- 5 months ago
CBS Radio Mystery Theater (a.k.a. Radio Mystery Theater and Mystery Theater) is a radio drama series created by Himan Brown that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network affiliates from 1974 to 1982, and later in the early 2000s was repeated by the NPR satellite feed.
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00:00Come in.
00:21Welcome.
00:23I'm E.G. Marshall.
00:25Welcome to the sound of suspense.
00:27Welcome to the fear you can hear.
00:32Even before Phoenicians first sailed out of the Mediterranean
00:36and opened up the seven seas to mankind,
00:39the rolling waters of the world have boiled from their depths
00:42some of the greatest stories of adventure, romance, and mystery.
00:48And of all the stories dredged up from old Davy Jones' locker,
00:52I think my favorite is the strange and seemingly insoluble puzzle
00:58of what happened to the Annabella.
01:01How best to start the story.
01:05Oh, yes, of course, why not?
01:08Let's read from the log of the ship that found the Annabella
01:12but calmed in the doldrums.
01:14August 7th, 1865.
01:21Log of the penguin, Captain Brisket commanding.
01:26No wind again this day as we drive through the doldrums,
01:31moving by paddle and steam to find becalmed
01:34a merchantman named Annabella.
01:37No answer to repeated hails.
01:40Sent Mr. Bascom to board her.
01:43His report as follows.
01:46Not a living soul aboard.
01:49The boats still snug in the davits.
01:52The captain's table freshly set for six.
01:56The crew's meal warm in the galley.
01:59All ship-shaped.
02:00The log records an uneventful voyage
02:04with no clue as to why she should have been deserted.
02:08Not a living soul aboard.
02:11Not even a rat.
02:13What can be the answer to the mystery
02:16of this ill-feated ship I cannot even get?
02:20I fear no one will ever know.
02:23Our mystery drama, Sea Fever,
02:35was written especially for the Mystery Theater
02:37by Ian Martin
02:38and stars George Matthews and Brett Morrison.
02:42It is sponsored in part by the Kellogg Company,
02:45makers of Kellogg Special K cereal,
02:48and by Anheuser-Busch Incorporated,
02:50brewers of Budweiser.
02:51I'll be back shortly with Act One.
03:05The Annabella set sail from Charlestown Harbor
03:08on the 13th day of July, 1865.
03:13Her captain was Josiah Adams,
03:16a huge and forbidding giant of a man.
03:19And all the rest on board
03:21were as choice a crew of cutthroats,
03:23thieves, and murderers
03:24as you could set between bulkheads.
03:26There was one woman aboard
03:28and 19 men,
03:30including the cook and two passengers.
03:32And the mood of all of them
03:34was ugly.
03:36And the folk soul,
03:37the bosun,
03:38led the drumlet.
03:41I tell you, Briggs,
03:42I saw them.
03:43Six of them,
03:44running down the afterhawzer
03:46like old Nick was after them.
03:47Six of them, Briggs.
03:48I don't like it.
03:50When the rats leave the ship,
03:51it's a nasty sign.
03:52No, I don't like much about this ship.
03:54Seven men on the cruise,
03:55Shanghai,
03:56no cargo aboard,
03:57and sailing on the 13th.
03:58Still, the bay is good.
03:59When we get it.
04:01If we get it.
04:02Now, you don't think
04:03we're the owner of board?
04:04No, no, no.
04:05It ain't Mr. Ames that worries me.
04:07It's Captain Josiah Adams.
04:09Huh?
04:09Not much gives a turn,
04:11but he does.
04:12I'm big,
04:13but he'd make twice of me.
04:15More like an ape than a man.
04:17Strong as one anyway.
04:18Yeah.
04:19Or like a bull.
04:20As you might say,
04:22if the liquor hasn't rotted his vitals,
04:25he's got a scowl on him
04:27like the colic was at him.
04:30Colic?
04:30There's no colic that's eaten him.
04:33You ever seen him without his cap?
04:35Huh.
04:35How often does a folksal hand
04:37see a Cap'n bareheaded?
04:40What do you mean?
04:41It was when I'd piped Mr. Ames aboard.
04:43I went to his cabin
04:44to tell him the owner was on ship.
04:46He opened the door and I saw him.
04:48His head,
04:48bald as a white turnip,
04:50and his scalp as chewed up
04:51as the riptide off Chatham Light.
04:54I don't get you.
04:55They say he lost his last ship
04:57in Hudson Bay.
04:59He was washed ashore
05:00and found his way back
05:01to the state's overland.
05:02The Indians caught him and...
05:04You mean...
05:06I...
05:07scalped him.
05:09And he lived.
05:10You see?
05:12So that explains his sour face.
05:15He mightn't be a bad master at that.
05:18I wouldn't count on it.
05:20I think his heart is as black
05:22as his skull is white.
05:25Don't forget the rats.
05:27They're full of bells.
05:28You're tricking the wheel.
05:29Let's not keep Mr. Peabody waiting.
05:31Come on.
05:33What more do you know?
05:35Watch, ask the captain himself.
05:36I think you're full of wind.
05:39I'd best get to the helm.
05:41You're afraid to ask the captain, Briggs.
05:43Why don't you ask the mate?
05:44Just this way.
05:45Tell me, Mr. Peabody,
05:46where are we sailing with no cargo?
05:48Why did we have to Shanghai
05:50half a crew?
05:51Take your leg there, Briggs.
05:53You're late.
05:54Warbell's sound is undrawn.
05:57Stand to the wheel.
05:58Aye, aye, sir, Mr. Peabody.
06:01Mr. Peabody, sir.
06:02Yes?
06:05It's like I...
06:06I was wondering for myself,
06:09as it might be,
06:10where are we headed for, sir?
06:13Africa.
06:14The goldfish.
06:15I knew it.
06:16I knew it in my bones.
06:17You knew it?
06:17Why did you ask?
06:18It's blackburden.
06:20That's what it is.
06:21Slave trade, ain't it?
06:22The slave traders did,
06:24I believe, Briggs.
06:25In America, legally.
06:27But not in Brazil.
06:29They still pay fancy prices in Brazil.
06:33That's what it is.
06:34I'm not alone.
06:35And if it is,
06:36would you object?
06:37Me?
06:38Not if the pay is high enough.
06:41One question, sir?
06:42Any further questions or answers
06:44you'll have to get from the captain,
06:47Mr. Ames,
06:48or his fellow passenger,
06:50Mr. Rogers.
06:52After you've stood your watch.
06:56They're in the cabin,
06:57if you'd care to risk it.
06:59Aye, sir.
07:00Yes.
07:01Hmm.
07:03So it's blackburdening, eh?
07:06Just what Christophson guessed.
07:15Wine, Rogers?
07:17Cherry from Spain.
07:19Sharpens the appetite before dinner.
07:22Something will have to wet mine.
07:23This miserable tub rolls like a horse in mud.
07:26Well, you'll soon get your sea legs.
07:30A small need of them I'll have where I'm going.
07:32You'll need them to get there.
07:35To the Gold Coast, Mr. Rogers.
07:38Uh-huh.
07:38The Gold Coast.
07:40Heat and dust and flies
07:42and traffic in human bodies.
07:44Slave credo Rogers.
07:46A fine job for a fine gentleman.
07:48Would you prefer a prison cell?
07:51The past is dead.
07:52I stole from you and was caught.
07:54You let me choose whether to rot in jail,
07:56in poverty,
07:57or in Africa,
07:57in luxury.
07:59I chose the second.
08:00Now in heaven's name,
08:01let's forget the first.
08:02Gladly.
08:04More wine.
08:05As much as you desire.
08:08There is no lack of it.
08:09Uh-huh.
08:10More than enough for the voyage.
08:12If the captain doesn't drink it.
08:15Captain Adams prefers a lustier brew.
08:18He must be the biggest man I've ever seen.
08:21And that head...
08:22I, uh...
08:23I wouldn't refer to it in front of him.
08:26He's tender about that scalp pit.
08:28Oh, I wouldn't blame him.
08:30How he ever survived.
08:31A tribute to his magnificent constitution.
08:35The man is all steel.
08:39Not all.
08:40What?
08:41No, he has at least one soft spot.
08:44Hmm?
08:46Oh, who is he?
08:47You mean his wife?
08:49Well, you know,
08:49the old legend is
08:50that it's bad luck to have a woman aboard.
08:53A woman aboard?
08:57Are you trying to tell me
08:58that Mistress Adams is aboard this ship?
09:02Why, of course.
09:03I thought you knew.
09:05This is no place for a woman.
09:08Oh, damn it, Rogers.
09:09I won't have it.
09:10The woman must be put ashore.
09:12I want to talk to the captain immediately.
09:14If you want the captain,
09:15you'll find him on the bridge.
09:17How do you know?
09:17Ah, my reputation as a ladies' man, Mr. Ains.
09:21Remember,
09:22I make it a point to determine first
09:24when the lady is available.
09:27You'd better be joking, Rogers.
09:29I wouldn't give that for your life
09:32if Captain Adams discovered you
09:34toying with his wife.
09:35The wind's freshling, Captain.
09:43That's God's worry and mine, Seaman,
09:46not yours.
09:47Hold it to the point.
09:48Aye, aye, sir.
09:49Captain Adams.
09:51What is it, Mr. Ains?
09:52A word with you, sir?
09:53No.
09:55What?
09:56You heard me,
09:57and get off my bridge.
09:59No one sets foot behind the wheel
10:01except that my orders are invitation.
10:04Give me, sir.
10:05I take on bridge it, your attitude.
10:06Take what you will.
10:07My only concern when I'm on this bridge
10:11is the sailing of this ship.
10:13Now, will you take yourself off it?
10:15I'll meet you after the watch.
10:17Six bells in the saloon,
10:19and you can have your word with me.
10:20I'm afraid that's not good enough, Captain.
10:22You forget word enough or not,
10:24it will have to serve.
10:26Now, will you go below,
10:28or do I have to throw you off bodily?
10:36What time is it, Michael?
10:38Oh, Captain,
10:39he's had six bells
10:40for you and Mr. Rogers and the mates.
10:43He and his lady will eat later.
10:45Oh?
10:46They don't join us?
10:47No, sir.
10:48Really?
10:48Either one?
10:49No, sir.
10:50Curiouser and curiouser.
10:52Why is this lady so afraid for us to meet her?
10:54I couldn't care less.
10:56She won't be with us long enough
10:58to trouble about it.
10:58Well, still, it's intriguing.
11:00Whitey, you've shipped with the captain before.
11:03Is it always like this
11:04when his wife is aboard?
11:06Mistress Annabella
11:08has never sailed with the captain.
11:11Ah, till this time.
11:12And this time will be a short voyage.
11:15Tell me, Whitey,
11:15what does the lady look like?
11:17Is she fair?
11:19Dark?
11:20Whitey!
11:22You talk too much.
11:24This is the last time I warn you.
11:26Now, hustle those old bones of yours to the galley
11:29and tend to your own affairs.
11:31Aye, aye.
11:34You want to know what my wife looks like, Mr. Rogers?
11:37Oh, a natural curiosity, surely?
11:41Then let me satisfy it.
11:43Once and for all,
11:45Annabella is as lovely as I am ugly.
11:48Ah, and we are not to meet the lady?
11:52No, we dine alone,
11:53tonight and always.
11:54One further word to you, Mr. Rogers.
12:00My wife is on board this voyage
12:02because I've decided
12:03that I will never go anywhere without her,
12:06nor will she go anywhere without me.
12:09We cling to ourselves, Mr. Rogers,
12:12and need no other companionship.
12:15I want you to understand this very clearly.
12:18You need to have no fears for your wife's privacy,
12:21for by tomorrow I want her off the ship.
12:23What?
12:24I'm ordering you to turn about.
12:26You could have saved time and trouble
12:27had you let me tell you earlier on the bridge.
12:30Turn about for where?
12:31Back to port.
12:32I don't want your wife on board.
12:35This voyage has begun.
12:37The course is set,
12:39and it will not be changed.
12:41May I remind you, Captain,
12:42that this is my ship?
12:44This is my ship, Mr. Ames.
12:46My ship.
12:48From port to port.
12:50Your ship in the harbor.
12:52Mine on the sea.
12:54My ship.
12:55Here I give the orders.
12:57Here I expect to be obeyed.
12:59In the name of all that's reasonable, man,
13:01in view of our business,
13:02can't you see this is no place for a woman?
13:04There's only one place for Annabella.
13:07My wife remains at my side.
13:09But on a slave ship...
13:11By my side, do you hear?
13:13By my side.
13:15Now we'll hear no more of this.
13:18Now, by the living God,
13:19owner or not,
13:20I'll clap you in irons.
13:26So began the voyage of the Annabella.
13:29Distrust and fear below,
13:31and tweendecks,
13:33with bad luck,
13:34hoping in the shrouds like a storm gathering.
13:36Her bow cut the water with good speed,
13:41but it was towards the wake
13:43the crew's eyes turned.
13:45For the legend is
13:46that Davy Jones
13:48swims the wake
13:49of any vessel marked for his locker
13:51on the bottom of the sea.
13:53I'll return shortly
13:55with Act Two.
14:07For the first week,
14:08the Annabella sails
14:10south-east by south,
14:11beating down towards the tropics.
14:14The crew still grumbled,
14:16and Rogers strove to drown
14:18the irresistible temptation
14:20to try and catch a glimpse
14:22of the captain's wife
14:23by drinking steadily.
14:26Two things served to deter him,
14:28the captain's wary vigilance
14:30and his fear of the sheer
14:32brute strength of the man.
14:34But once the ship veered due east
14:37and the mounting seas
14:38demanded more and more
14:40of the captain's time on deck,
14:41Roger's courage and desire
14:44began to grow.
14:53It's time to turn in.
14:55Really?
14:56What time is that?
14:57Oh, eight bells.
14:59I'd take a turn on deck
15:00if the sun wasn't down.
15:02Step?
15:05I'm for my bunk in a book.
15:07And you?
15:07Oh, the only book I care to open
15:09is the closed one
15:10that lies astern of us.
15:12Ah, if you're wise,
15:13you'll steer clear
15:14of both the captain
15:15and his wife.
15:17And that Spanish sherry,
15:19it's stronger than it seems.
15:22Good night, Rogers.
15:23Good night, Mr. Ames.
15:26Oh, good evening, Captain.
15:28Off for the bridge.
15:29Ah, it's making up
15:30some dirty weather out.
15:31I won't sleep much this night.
15:35Patten down tight, Mr. Ames.
15:37We may be taking some seas.
15:40Are you now for bed, Rogers?
15:44No, Captain.
15:45I'm not quite finished the bottle.
15:47I'd take it with me
15:48to my bunk if I were you.
15:50You'll be safer on your back
15:52when the swells begin to lift.
15:54Aye, aye, Captain.
15:56But you'll bring us through
15:57safe and sound, won't you?
15:59I won't leave the bridge
16:00till I know all's secure.
16:02I want you to sleep sound
16:06this night, Rogers.
16:07Who mans the wheel,
16:14Mr. Peabody?
16:15Asher, sir.
16:16Soundest hand we have.
16:18And the second mate
16:19mans the bridge?
16:20Aye, aye, sir.
16:21Good enough.
16:22Follow me, Act.
16:23Right, Captain.
16:24Here.
16:25Help me to move this hatch.
16:26Here.
16:27Here.
16:28Here.
16:28Here.
16:29Here.
16:29That's well enough.
16:31Now, batten down tight
16:32when I've dropped through.
16:33Make sure she's water tight.
16:39Aye, aye, sir.
16:48Who's that?
16:49Who's there?
16:51Oh.
16:53Oh, Josiah.
16:54I thought you were gone to the bridge.
16:57I intended you to think so, Annabella.
17:00Disappointed to find me back so soon?
17:04Disappointed?
17:05No.
17:06But how did you come back?
17:07Through the stern hatch.
17:09But why?
17:10I had my reasons.
17:12You're sure you're not disappointed
17:14that I returned?
17:15No, dear.
17:17You don't find it lonely
17:18shut in here in the cabin?
17:20Well, sometimes.
17:23I'd like to go on deck
17:25and feel the fresh salt breeze on my face.
17:28And meet the crew
17:29or the passengers, perhaps?
17:31Perhaps.
17:32Perhaps.
17:33At least the passengers.
17:34The owner of the ship
17:36and Mr. Rogers, isn't it?
17:39You know his name.
17:40Whose name?
17:41Rogers.
17:42You said it just now.
17:43How did you know his name?
17:44But I...
17:45But you've mentioned it to me yourself, Josiah.
17:48How else would I know?
17:50Ann.
17:51Ann, you love me, don't you?
17:53Of course, Josiah.
17:55And you'll never leave me?
17:56Never.
17:57Oh, forgive me, please, my dearest.
18:02You mustn't mind my jealousy.
18:05At Rogers, I see that look in his eyes.
18:08A hunger.
18:09A burning hunger for the sight of a woman
18:13and the feel of her body beneath his hands.
18:17Annabella, you knew his name.
18:20If you've been deceiving me...
18:22I've never even seen the man.
18:24How can you accuse me of ever forgetting I'm your wife?
18:27How can...
18:28What is it?
18:31Someone's coming to the cabin.
18:33Who is it?
18:34I don't know.
18:35Who is it?
18:36Josiah, what's in your mind?
18:39Whoever it is, I swear...
18:41Go in the inner cabin.
18:43But I...
18:43But you...
18:44Do as I say.
18:46Very well, Josiah.
18:49Mistress Adams, are you alone?
18:53Come, come.
18:53I know you are.
18:55I saw the captain off to the bridge for the night.
18:59Will you allow me to introduce myself?
19:02Thomas Rogers.
19:03Gentleman.
19:04At your service.
19:06Can I persuade you to share tonight's vigil?
19:10And join me in a glass of sherry?
19:13Oh, how kind of you.
19:15The sight of a pretty face.
19:17A pretty face, Rogers?
19:20Cap...
19:20Captain Adams.
19:21Mine was not the face you expected to see.
19:24Oh, you see, I...
19:25I thought you'd gone to the bridge.
19:26So you did.
19:27Won't you come in?
19:28Well, I think...
19:29I said come in.
19:32You wanted to meet my wife, didn't you?
19:35Well, yes.
19:35I must...
19:36But not with me present, right?
19:38Believe me, Captain, you...
19:39You do misunderstand.
19:41Oh, no, Rogers.
19:42The misunderstanding is all yours.
19:46Your first sea void, you said.
19:48You should have said your...
19:51No, no.
19:52In the name of...
19:53In the name of...
19:54Oh, God!
19:55My wife!
19:57Do you hear me?
19:58Mine, and no one shall touch her but me.
20:02No one will take her from me.
20:05No one!
20:06Josiah, what happened?
20:11I heard...
20:13Oh, you killed him!
20:16I should have snapped his neck like a chicken.
20:20But I wanted him to suffer.
20:22But how could he?
20:23He was nothing to me.
20:25No one shall have you but me.
20:28Josiah, aren't you afraid?
20:30Afraid?
20:30The owner, the crew, everybody on board.
20:33But when they find out...
20:34They don't find out.
20:36No one knows he's here.
20:38He'd make very sure of that.
20:40His body will go out the stern window and into the sea.
20:44Men have fallen overboard on a rough night like this.
20:47Especially drunken men.
20:49No one will know what happened to him except you and me.
21:00Tremor a little, Briggs.
21:01You're losing wind.
21:02Bring her nose up, man.
21:05God rot you for a clumsy fool.
21:08Here, let me have the wheel.
21:10Aye, aye, sir.
21:11Have your eyes.
21:12You've lost way on her.
21:13Sorry, Captain.
21:14The wind just neared a couple of points.
21:16A sailor should smell a wind change.
21:19Yes, but I wanted...
21:20Save your excuses.
21:22Do you think you can hold her on this tack?
21:24Just try me, Captain, sir.
21:26Here, then.
21:27But keep her running, okay?
21:29Captain Adams.
21:30Yes, Mr. Ains.
21:31I deserve it with you below.
21:32I can't leave the bridge.
21:34Have I been your permission to join you?
21:36If you insist.
21:40I'm searching for you, sir.
21:43I thought you were below.
21:45Are you in my cabin?
21:46Well, I knocked at the door.
21:47There was no answer.
21:48Are you inside?
21:49Of course not.
21:51It's not my custom to invade the privacy of us.
21:54My wife is resting.
21:56I...
21:56I didn't want her disturbed.
21:58What is it you want?
22:00Can we get out of this cursed wind?
22:02I don't want to leave the wheel.
22:05This fool handles it like a landlubber.
22:07You can trust me, Captain?
22:09I wonder.
22:11Come on.
22:11The path rail.
22:13Strange.
22:14Leave the way, Captain.
22:15Over here on the lee side.
22:17You'll find the breeze a little more to your liking.
22:22You know, I...
22:23I've been concerned since Mr. Rogers' mysterious disappearance last night.
22:29Mysterious?
22:30A drunken sot who never found his sea legs?
22:33I warned him to steer clear of the deck.
22:36We did every mortal thing we could to find him.
22:39Yes, I know, I know.
22:41But without him now to leave as my agent on the Gold Coast, I...
22:45Go on.
22:47Well, it's juiced awkward.
22:49Without someone to recruit the next batch after we leave, there's little point in continuing on.
22:55So, you think we should put back for America?
23:00Or the nearest port where I can pick up a suitable man for replacement?
23:05And perhaps put my wife ashore.
23:09Well, since you mentioned it, I...
23:12I don't trust women too much in a business like this.
23:16They, uh...
23:17They talk too much.
23:19Just drop her at whatever port we touch.
23:23Oh, I should be glad to make sure she's suitably settled, if you wish it.
23:28If I wish it?
23:30Do you take me to be mad, Mr. Ames?
23:34Mad?
23:36Well, believe me, sir, nothing...
23:39Don't you think I see through your childish subterfuge?
23:43Leave Annabelle with you while I sail off to the ends of the earth?
23:48No, no, please, I...
23:49You, too, trying to steal her away from me.
23:53But you can't have her any more than Rogers could.
23:57Captain, your...
23:58Your wife means nothing to me.
24:00I'll make sure she doesn't.
24:02Just as I made sure with Rogers.
24:04Then it was you who...
24:07Yes, I killed him with these two hands.
24:11And he disappeared.
24:13Just as you will.
24:14No, no!
24:15She's mine.
24:17Only mine.
24:20No one can have her but me.
24:23Into the sea, Ames.
24:30Like Rogers.
24:32The sea can hold her secrets.
24:41Are you all right, Captain?
24:42I thought I heard a...
24:43Riggs!
24:43I told you to mind that wheel.
24:45Well, I put the lash on it, sir.
24:47I thought I heard a cry and I...
24:48You said I could trust you.
24:50Well, you can, sir.
24:51Well, where's Mr. Ames?
24:52He's left.
24:53Why?
24:53Well, it was just that I thought I heard a splash and...
24:57Oh.
24:58I...
24:59I...
24:59I...
25:00You can trust me, sir.
25:02No, Captain.
25:03No!
25:04Let go!
25:04I wouldn't trust you with the wheel.
25:06No, no, Captain!
25:07I wouldn't trust you with my life!
25:10I...
25:11Two more overboard.
25:20Nineteen men the Annabella sailed with.
25:23And now there were seventeen.
25:26Evil men.
25:27All of them.
25:28And Davy Jones swam the wake, waiting for them.
25:32For the captain, mad with imagined jealousy, had crossed the line of sanity.
25:38His obsession convinced him that he would know no peace till everyone on the Annabella was gone,
25:45save himself and his wife.
25:48I'll be back shortly with Act Three.
26:01The squall that blew up so suddenly on the Annabella proved to be a full-fledged hurricane.
26:07That so fully occupied all aboard that there was no time to question missing men.
26:14Indeed, two other hands were blown out of the rigging or shaken loose before the Annabella found calm waters in the eye of the storm.
26:23Now again, discontent grows in the folks' room.
26:26The talk of a haunted ship resumes.
26:30The word mutiny is on everyone's lips.
26:32Mr. Peabody, Mr. Peabody, sir.
26:38Oh, dinner so early, Whitey?
26:40No, sir, it's, uh, it's mutiny.
26:43What?
26:44You heard me, sir.
26:46Mutiny.
26:46And about to break out.
26:48Oh, Whitey.
26:49Folks' little grumblings.
26:51You know it's all talk.
26:52They wouldn't dare.
26:53Mr. Peabody, sir, I've been at sea, man and boy, for over sixty years.
26:58I know when it's talk.
27:00They say the ship is cursed.
27:02Who, sir?
27:03The bosun, sir, Christophson.
27:06He says he saw the rats leave the ship before we sailed.
27:09And for an old wives' superstition, he's ready to mute.
27:12It's a great deal more than that.
27:14There's five men lost already.
27:17I'm aware of that.
27:18And most of all, it's the captain's wife.
27:21Bad luck with a woman aboard, particularly one that he keeps it away.
27:26Well, do they expect the captain to parade his wife in front of common seamen?
27:29No, sir, but they wonder.
27:30Wonder what?
27:31Some say she's a witch.
27:34She's ugly as sin.
27:36And some say she's sick of the smallpox.
27:40Smallpox?
27:41It's aboard, sir, I'm feared.
27:44Now you do allow me.
27:46I'd best have a look at it.
27:47If he has it, he has it.
27:49I'll put him in the lazarette so it don't spread.
27:53The first thing is the mutiny, sir.
27:55That has to be stopped.
27:56It has to begin first.
27:58It'll begin unless the captain puts about.
28:01You know how much chance there is of that.
28:04You of all people.
28:05Yes, I've sailed with that captain before.
28:09I always found him a hard man, but a fair man.
28:13Not this voyage.
28:15Something happened when he brought his wife aboard.
28:18He's not the same man.
28:20I think the captain means to kill everyone.
28:25As he did the owner and Rogers and Briggs.
28:29Aye, and even Padgett and Briggs.
28:31And we're blown out of the rigging.
28:32Perhaps, sir.
28:35Perhaps the captain shook him loose by nothing.
28:39Whitey, I think you're the one whose brains are scrambled.
28:42And then one lost overboard.
28:43And the two passengers and Briggs.
28:45Rogers fell over.
28:46Obviously drunk.
28:48A wife took the other two.
28:49Then why is there not one mention of any of them being lost in the ship's log?
28:58That's kept in the captain's hand.
29:01How could you know that?
29:03He was right in it.
29:04Here in the saloon last night.
29:07I was clearing the table.
29:09He left to get fresh ink and I looked at it.
29:12You can read?
29:14In sixty years at sea, a man has a lot of time on his hands.
29:20I taught myself long ago.
29:23You're...
29:24You're sure of what you say?
29:27On my oath, sir.
29:30And by God, we'd better turn back.
29:33Now!
29:35And not risk my neck to the hangman's loose by mutiny.
29:38Maybe...
29:39Maybe if you was to speak to the captain's lady...
29:43She's the only one to influence him.
29:47By damn you right, Whitey.
29:49Look, go hold off the crew till I see if the lady will come to our end.
29:52Aye, aye, Mr. Peabody.
30:02Mistress Adams?
30:04Mistress Adams?
30:05It is Mr. Peabody.
30:08First mate under the captain.
30:10Can you hear me?
30:13Mistress Adams.
30:14I wouldn't disturb you, but the matter's urgent.
30:18Mr. Peabody.
30:21May I ask what you are doing?
30:25I, uh...
30:27Captain, I, uh...
30:28I wanted to talk to your wife.
30:30My wife is indisposed.
30:32She's a poor sailor.
30:34And these last days have worn her out.
30:36How dare you disturb her?
30:39I, uh...
30:40I felt the matter urgent.
30:43Attend me in the saloon, Mr. Peabody.
30:45First, let me see to my wife.
30:48Aye, aye, sir.
30:56Fortunately for my peace of mind and your welfare,
30:59there, you did not wake Mistress Adams.
31:03Now, why did you wish to see her?
31:06Well, I, uh...
31:07I didn't think you'd be willing to bring the ship about in half her own.
31:11You're quite correct.
31:12I would not.
31:13Uh, feeling sure of that, I, uh...
31:17I hope to enlist Mistress Adams' aid
31:19and persuade me to change her mind.
31:21That was the only reason you chose to disobey my orders?
31:25That no one, no one was to approach my wife?
31:30What other reasons?
31:32What other, indeed?
31:34Why would you be so anxious to turn for home, Mr. Peabody?
31:38Because otherwise you'd face a mutiny, Captain.
31:42Mutiny?
31:43Ha, ha!
31:45Aye, Dan, I could ask for nothing better
31:48than to cut down some of the forward scum.
31:52If I didn't wear my pistols at all times,
31:56I'd have a knife between my ribs before this.
31:59Mutiny, eh?
32:01And if they do, where do you stand, Mr. Mate?
32:06I'm an officer, sir.
32:08But I'm armed.
32:10We'll remedy that.
32:12Fetch the second mate while I break out the arms.
32:15Then we'll muster the crew on deck and have this out.
32:19Aye, aye, sir.
32:20Well, what about the boatswain?
32:22Mr. Olsen?
32:24No.
32:25I won't put firearms in his hands.
32:28The three of us can stand them off.
32:34Turn back!
32:35Turn back!
32:35Turn back!
32:36Turn back!
32:37Turn back, Rob!
32:38A pack of lily-livered swine!
32:41I'll see us on the bottom first!
32:43Now, hark to what I tell you!
32:46This voyage can make us all rich.
32:49No owners split now.
32:51The profits are all ours.
32:53Sail on with me to Africa,
32:56and we'll all reap our reward.
32:58Aye, deep six in Davy Jones' locker!
33:01Do you speak for yourself, Mr. Christophson?
33:04Or all!
33:05Or for both!
33:06This ship is cursed!
33:08Turn back, and we'll make it, Captain!
33:09You question my orders!
33:11I say to hell with your orders!
33:13Mr. Peabody, sir, you know what's happening aboard this ship.
33:16We'll sail under you!
33:18Will you stand by us, sir?
33:19Well, Mr. Peabody, where do you stand?
33:24You see where my pistol is aimed, Captain?
33:27At me.
33:28I suspected something like this when I found you below in my cabin.
33:33What would you do now?
33:35I'll ask for your pistol, sir.
33:38I'm taking over the ship.
33:39But I guarantee you, safe conduct, sir.
33:42And my wife?
33:43Your wife, too, of course.
33:45And if I refuse...
33:46Don't make me pull this trigger, sir.
33:49That's just what I intend to do.
33:52Don't come any closer!
33:54You fool!
33:56Do you think I'd have handed you a loaded gun,
33:59knowing what was in your mind?
34:04Punishment for mutiny is death.
34:07Well, who's next?
34:09Who else wants to go on trial?
34:13I thought so.
34:15We'll smell the wind.
34:17The hurricane's coming back.
34:19To the rigging, all of you.
34:20And reach sail or by heaven?
34:22Reef them yourself, old bald head!
34:25We've taken our last order from you, you murdering devil!
34:28Go back to your cabin and tell your wife!
34:30Come on, you, Chris Thompson!
34:33Captain Josiah, some are armed.
34:35You should never have started this.
34:37Never started it.
34:39It's just what I want.
34:41I want to be rid of you scum.
34:44Now I have my stance!
34:46Turn back to where I will lose Hannah Bela forever!
34:50Never!
34:51Never!
34:51Never!
34:51Never!
34:52Not a puff of air, Whitey.
35:10No?
35:11In the wake of the storm, we'll lie here wallowing in the doldrums for God knows how long.
35:17It's just, well, sir, there's scarcely enough men left to sail the ship.
35:23What there is is dog tired and half alive.
35:27How many left?
35:29Timmons died this morning.
35:32Four killed in a mutiny.
35:35One more lost overboard.
35:36And Rudge, who died in a fall from the crow's nest.
35:42That leaves five, sir.
35:44Are they counting you, Whitey?
35:46They're counting me.
35:48Five of you still between us.
35:51We're woeful short-handed, sir.
35:53Yes.
35:54I have a mess cooking for the crew.
35:57Can I sit him down to eat?
35:59Huh?
36:00Eat?
36:00Oh, yes, yes, of course.
36:03We must all eat.
36:04But first, serve all hands a double ration of grog.
36:09Huh?
36:09Including yourself.
36:11I'll put a cask of rum out in the saloon.
36:14Oh, I are, sir.
36:16Before you serve the crew, though, set the table in the saloon.
36:20You are, sir.
36:21For six.
36:23For six, Captain?
36:25Certainly.
36:26The passengers, the two mates, myself and my wife.
36:30Oh, at last, my darling.
36:34I can bring you to the table as befits a captain's wife.
36:39For they're all dead.
36:41We have nothing to fear from them anymore.
36:44Only five left.
36:47And they'll be gone soon, Annabella.
36:50You understand, don't you?
36:53It's all to keep you.
36:55To hold them from taking you from me, beloved.
37:00To hold you forever.
37:06Josiah?
37:08Ann, what are you doing on deck?
37:11I'm looking for someone I once knew.
37:13Who?
37:15Josiah Adams.
37:17You?
37:18But I'm here, Annabella.
37:19Here.
37:21If only you were.
37:23But Josiah, I knew.
37:24I still am.
37:27With the blood of all those men you killed on your hands.
37:31They stood between us.
37:32And the ones that were left, whose drinks you poisoned, who are dying now.
37:37I had to kill them so we could be together always.
37:43Don't you see?
37:44That's what's tearing us apart.
37:46What were any of them worth to deserve to live?
37:50Blackbirders and thieves, riffraff and murderers.
37:54They stand between us no longer.
37:58Only one thing stands between us, Josiah.
38:01Josiah, why are you too blind to see?
38:05No, Ann.
38:07No, I took you from America with me.
38:10We can be safe on the other side of the world.
38:15I can sail the longboat.
38:17Just the two of us across the sea.
38:21We can scuttle the ship.
38:23And even if she were raised, no one would know her secrets.
38:28I've kept the log as though the voyage was calm and uneventful.
38:33Let them find the ship.
38:35We'll be gone.
38:37Tonight, at last, you can dine at the captain's table,
38:42as you always should have.
38:44And then we'll sail away.
38:47No, Josiah.
38:49Search your heart.
38:50And you know it can never be.
38:54It's all a dream.
38:57It's all a dream.
39:00It's never, never, ever.
39:05Anna, speak to me.
39:08Answer me.
39:10Call for her, Captain.
39:12Call for her.
39:14All righty.
39:15Don't be afraid.
39:17I'm still alive.
39:18But not for long.
39:20I thought you were a ghost.
39:23No.
39:25Only one ghost sailed with this ship.
39:28Quiet.
39:28You can't scare me anymore, Captain.
39:32I'm dying.
39:34But your wife...
39:35What about my wife?
39:36She's dead, Captain.
39:38No!
39:39She always has been.
39:42Long before we ever sailed.
39:44No.
39:46Yes.
39:46killed
39:48when the Indians got you.
39:51Dead for over two years.
39:53No.
39:54It had to be, Captain.
39:56It had to be.
39:58There's nobody in your cabin.
40:00Never has been.
40:02Don't you think I didn't know?
40:05Didn't I see her die before my eyes?
40:08But I cheated death.
40:11And I cheated him of her.
40:13I took her away with me to this ship.
40:17I had to keep her alive.
40:19I had to.
40:20You had to kill all of us to do it.
40:23Because all of us, alive,
40:27were proof that she wasn't.
40:29It had to be.
40:31You're alone at last.
40:32I will be.
40:35All of us are dead.
40:37Save me.
40:39And I'm almost gone.
40:41I'll be alone at last.
40:44And I can bring her to my table.
40:46Like the lady she is.
40:48The table is set for six.
40:51But there'll be only one of you there, Captain.
40:56Or five.
40:58The dead don't mix with the living.
41:02There's only one way to find your wife again.
41:06Only one way.
41:09The last of them.
41:13Annabella.
41:14We're free.
41:16Annabella.
41:18Where are you?
41:19Annabella.
41:20Anna.
41:21Come to me.
41:23Annabella.
41:27Annabella.
41:29I know you died long ago in America.
41:33But you lived on in my mind.
41:36In my heart and in my blood.
41:39I thought if I took you with me to the sea.
41:43Away from the land where I dug your grave.
41:47You could still live and breathe for me alone.
41:51There's only one way to find you at last.
41:55Oh, Annabella.
41:56Forgive me, love.
41:57For all that I've done.
41:59I'm coming home to you.
42:15Nineteen men sailed with the Annabella.
42:18And nineteen men went for the bottom of the sea.
42:22The ship weathered all the storms.
42:26But then, a ship is a woman.
42:29It only goes to prove that on land or sea,
42:33the ladies have the better instinct for survival.
42:37I'll be back shortly.
42:49Somewhere in the green depths,
42:52I wonder if the captain sits presiding at his table.
42:55But if he does, there's at least one empty seat.
43:01For mistress Annabella died on land.
43:04She'll never come back to the sea.
43:07Or him.
43:08Which seems fair enough, wouldn't you say?
43:12He didn't exactly deserve a happy ending.
43:15Our cast included George Matthews,
43:19Brett Morrison,
43:20Marion Seldes,
43:21Leon Janney,
43:22and William Redfield.
43:24The entire production was under the direction of Hyman Brown.
43:27The entire production was under the sea.
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