing a fox-head choker turns to Jake.

			MATRON
	Did you say dinner was at six fifteen?

Before Jake can reply, Melodie reacts with totally manufactured delight.

			MELODIE
	What a pleasure.
		(to Jake)
	Darling, may I present Agatha Devon, the Honorable Marquessa of 
	Throxhall.

Jake is a beat slow, but manages to catch on before it becomes awkward, 
and taken the matron's hand to kiss.

			MATRON
	Where did you ever find him?

			MELODIE
		(continuing)
	Dumbarton, of course.

			MATRON
	Forgive me, Earl, I should have known.  It's right there on your 
	jacket.
		(girl-to-girl)
	I like the silent ones, myself.  While we talk, they ponder.  That's 
	why they seem so wise.  Is that a fair description of you, Earl?  
	Are you wise?

The matron seems like the kind who will have an answer, whatever it takes.  
Jake shrugs.

			JAKE
	About all I know is fl ---

Melodie brings the heel of her shoe down on Jake's instep and he gags back 
a pained oath.  The matron is still waiting.

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	Flamenco.  I study flamenco.

Melodie is trying to bear up under Jake's wretched performance.

			MATRON
	Flamenco?  My, how...different.

			MELODIE
	The Earl just returned from Spain, which explains his...odd accent.

Jake takes his cue from Melodie, and decides he'd better play the role.  
What he comes up with is a fairly convincing impression of an English 
twit.

			JAKE
		(English accent)
	Well, of course I absorbed myself in it...Flamenco day and night and 
	in my sleep...How else is one to fathom the damn dance, I ask you?

Not prepared to answer, the matron is relieved to hear her name being 
called.

WIDE

			SECOND OFFICER
	The Honorable Marquessa of Throxhall.

The matron flounces forward to fawn over Edward and Wallis.  Melodie 
presents her card to the Second Officer and whispers something.

ON JAKE AND MELODIE

			MELODIE
	You'll have about twenty seconds, so make them count.
		(beat)
	What made you think of flamenco?

ANGLE TO EDWARD - INCLUDE JAKE AND MELODIE

as they are introduced.

			SECOND OFFICER
	Lady Melodie LaFontaine, the Duchess of Fitzhurst...and the Earl of 
	Chesterbridge.

Jake and Melodie step forward.  Edward takes her hand and then gives her 
an extra hug.

			MELODIE
	Nice party, Uncle Eddie.

Edward turns his attention to Jake, a bit puzzled.  If anyone should, 
Edward ought to know who's aboard.

			EDWARD
	May I present my wife ---

Jake cuts him off, but never drops the "charmed I'm sure" smile through 
his next speech.

			JAKE
	I'm the American pilot who flew the seaplane out here today.  I 
	brought a passenger with me who has planted a bomb on this ship set 
	to go off in less than half an hour if he doesn't get the royal 
	jewels.  The Captain is cooperating all the way.  You're the only 
	one aboard who might convince him to stand up to this guy.

Not the kind of thing you expect to hear in a receiving line.  Edward is 
stumped, but it doesn't matter, because Jake's time is up.

ANGLE - TO CAPTAIN TOWNSEND

He has appeared to one side of the suite and has spotted Jake with Edward.  
A quick signal to several officers and Townsend wastes no time crossing 
the floor.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Excuse me, Sir Edward.  I need to speak with this man ---

That's as far as he gets.  Jake expertly reaches under the tray of the 
passing waiter and send fifty glasses of champagne flying toward Townsend 
and his men.  They recoil as the glasses shatter around them.  One or two 
go down on the wet floor.  A startled gasp rises from the crowd.

ON JAKE AND MELODIE

He is running toward the far end of the suite.  Melodie is right with him.

ON TOWNSEND

He has stepped clear of the glass, and waves his men after Jake and 
Melodie.  The astonished guests have stopped to watch in mid-canape.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	My apologies, Sir Edward.  The man won't trouble you ---

Edward grabs Townsend's arm, speaking in an urgent whisper.

			EDWARD
	Is there really a bomb, Captain?
		(beat)
	I want to know!

EXTERIOR DECK - DAY

Jake and Melodie hurtle out of a door and onto the deck.  The PA chimes 
sound loud above them.  A metal speaker is only feet away.

			BRYANT'S VOICE OVER
	May I have your attention, please.  We have a message for passenger 
	Cutter...passenger Cutter....

There's a moment's silence on the PA, but the amplifier's buzz tells us 
the line is still open.

			JAKE
	This is a new approach.

INSERT - THE PA SPEAKER

After a few metallic bumps, suggesting a microphone is changing hands, we 
hear:

			CORKY'S VOICE
		(rattled)
	Jake...ah, I hope you can hear this.  They say you gotta come in 
	now....

More metallic bumps and we hear Hedrik's voice.

			HEDRIK'S VOICE
	That would, of course, be best, but you do have a choice.  I 
	understand your mechanic can fly the seaplane if need be.  I hate to 
	run the risk, but if you don't come in...you may never see either of 
	us again.

EXTERIOR DECK - DAY - ON JAKE AND MELODIE

As the PA goes dead, Jake sighs and Melodie buries her head against his 
chest.  She knows what this means.  Several officers are just arriving 
there to seize him.

					FADE OUT

			_END OF ACT THREE_


			_ACT FOUR_

FADE IN

INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY

Jake is just entering.  He scans the room:  Captain Townsend, First 
Officer Bryant are at the safe.  Hedriks turns from the porthole and nods 
pleasantly.  Corky looks up at Jake from the folds of a deep leather 
chair.  His sullen look is visible even through the layers of grease.

			JAKE
	Where'd you hide...in the oil bilge?

			CORKY
	I don't know where it was.  Jack took me down there.

Jake looks for signs of Jack.

			CORKY
		(continuing)
	He's still there.  Loves it...just squirms in and out and around all 
	those pipes...
		(beat)
	I didn't mean to get caught, Jake, honest.

			JAKE
	I know.
		(looking over)
	I'm your pilot, Hedriks.  He stays behind.

			HEDRIKS
	Certainly.  His purpose is served.

Jake flares at this but the door opening stalls his rejoinder.

ANGLE TO DOOR - EDWARD AND MELODIE

They enter.  She has been explaining things to Edward.  Melodie quickly 
goes to Jake, taking his hand.  Edward has halted in the door.

ANGLE - ACROSS EDWARD TO HEDRIKS

Hedriks has transformed his placid expression to one of haughty 
disdain...just a trace of fear.  He pulls himself up to full height.

			HEDRIKS
	Hello, Edward.

Captain Townsend and Bryant stiffen from this breach of etiquette.  Edward 
hasn't taken his eyes off Hedriks.

			EDWARD
	Hedriks...You've found yourself a new career.

			HEDRIKS
	Had to M'Lord...if you'll recall.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	You know this man, Sir Edward?

			EDWARD
	More than well.  The son of my father's friend, the Viscount of 
	Ilford.

			MELODIE
	I know you...We were children.  We met one summer at Windsor Castle.

Hedriks nods.  He has suddenly discovered the need for another dram of 
sherry.  He crosses to the decanter setup.

			HEDRIKS
	Been back, recently?  I haven't.  Join me...anyone?

His offer isn't serious, and he pours his own glass.

ON CORKY

He catches Jake's eye.

			CORKY
	How'd we get from bombs to castles?

			JAKE
	That's what I'd like to know.

ON JAKE

He steps over to Captain Townsend.

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	Sounds to me like this guy's connected to the royal family.  I 
	thought your office in London pegged him as an impostor.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	I'd like a clarification, Sir Edward.  Is this man really a Lord of 
	the Realm?

Edward hesitates a beat, and Hedriks chokes on a bitter laugh.

			HEDRIKS
	Well, you can tell them.  You did it.  Or have you had a change of 
	heart?

			EDWARD
	No.  You see, I was on the throne when the Army...ah, suspended his 
	commission.

Hedriks takes a few stalking steps toward Edward until they are face to 
face.

			HEDRIKS
	They drummed me out, what?  Let's not paint too pretty a picture.  
	It was a sordid business, eh?

			CORKY
	He killed seven of his soldiers, remember, Jake?  It was in that 
	stuff we read before.

			HEDRIKS
	Did you read how...?  No?  Better you didn't.  Grisly business.

Edward is tired of letting Hedriks bait them.  He wraps up the story in a 
monotone.

			EDWARD
	He was testing explosives with his own men.  It was kept quiet, but 
	his father was through with him...disowned him.  I agreed, he no 
	longer deserved his title.  So...I made it an act of the Crown.  
	Stripped him...left him with nothing.

Hedriks raises his glass to Edward.

			HEDRIKS
	That you did, my liege...
		(looks to Jake)
	Shall we be going?

Jake checks his watch.

It reads 6:04.

ANGLE - FAVORING JAKE

Bryant is just shutting two heavy cases full of the jewels.  Jake studies 
Hedriks for a long moment, then turns to Captain Townsend.

			JAKE
	A word alone, Captain...with you and Sir Edward?

Townsend considers.  Hedriks smiles and shrugs.

			HEDRIKS
	Some eleventh hour strategizing?  The downfall of most 
	commanders...not recognizing when they have already capitulated.

Townsend ignores this.

			TOWNSEND
	Certainly, Mr. Cutter.  Bryant, take him along to the armory.  Be 
	quick.

ON CORKY

He stands up quickly, angry, as Bryant puts down the cases and shows 
Hedriks the door.

			CORKY
	They are gonna give him a gun, Jake.  You were right.

Melodie wheels on Townsend, anything but reticent.

			MELODIE
	You would!  You assign suicide missions with the same voice you use 
	to announce a 'spot of rough weather.'

Jake gently pulls her back from Townsend, and she stands with him eyes 
blazing.  Hedriks has watched the performance, amused.

			HEDRIKS
	Royalty dallying with commoners...quite a trend in your family, eh, 
	Edward?

Hedriks barely has this out of his mouth before Bryant has shoved him 
against the wall, roughly grabbing up the man's coat and lifting.  It's 
the excuse Bryant has been waiting for to vent his pent up frustration.

			BRYANT
	Apologize to her Ladyship or I'll make damn certain that's your last 
	bit of cheek.

Hedriks has gone a bit purple in the face.  Jake jumps quickly to pull 
Bryant off.  The three grapple for a moment.

			JAKE
	Bryant!  Let him down.  There's no time.

Jake finds an opening and plants one on Bryant's chin.  The man staggers 
back, shaking his head, the fight gone out of him.  Hedriks gathers his 
wits, his calm returning.

			HEDRIKS
	Have your talk, but I so much hope you aren't dabbling with the idea 
	of a war of nerves.  Don't expect me to crack at the final stroke.

With this Hedriks lets himself out of the cabin.  Bryant follows, after a 
flick of the head from Townsend.

NEW ANGLE

losing Hedriks and Bryant as they exit.  Captain Townsend sighs and leans 
back on his desk.

			CAPTAIN TOWNSEND
	Yes, he has asked for a handgun, as you predicted.  I've had my 
	machinist working on one that will misfire.  I can't predict he 
	won't ask for another.

ON JAKE

He takes a few steps away from the group to collect his thoughts.

			JAKE
	You've got to admit two things...he's crazy, and he wants more than 
	money.  He wants revenge.

			EDWARD
		(nodding)
	Fortunate for everyone you insisted on bringing me into this, or we 
	might not have known.  Yes, he's after me.

			JAKE
	He's after you, the Peerage, this ship, the whole system.  You can 
	count on it.  He's not gonna tell anybody where that bomb is.  He 
	wants it all.

			TOWNSEND
		(going ashen)
	I have his word.

			EDWARD
	You have the word of a fallen noble.  Mr. Cutter is right.

We realize that Jake is holding something.  He lifts it and twirls the 
stem...Hedriks' watch.

			JAKE
	We'll know in eight minutes.

					CUT TO

INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - CLOSE ON A METAL DOOR

It slams shut, reverberations echoing with endless finality through the 
vast compartment.  Camera adjusts to find Jake standing just inside the 
door.  He can't help but check his watch.  Outside the door, metallic 
bangs suggest that the great watertight dogs have been shoved home.

JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - HEDRIKS

Partially in shadow, the man looks as dapper as the moment he stepped 
aboard.  Behind him, the great machines are brooding in the gloom.  Jake 
peels the wrapper off a cheroot and tucks it in his teeth, props his foot 
up on a convenient pipe and fires up the smoke.  Once it's going good he 
tugs open his tux tie.

			HEDRIKS
	You have something of mine.

Wordlessly, Jake flips Hedriks his watch.

			JAKE
	I am right about it being down here near the boilers.  Though 
	probably not in one.

			HEDRIKS
	Certainly.  You'd be surprised at the damage possible with a compact 
	device.  Rupture one boiler and you have forty-seven others going 
	off like bombs themselves.  When was a much more difficult problem 
	than where.  I notice you reset my watch.

			JAKE
	What makes you think that?

			HEDRIKS
	If this was correct, we would be rather less whole than we seem to 
	be.

INSERT - HEDRIKS' WATCH

The second hand is sweeping past 6:15.

			JAKE
	You're pretty sure about those timers.

ANGLE - ACROSS JAKE TO FLOOR

The ship's black cat scoots into view, then under a platform of pipes.  
Jake kneels to look into the space where the cat has disappeared.

			HEDRIKS
	Precision nautical time is a British tradition.  Darwin sailed 
	around the world in the Beagle a century ago with navigational 
	clocks that didn't lose a second.

			JAKE
	But you weren't along to keep an eye on this one...and it's been 
	there weeks at least since she sailed from England.

			HEDRIKS
	Four weeks, two days...but, I had no choice.  They only allow 
	'inspectors' to crawl around their boilers in South Hampton...if my 
	watch is to be believed, we have about three minutes.

JAKE'S POINT OF VIEW - JACK

He's under the pipes.

			JAKE
		(sotto to Jack)
	Find out anything?

Jack barks twice, softly, slips under another pipe and is gone from sight.  
Jake can't follow that way.

ON JAKE AND HEDRIKS

Jake stands, dusting his hands off.  Hedriks takes Jake's wrist to check 
his watch.

INSERT - JAKE'S WATCH

It shows 6:14.

			JAKE
	You can't trust that old thing.  It's slow, remember?

INTERIOR ENGINE ROOM - DAY - VARIOUS VIEWS

Jake vaults sections of pipe and leaps across channels in the floor.  He 
clambers up platforms and finally stands above the area which Jack has 
staked out.  Below are several longish tanks.  Hedriks is a few paces 
behind.

			JAKE
	Stop making that awful racket, will you, Jack!  It makes my hair 
	stand on end.

Jack barks twice that he knows it does, and moves aside as Jake jumps down 
to the tanks.

Jake scans the floor and finds what he's looking for, a long-handled tool 
for turning open the threaded cover of a tank.  With every move, Hedriks 
is looking more threatened.  He studies the watch as Jake fits the tool in 
the cover and begins to twist it off.

			JAKE
	Not in the boiler but...What are these things, anyway?

			HEDRIKS
	Pre-warming tanks for the oil.

			JAKE
	Not where I'd hide a bomb...oil might get in and gum up the works.

			HEDRIKS
	No!

			JAKE
	Something's wrong...According to your watch it should've gone off by 
	now.

			HEDRIKS
	You reset my watch.

			JAKE
	No, I didn't.

Jake has loosened the tank cover.  He lifts it to the side.  Then he 
reaches in and feels around in the tank.  He comes up empty handed, arm 
dripping oil.  He starts for the second tank.  Hedriks jumps beside him 
and snatches the long tool before Jake can prevent him.  Jake dances back 
as Hedriks takes a good cut, then positions himself to protect the third 
tank.

			HEDRIKS
	It doesn't matter.  We'll just wait.

			JAKE
	Here's what's going to happen.  I'm going to jump you and you'll get 
	one swing.  Try to hit me where it'll put me out of the action, or 
	I'll take the blow and finish you.

Jake gives Hedriks a few moments to consider the problem.  The speech has 
the desired effect.  Hedriks is considering when Jake jumps.  Hedriks 
takes a cut, missing.  Jake lands harmlessly.  When Jake jumps, Hedriks 
can only manage to whack him across his shoulders.  He and Hedriks go 
down.  Jake gets his hands up first and puts Hedriks out with several 
quick punches.  Wincing from the heavy blow Hedriks landed, Jake uses the 
tool to open the oil tank, fishing his arm to the bottom.  He comes up 
with the prize:  a bulky package dripping oil.  As the oil runs off, it is 
revealed as a bomb.

INSERT - JAKE'S WATCH BESIDE THE BOMB'S CLOCK

Jake's watch shows 6:14, the clock on the bomb shows 6:16 and running...it 
should have already blown!

			JAKE
	Told him I didn't touch his damn watch!  Don't trip me, Jack...We've 
	got a live one.

Jack barks twice and heads for cover.

					CUT TO

EXTERIOR DECK - DAY

Keeping himself just under a run, Jake tries to jostle the bomb as little 
as possible.  He's got the look of a man keeping one step ahead of the 
Hounds of Hell.

EXTERIOR BOW - DAY

Jake tears onto the bow and hurls the bomb at the water, cringing back.  
In slow motion we see the bomb float toward the water from the water from 
the bow, and just as it hits the water, erupts in a huge explosion.

ON JAKE

He is hurled back, showered with water and blinded by fire.  Debris rains 
on him as the explosion subsides.  He clears his head and looks around, 
feeling his bones, assuring himself he's still alive.

ANGLE - TO INCLUDE JACK

He pokes his nose out from cover, coming over to check Jake.

			JAKE
	I'm glad you found out where it was.  I'll bet that black cat told 
	you.

Jack barks twice.

			JAKE
		(continuing)
	How do you do that, Jack?  I can't get the time of day out of a cat.

					FADE OUT

			_END OF ACT FOUR_


			_TAG_

FADE IN

INTERIOR TOWNSEND'S CABIN - DAY - CLOSE ON OFFICERS

Camera pans the stolid faces of the Queen's officers standing at attention 
as they had been when Hedriks arrived.

WIDE

Jake, Corky and Jack enter and stop, not expecting the reception 
committee.  Captain Townsend leads the round of applause.  Corky eats it 
up.  A steward begins to pass a tray of shot glasses.

ON CORKY

He nudges Jake and stands taller.

			CORKY
	We're not nobodys anymore.

Jack barks twice, agreeing, and preens.  A steward hands Jake a shot 
glass, and offers one to Corky.  Jake nods that Corky can take the glass.  
Townsend proposes a toast.

			TOWNSEND
	Gentlemen...Our deepest gratitude.

The officers answer the toast with a hearty "Hear, hear."  Jake trades 
looks with Bryant who rubs his chin and grins.  Jake turns, after 
drinking, at the sound of a "pssst" behind him.

ON JAKE AND MELODIE

Losing the officers and Corky, Melodie calls Jake back to the door with a 
crooked finger.  She looks radiant, complete with devilish smile.

			MELODIE
	How are a girl's chances of...what do you Americans say...bumming a 
	ride?

			JAKE
	I'd say they were excellent.  Where to?

			MELODIE
	We could go to some deserted beachy kind of place....

			JAKE
	I like the sound of that.

			MELODIE
	Then you can fly me back to the ship.

			JAKE
	That's the part I don't like.

			MELODIE
		(really disappointed)
	I didn't think you would...but give me a chance to persuade you.

He's listening.

			MELODIE
	I can't just run off forever.  I've got responsibilities...People 
	count on me and ---

			JAKE
	You're a Duchess and I'm not.

A little flush of anger creases Melodie's brow.

			MELODIE
	Hurt pride does not suit you.

			JAKE
	My pride's not hurt.  I'm just stating facts.  My home is an island 
	about the size of your rose garden, my friends wear dirty coveralls, 
	and I live in one room with a grumpy old dog.  Most of the time I 
	hang around a saloon.  I like it.  You spend your time bouncing from 
	one royal gala to another and...for some reason...you like that.

			MELODIE
		(coy)
	But, I also like you.

			JAKE
		(equally)
	Good, because there is one thing I'd like us to do before we say 
	good-bye forever.

Melodie reacts with the same shocked hurt that a little girl displays when 
she's told there is a circus but she can't go.

			MELODIE
	This is a fine time to think of that!  You're just about to leave!

			JAKE
	I know, but still have just enough time to...flamenco.

Melodie bursts out laughing with Jake as we:

					FREEZE FRAME

					FADE OUT

			_THE END_



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