Dangerous Crossing (1953) Movie Script
- Oh, John, it's so exciting.
- Funny little Ruth.
- Isn't it beautiful?
- Oh, we don't have to admire it from here.
I do have tickets,
and we are sailing.
I just have to have a little time
to get used to everything.
Everything's happened so fast.
And, besides...
aren't brides
supposed to be excited?
Climb aboard, bride.
- Welcome aboard, ma'am.
- Thank you.
And watch your step, please.
Oh!
- Thank you.
- Not at all.
Do you think we're going
to leave on time?
Yes, ma'am, I'm sure
we'll leave on time.
- Are the "C" deck cabins this way?
- Yes, ma'am. Right down this way.
I think we're down
this way, darling.
"B-12"?
No, that's not it.
- You can get lost down here.
- I know.
"B-18 to B"-
Oh, here we are.
B-16.
Now, Mrs. Bowman-
Oh, John, darling.
- Oh.
- Oh!
- Excuse me.
- That's quite all right.
Well, it's the best
I could do in a hurry.
- You like it?
- It's just perfect.
It's the way I want everything
to be for you, Ruth, from now on.
It's the way everything will be,
won't it?
- If I have anything to say about it.
- Oh, darling.
I was such a mess when you met me.
Just four weeks ago. Imagine.
Four weeks and two days.
And you were not a mess.
I was too.
- You're sure you didn't marry me just out of pity?
- Certainly not.
I married you for your money.
We're gonna forget everything now,
except our honeymoon.
- Agreed?
- Agreed.
Ah!
Hey, you'd better fix that hair, young lady,
before you can be seen with me in public.
It won't take me a minute.
Oh, look. I wanna leave some cash
with the purser for safekeeping.
Why don't you run up on deck
and watch us take off?
Oh, I'd much rather be with you.
I promise you, a ship heading down
the river is 10 times as exciting...
as a purser and I
could possibly be.
I'll meet you in 15 minutes
in the main deck bar.
We'll drink a toast to us.
All ashore that's going ashore!
All ashore that's going ashore!
All ashore that's going ashore!
Which one is yours? Well, there must be
at least one man seeing you off.
Oh. I'm just waving
at anybody and everybody.
- My husband's with me.
- Good.
You'II, um, pardon my curiosity...
but you're much too pretty
to be traveling alone.
I was beginning to worry
about the competition.
- No competition.
- Then we may as well be friends.
- I'm Kay Prentiss.
- I'm Ruth Stanton. I mean, Bowman.
- Just married?
- Does it show that much?
I always forgot my married name
the first couple of weeks.
I've been a bride myself on occasion.
Is the groom seasick already?
No, he just had an errand to do.
I'm meeting him in a few minutes.
Well, you mustn't let him
out of your sight.
Husbands can get lost
so easily. I know.
Left rudder.
Soupy weather ahead, Captain Peters.
I like a bit of weather
on an off-season crossing.
Relieves the monotony.
Purser's report, sir.
Everything's in order.
- Nothing else?
- Dr. Manning is bringing his report.
- I'll be out on the bridge.
- Yes, sir.
- One of the passengers down already, Doctor?
- The usual.
The lady in C-42 got seasick
before we left the pier.
- Third Officer Barlowe complaining of stomach pains.
- Barlowe, eh?
- Too much shore leave, probably.
- I'd recognize that.
He reported for duty but was taken
suddenly ill just a few minutes ago.
Might be appendicitis. I've got
him in ice packs for the time being.
- Get him on his feet if you can.
- Yes, sir.
- Did you wish to order, madame?
- Oh, in a few minutes.
- Oh, waiter?
- Yes, madame?
I believe I will order now.
No. No, I'll wait.
- Oh, steward?
- Yes, madame?
Can you tell me where I can find
the purser's office, please?
On this deck, aft.
- To the rear.
- Oh. Of course.
Shall I hold the table?
No.
No, thanks.
- Are you sure?
- Quite sure.
- Well, I can't understand it.
- We'll check the parcel room.
- I would like to write a check.
- Yes, sir.
Can you tell me how long ago
Mr. Bowman was here?
- Bowman?
- Yes, John Bowman. He left some cash with you.
- 400 is all right?
- Certainly.
Just a moment.
I'm afraid we have
no record of it.
Well, you must have.
He was coming right here from-
- This is the purser's office?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Perhaps Mr. Bowman has been delayed.
- If you'd care to wait-
It's been such an awfully long time
since he left our cabin.
He was coming right here
and then meeting me in the bar.
Well, I don't think
it's anything to worry about.
We always run into these mix-ups
around sailing time.
Departures always seem
one big confusion.
But he said-
Why don't you go back
to the bar and wait?
And if he comes here first,
I'll send him galloping.
Thank you.
Hello.
- Don't tell me you've lost him already?
- You haven't seen him, have you?
Oh, of course not.
You don't know him.
Come on and have a drink with me.
I'll stand watch with you.
No, I can't.
I can't, really.
John?
John?
- Oh!
- Anything wrong, madame?
Oh. Yes. Would you mind
opening my cabin for me?
- I don't have my key.
- Are you sure you have the right number?
- Why, of course. B-16.
- I'm afraid there's some mistake.
- No, this is the one. - I'm in
charge of this section, madame, and-
If you'll just open it, please.
You see?
There was a mistake.
But-
But we were here.
- Right here.
- I don't think that's possible.
But I know.
This cabin has not
been booked for this crossing.
This cabin hasn't
been opened until now.
But we were here.
- If I could see your ticket.
- John has the tickets- my husband.
He... carried me across the-
- Did you say a mistake?
- It happens.
Many cabins look like
many other cabins.
But I- I know
we stood right here.
We sat on this bed.
My hat came off. I had to fix my hair.
I'll bring the purser.
I knew it couldn't last. I knew it.
Oh, John.
John, what have they done?
Why did I let you get mixed up
in all my troubles?
I beg your pardon.
Oh, you were asking
for Mr. Bowman earlier, weren't you?
- I presume you're Mrs. Bowman.
- Mrs. John Bowman.
- I'm afraid we have no such listing.
- But you have. You must have.
Here's the passenger list,
Mrs. Bowman.
But- But our luggage was here.
Everything.
Luggage-That is my responsibility.
There was none delivered here.
Is it possible you could've
been listed under another name?
You and your husband, that is.
Well, I don't see how.
He got the tickets.
He arranged for everything.
- But-But my luggage-
- Yes?
Well, you see, we were married only
last night, and naturally, my own name-
my maiden name was
still on the luggage tags.
- But I don't see how that could-
- What name was that, Mrs. Bowman?
Stanton.
Ruth Stanton.
Stanton.
Yes, I remember that name.
Luggage came aboard early.
Three bags and a steamer trunk, wasn't it?
- Why, yes, but-
- Here we are.
Ruth Stanton.
Cabin B-18.
But it isn't B-18!
It couldn't be.
Shall we have a look at B-18?
Yes.
Yes, of course.
This is your luggage, Miss Stanton?
- I'm Mrs. Bowman.
- I beg your pardon.
My-My husband's luggage was with mine.
What have you done with it?
I assure you, ma'am, this is
the only luggage delivered to this cabin.
But to our cabin, to B-16.
It was there. I saw it.
I do think you're confused, Mrs. Bowman.
This is your cabin.
B- 16 has not been occupied.
Why are you saying that?
What are you trying to do to me?
I'll call the ship's doctor.
Perhaps he can-
I don't want the ship's doctor.
L- I want my husband.
Please find him for me.
Oh, you won't find him.
I know you won't. I'll find him!
I'll find him myself!
Get Dr. Manning
down here right away.
It's all right.
I'm Dr. Manning.
Where's John?
Where's my husband?
We're doing everything we can.
- Did they tell you?
- I know all about it.
- We're trying to help you.
- It'll help us if-
Well, could you tell us, did anyone
aboard ship see you with your husband?
Well, there was an officer
near the gangplank...
when we first came aboard.
He might remember.
That'd beJim Logan.
Wait.
There was someone else.
There was a stewardess in the cabin
when John and I first came in.
I'll bring them in.
You'll probably be
more comfortable in the chair.
- Let me help you.
- No, I'm all right.
You'll be all right
if only you'll try to relax.
I'm very sorry about all this.
It's enough to upset anybody.
They don't believe me.
They think I'm-
It'll straighten itself out
in no time...
and you'll be enjoying the trip
with all the rest of'em.
Something's happened to him.
I know it.
Mrs. Bowman, this is Mr. Logan,
our second officer.
Jim, do you happen to recall seeing this
young lady come aboard this afternoon?
Distinctly. She arrived only
10 or 15 minutes before we cast off.
Are you sure among
several hundred passengers?
Well, this passenger, if I may say so,
is much more attractive than most.
Besides, her coat
got caught on the rail.
- I unhooked it.
- Then you saw my husband too?
- I don't remember another passenger with you.
- But you saw us!
I'm sorry. Uh, a lot of latecomers
were hurrying aboard.
But I'm certain I'd have noticed
someone with you...
especially a man.
This is Miss Quinn,
our bedroom stewardess for this section.
Anna, do you recall seeing
Mrs. Bowman or Mr. Bowman in B-16?
Why, no, sir.
I wasn't in B-16.
It wasn't booked, you know.
But you were there.
You were arranging flowers.
In B-16?
- I'm sure there's some mistake, madame.
- But you must remember.
My husband, he carried me
over the threshold.
I'm sorry, madame.
I'm sure I would have remembered that.
But-
If you need me, Doctor-
Nobody believes me.
- Do you?
- I'd have to know more of the facts.
You think I'm lying too.
Everybody does.
- I've got to go and see the captain.
- I'd rather you rested a while.
Will you take me to see the captain,
or shall I go by myself?
I'll take you to him,
Mrs. Bowman.
The captain'll see you now,
Mrs. Bowman.
Please sit down,
Mrs. Bowman.
I've filled Captain Peters in
as well as I could.
I know it sounds incredible,
but my husband is aboard this ship.
He-
You've got to help me.
I've already ordered
a search of the ship.
- If your husband's aboard, we'll find him.
- Thank you.
And now, uh, I'll want a little help
from you, Mrs. Bowman.
If you could, uh,
show me your tickets, for instance.
ButJohn,
my husband, has them.
Perhaps if you could show
the captain your passport.
I don't have it.
John took care of everything.
When were you married,
Mrs. Bowman?
Just last night.
Uh, where, may I ask?
Why, actually, I don't know.
It was one of those little towns in Maryland
with wedding signs all along the highway...
and wejust stopped
into one of them and-
Oh, what's the use?
Yes.
Oh, yes, right away.
Is it possible, Mrs. Bowman, your husband
could've left the ship before we sailed?
- Yes, he could have, but-
- We've just reached Ambrose Light.
We're about to drop the pilot.
Now, it'd be a simple matter...
to arrange for you
to return to shore with him.
But he wouldn't.
He wouldn't leave me.
It's your last chance to leave the ship
and return to New York.
I'm not going to leave this ship until
I find out what's happened to my husband.
- It was merely a suggestion. We'll forget it.
- Yes, let's forget it.
Let's drop it!
It's as easy as dropping the pilot!
- Mrs. Bowman, please.
- L- I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to. Oh, Captain,
everything I've told you is the truth.
We want to help you
all we can, Mrs. Bowman.
But you can scarcely blame us for finding
your story unusual, to say the least.
The minute I get a report on the search,
I assure you, you'll be notified.
- I'll show you to your cabin. A little
rest, a sedative- - I don't need any rest.
And I'm perfectly capable
of finding my own cabin.
You think I'm-
I'm afraid you have a patient
in your hands this trip.
- Can we have her story checked?
- Surely you don't believe any of that fantasy?
I don't know.
I want to find out.
If it'll make you any happier,
I'll have the New York office...
radio us anything
they can find out about her.
But in the meantime,
you keep an eye on her.
- Hello?
- Ruth, this is John.
Oh, John! Oh, my darling, where are you?
What happened? I've been frantic!
I can't tell you.
I'm hiding.
I can't let them find me.
John, I can't hear you.
Are you all right?
We're in terrible danger, Ruth.
I'll tell you more when I can.
All I can say now is don't trust anyone.
- Not anyone.
- John, can't I see you?
No, not now. We're being watched, both of us.
I must see you, but not now.
I'll call you tomorrow night
at 10:00.
No, John! John!
Oh, no! Answer me, darling!
No!
Operator? Oh!
- Operator. - Operator, can you-
can you trace that call for me?
- What call, madame?
- That call. I was just talking to my husband.
I'm sorry. I've had no call
for your number, madame.
But you have. You must have.
I was just talking to him this minute!
Perhaps he dialed your number. I have no
way of tracing a call on the dial system.
Oh.
Well, thank you.
Oh!
Oh!
Maybe I should mind my own business,
but you weren't at dinner.
So I asked the stewardess
to make you some broth.
Oh.
Oh, how nice of you.
You ought to drink it
while it's hot, madame.
Come along.
It was made especially for you.
Here.
- Unless you need me for anything-
- No, that's all right.
Oh, and thank you.
- How about unpacking? I'll help you.
- No!
I mean, please don't bother.
I'll do it in the morning.
Well, nonsense.
It's no bother at all.
- Oh, go ahead. It won't poison you.
- I guess I just don't feel like-
Yes?
Oh, yes, hello.
There's something the captain's
asked me to tell you. May I come down?
I'd rather meet you.
Yeah, perhaps that would be better.
Meet me in the main lounge.
All right, I'll be right up.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me.
I just got a call, and I-
Oh, dear.
L- I'm terribly sorry
about the broth.
Oh, think nothing of it.
You have a right to be a little shaky.
I'll have the stewardess
clean it up.
- I'm afraid my call disturbed you.
- Oh, no, it wasn't that.
I suppose you know why I called.
Captain Peters has a report
on the search of the ship.
He asked me to tell you
your husband isn't aboard.
- Captain Peters is wrong.
- I'm sorry, Mrs. Bowman.
- Either your husband left the ship
before we sailed- - You're wrong too.
My husband is aboard this ship.
Our crewmen are professionals
at this sort of thing.
People are always trying to stow away
and always getting caught.
- Are you trying to suggest that my
husband is- - I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.
It's just that there's absolutely
no chance he was missing.
- Everyone aboard is accounted for.
- That's not so!
Mrs. Bowman, please.
What are you trying to do to me?
You, the captain- everyone.
I don't understand.
My husband phoned me tonight
just before you called.
Mrs. Bowman, this has been
a trying day for all of us...
and we have done
everything we could.
But he phoned me! I'm as sure of that as-
You don't believe me.
Where did he phone you from,
Mrs. Bowman?
Why, I don't know.
He had to hang up
before he could tell me.
He just said he had to see me, and then
suddenly, I couldn't hear him anymore.
But I remember the foghorn from
somewhere near where he was calling.
- I remember that.
- You could've fallen asleep for a few minutes.
- This could've been a dream.
- But the foghorn- I distinctly heard it.
You heard the foghorn and you woke up.
It wasn't a dream.
I didn't sleep!
Then I'm going to insist
you try and do some sleeping now.
- We'll go into this again in the morning.
- But I-
- All right.
- I'll see you down to your cabin.
That won't be necessary, Doctor.
John?
John?
I thought I told you to go to bed,
young lady.
Would you mind telling me
what you're doing up here?
I could ask you the same question.
I'll answer it. I followed you.
That's what I heard when he called.
He was here.
And it wasn't a dream.
All right, let's say
it wasn't a dream.
Let's say you could
have imagined it.
- The imagination can play
strange tricks sometimes.
I wouldn't mention this
to anyone if I were you.
He's against me too. They all are.
I'll fool him.
I'll pretend to agree with him.
- Do you- Do you really think I could
have imagined it? - Such things can happen.
- I have been upset.
- Do you want to tell me about it?
- Do you think you can help me?
- I can try.
But not here.
You're freezing. Come along.
I'll get you something to warm you up.
- Oh!
- Careful.
Would you say that I imagined that step?
- Anything you'd particularly like?
- Order for me, won't you?
- Uh, brandy, milk punch, and a scotch and soda, please.
- Yes, Doctor.
Do you want to talk now, or would
you like to look around some more?
I guess I did it without thinking.
You see, this is
where everything started.
It's where I was supposed
to meetJohn.
If you're uncomfortable about it,
there are other bars.
No, I'm not, really.
It was just seeing the place again.
Mrs. Bowman, your conviction that your
husband phoned you was very strong, wasn't it?
- Yes. Yes, it was.
- You still can't believe it was your imagination, can you?
No, I can't.
It was so real.
You said you'd been
upset about something.
Would you mind
telling me what it was?
I'd rather not
talk about it, please.
Such things are hard to talk about,
but sometimes it helps.
Won't you let me help you?
Tell me.
Well, it all started
when my father died.
Oh, I'm sorry.
When was that?
About four months ago.
You were very close
to your father?
Yes. I hadn't realized
how much he meant to me...
until he was gone.
I know how it feels to lose someone
you love very much...
but you still had your mother,
brothers, sisters perhaps.
No. I was an only child, and my mother
had died when I was very young.
Then you were left
all alone?
Yes. I'm afraid I pretty much
went to pieces for a while.
I used to look around rooms expecting
to see my father walk in at any minute.
I wouldn't go out,
wouldn't see anyone except the doctor.
You were ill?
- No, not really.
- Then why did you see the doctor?
It was just that
I felt exhausted all the time.
How long were you
under his care?
A couple of months
altogether.
Was he a psychiatrist?
No, just our family doctor.
I don't wanna
talk about it anymore, please.
When you looked around the rooms for your
father, did you ever think you saw him?
Did you?
- No, of course not.
- But you couldn't help looking. Why?
Because of so many years
of seeing him around.
It's only natural,
like looking forJohn here tonight.
What did the doctor prescribe?
- He wanted me to get a change of scene.
- You went away?
I went to New York and I metJohn.
Everything changed for me.
Suddenly, I was happy
and well again.
Did John, by any chance,
remind you of your father?
Well, he was tall...
and he had a certain air of authority
about him that-
You're not trying to suggest that
John is just in my imagination?
I didn't say that. But it is possible
to create a father image...
especially in a case like yours
where you felt so badly in need of one.
He's not a father image.
He's my husband.
And he's in danger, terrible danger.
We both are.
- That's why he phoned me- to warn me.
- What did he warn you about?
You don't believe I have a husband.
You won't believe this either.
I can't believe or disbelieve
anything till you tell me.
I won't tell you.
I won't tell anyone! Let me alone!
Careful, Ruth. You can't take chances.
If you make a scene,
he'll tell the captain.
You don't want to miss
John's call. Pretend.
I'm sorry.
I know you're trying to help.
I get so confused,
I'm not sure of anything.
I feel so much better
after this talk with you.
I just hope I haven't taken up
too much of your time.
I was about to suggest
you take up some more of it.
A couple of days' normal activity,
some games, a little talk.
Yes, I think that would help.
I don't wanna monopolize you.
- Then I'll change the suggestion to an order.
- All right, Doctor.
This comes under the heading
of doctor's orders too.
Take two.
They seldom bite.
It'll calm you down.
Mmm.
- Good morning, Captain.
- Good morning. Patient showing any improvement?
Blood count's normal,
but the pain is still severe.
- I've kept him in ice packs.
- Oh, no, not Barlowe.
- That girl-What's her name? Stanton.
- Oh, Mrs. Bowman?
She was quite disturbed
last night.
I had to give her a sedative
to help her sleep.
I'm counting on you to keep an eye on her.
Don't want a crazy woman running around loose.
I don't think
she's crazy, Captain.
Too strong a word, perhaps.
Would you settle for hallucinations?
That's more like it.
Nevertheless, have I your permission...
to radio the Bureau
of Missing Persons in New York?
- What on earth for?
- I want them to check on the whereabouts ofJohn Bowman.
Well, that's going a bit far, isn't it?
We know he isn't aboard this ship.
Captain, I'm sure she's not
intentionally lying.
- I'd like to get to the bottom of it.
- Dr. Manning.
You're not, by any chance,
being influenced by a pretty face?
Of course I'm not.
I just feel sorry for her.
She seems terribly frightened of someone
or something. I'd like to help her.
Well, Doctor, remember, you're the
ship's surgeon. You're not a detective.
You can send your radiogram,
practice your psychoanalysis all you want.
But keep her under observation,
see that she doesn't cause any trouble.
- Yes, sir.
- The responsibility is yours.
- Good morning, Mrs. Bowman.
- Oh.
Good morning, Mrs. Bowman.
I havejust come to see you.
I have here a little book.
It might pass the time a bit for you.
Oh. It-It was good of you
to think of me.
I have thought of you
very often with concern.
Won't you?
Thank you.
I'Il- I'll return it.
- Oh!
- Look, you've gotta start simmering down, young lady.
- Oh, I'm sorry. L- - Last night I
suggested a couple of days' normal activity.
Do you want me to spell out
the word "normal" for you?
- Can I ask you a favor?
- Within reason.
I haven't really seen
much of the ship.
Would a conducted tour
be within the realm of normal activity?
That might be just
the medicine you need.
All right, let's try
a few doses of it.
I wasn't asking a favor for myself.
It was really forJohn.
- I hoped somehow, somewhere I'd find him.
- What's in here?
If I just kept looking.
They told me they'd searched the ship,
but I wasn't satisfiied.
I wanted to make sure...
and I kept thinking
I might find a place they had forgotten.
- What do they do?
- What?
- Those things there.
- I can't hear you. The engines.
But Dr. Manning
insisted I relax and try some games.
I didn't want to, but I pretended
to enjoy myself.
And then I wasn't sure
I was pretending.
He was good company, and I needed
to relax, even for a few short hours.
Mrs. Bowman, be careful!
This is not the safest
place in the world.
Sorry.
You said you'd call at 10:00, John.
What's happened?
Where are you, darling?
I've looked everywhere for you.
I've got to find you.
John?
John?
No! No!
Be careful, children.
- Good morning, Doctor.
- Morning, Harry. Is Mrs. Bowman here?
Yes, sir. I called your office to report,
but there was no answer.
I was out looking for her.
We lost track of her for an hour.
Oh, there she is.
Here.
You've had
an uncomfortable night.
I was awake, waiting
for the phone to ring again.
And then I- I wondered
if he really called at all.
You know people are not supposed
to prowl around the luggage hold...
without a member
of the crew.
Oh, so-
so they told you.
That hold was ransacked thoroughly
when they searched the ship.
You must trust us, Ruth.
You can't go on
being suspicious of everybody.
Take that man
you saw down there.
The steward was opening
his trunk for him to get a book.
Does that sound so villainous?
Oh, I am sorry.
So we've eliminated
one suspect, at least.
It's just that I-
I feel so frustrated and helpless...
because I can't do anything
to helpJohn.
We're doing
everything we can.
We're even checking
with the Bureau of Missing Persons...
in New York in case your husband
left the ship before we sailed.
Although, for the life of me,
I can't understand why he would.
He seems so nice.
He acts as if he really
wants to help me.
But how can I be sure when
I know he still doesn't believe me?
If I could only
learn more about him.
- Dr. Manning?
- Paul.
Paul. There's something
I've been wanting to ask you.
It's probably a question everyone has.
I've been waiting for this.
Ships' doctors and dime-a-dance girls
all get it.
"How does a nice person
like you get into this business?
"You're young.
You have talent.
Why waste it as a ship's doctor?"
Oh, now,
don't make fun of me.
After all,
I've told you a lot about myself.
Well, in books, the ship's doctor is
usually a man with a shadow over him.
Turns out he murdered his wife
and is trying to forget.
And you haven't
murdered your wife?
Through no fault of my own,
I never had a wife.
Well, then, if you're not trying
to hide anything...
and there's nothing to forget-
Well, take this crossing.
1,400 passengers in my care.
No specialist to run to
if they break out in a rash...
or fracture a kneecap.
I've saved the lives
of people...
I've never seen before
and will never see again.
I don't know
which it is I like more...
the feeling of responsibility
or the feeling of power.
I don't know many men
who could play God...
so many times
in the course of a year.
And what are you thinking?
It just occurred to me. L-
I don't really know
my own husband.
Everything happened
so fast for us-
the way we met,
times we saw each other, our wedding.
We were going to get acquainted
on this trip, and now...
instead I-I seem to be
getting acquainted with you.
Hello there!
Come on. I'll race you
the length of the pool.
Oh, no, thanks.
I was just about to go and get dressed.
You know, I just remembered something
that happened the day we sailed...
that might help explain
Ruth's story.
She was waving good-bye
to somebody on shore...
but when I asked her
who it was, she said no one.
No one?
That's very odd.
Well, she explained
she was just waving...
because everything was so gay
and she felt so happy.
Hmm. Possible, but strange.
It's also possible she really was
waving good-bye to someone on shore.
- Someone she hasn't told us about.
- Or her husband, perhaps.
Thank you, Mrs. Prentiss.
That's very interesting.
There's nothing in this desk.
- Hello, Ruth.
- Mrs. Bowman.
Just a minute.
Mrs. Bowman, please
let me talk to you.
What were you
doing in B-16?
Oh, darling, don't make us sound
like international spies.
It was simply that we
were curious about the cabin...
and I asked the stewardess
to let us in.
We thought we might find something
to help make sense of your story.
But we're poor detectives.
We didn't find a shred of evidence.
You're all so
patient with me.
I- I really didn't mean to-
Will you excuse me now?
Thank you very much.
All right.
Right about there.
Even off your end, Doc.
Oh, John, why haven't you called?
Please call me, darling.
Please!
Hello.
Oh. Y-Yes, Paul.
I know.
Just a little while.
Well, you know how long
it takes a woman to dress.
Yes, I-I will.
Oh! I beg your pardon.
I didn't know you were here.
Mrs. Bowman,
is anything wrong?
Oh, no. Nothing.
You startled me, that's all.
I was just going to turn down the bed,
but it can wait.
No, go right ahead.
I'm going out now. Really.
Mrs. Bowman.
Might I speak to you
for a moment?
Why, of course.
I've been waiting
for this chance...
- to tell you about your husband.
- Yes?
I mean, about not seeing
your husband with you.
- Oh.
- We see so many new people on sailing day.
Maybe I forgot.
Or maybe you saw another stewardess.
- Anyway, I'm sorry.
- It's all right.
- If there's anything I can do-
- No, nothing.
It's Anna.
Are you alone?
She just went up to dinner
with the doctor.
It's all working out
just the way we wanted.
Everybody thinks she's crazy.
Yes. Whenever you say.
But be careful.
John. John!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm terribly sorry.
Shall we go in?
Afraid I won't be
a very cheerful dinner companion.
Then I'll prescribe
a little champagne.
We'll see if that'll help.
Pardon me, Doctor.
There's a telephone call for you.
- Will you please check with the switchboard operator?
- Thank you.
- Excuse me, won't you? I'll be as quick as I can.
- Sure.
Come in.
- Doctor.
- Captain.
This just came from our New York office.
It's regarding your inquiry.
"Albert Stanton, President, Stanton Iron
and Steel Corporation, Philadelphia...
"died four months ago.
"Ruth, greatly disturbed by father's
death, was ill and under a doctor's care.
"When she left Philadelphia five days ago,
assumed destination New York.
"Neither Stanton housekeeper
nor doctor knows of a John Bowman...
"and are positive
Miss Stanton not married.
Hollister,
Managing Director. "
That confirms what
I've thought all along.
Of course she's not married.
You ready to believe it now, Doctor?
- This seems to be pretty conclusive.
- Mm-hmm.
Perhaps she'll stop believing it too
when you show her that.
Captain Peters, do you mind
if I show it to her later, after dinner?
She's still pretty upset,
and I'd like to break it to her gently.
We've been altogether
too gentle with her.
It's time we showed some concern
for the rest of the passengers.
- She hasn't made any trouble.
- Well, not yet.
Her condition,
there's no telling what she might do.
We don't want
a suicide aboard this ship.
She's to be confined to her quarters
for the rest of the voyage.
I'm afraid, sir, that might do
more damage than good.
I've got to know her
pretty well during the past few days.
I'm sure this hallucination or delusion
is the result of something temporary-
an emotional setback or disturbance-
and can be corrected.
There's nothing violent
about her.
- I assure you she won't get out of hand.
- Well, that may be.
This isn't a case
for you to handle, Doctor.
It's for a professional
psychiatrist.
Possibly it is, but it's still wrong
to make a prisoner of her.
Such a shock at this critical time
might do irreparable harm.
She needs help,
not punishment.
All right. Handle it your own way,
Doctor, for the time being.
Thank you, sir.
May I pour your wine, madame?
Oh, yes, you may as well.
One for Dr. Manning too.
Sorry I had to run away.
- You were with the captain.
- Yes, I came in with him.
Let's stop worrying about things,
shall we, and enjoy our dinner?
Well, I thought I'd been all over this
ship with you, but this is new, isn't it?
We're out of the residential section.
Commercial district.
Shops, offices, so on.
Aren't you overworking,
Miss Bridges?
- Just straightening up, Doctor.
- That's fine. Thank you very much.
Good night, Doctor.
Good night, Mrs. Bowman.
I want to talk to you alone, Ruth.
Won't you sit down?
It was the captain
I was with earlier.
This radiogram came to him
just before dinner.
Oh, it's not true.
No, it's not true!
It's not true!
- Ruth, sit down.
- Oh, no.
It's not true. No!
Young lady,
behave yourself.
You're going to tell me
the truth.
We're going to get
to the bottom of this.
I- I have told you
the truth, Paul.
Then why did you say
that radiogram was not so?
Because it isn't so.
They don't know aboutJohn back home.
How is it possible they wouldn't know
about your marriage?
- Because I didn't tell them.
- Why not? You must have had a reason.
- I did have.
- What was it?
Oh, I can't tell you.
I can't tell you.
The day we sailed you waved good-bye
to someone on the pier.
- What do you mean?
- You were standing at the rail waving at someone.
- How did you know that?
- Never mind. Who was it?
It was nobody.
I was just so happy.
- Was it your husband?
- No, of course not.
He was on the ship.
He still is. He phoned me.
I thought we agreed that phone call
was in your imagination.
I knew it wasn't.
- I lied to you.
- Now we're getting somewhere.
- Why did you lie to me?
- I was afraid.
- Of me?
- Of everybody.
I was afraid they'd
lock me in my cabin...
because nobody believes me,
and I don't want that.
- I've got to find John before something happens.
- Don't you see?
If he could have called you, he could just
as easily have called the ships' officers.
You don't understand.
He's afraid to talk to anybody but me.
He's in danger, terrible danger.
We both are.
Who could possibly benefit
by the death of you or your husband?
A man I hardly know.
Who is it?
He's my father's
half-brother, Fred.
He was always in trouble.
Dad always had to pull him out of it.
He actually resented Dad
for helping him.
He had to blame someone for
his own weakness, so he blamed Dad.
It's a familiar pattern.
He finally sold out
his interest to Dad...
but it didn't take him long
to go through the money.
Four months ago he was back
in Philadelphia.
I heard him and Dad
have a terrible argument.
When he found out that Dad had
willed the company to me, he-
he actually threatened him.
Said he'd stop at nothing
to gain control of his interests again.
They almost came to blows.
Then Fred left.
It was-
It was only
a few days later that...
Dad had his heart attack
and died.
- Have you told this to anyone else?
- Only toJohn.
You're not alone, Ruth.
We'll do everything
to protect you.
But you never believed me
aboutJohn.
It's possible I never wanted
to believe you had a husband.
Whatever happens,
we'll see this through together.
Right now I'm gonna
take you down to your cabin...
and you're gonna
get some sleep.
Thank you, Paul.
Paul, I-
I'm not afraid anymore.
Hello?
Oh, John!
Of course I will. Where?
The boat deck, darling.
Near the lifeboats. Portside.
Right away, can you?
And, Ruth.
Be careful.
Don't let anyone see you.
Oh, wait for me.
I'll be right there.
Oh!
Oh, darling.
Oh, John, what happened?
Oh, darling.
Come over here
where we won't be seen.
First we had a wonderful cabin,
and then we didn't have it.
When I try to tell them,
they don't believe me.
They think I'm crazy. When you
called and said don't trust anyone-
I was so afraid. I didn't know
who it was that was trying to-
- Someone's coming.
Meet me here later tonight- 2:00.
John!
John!
John!
Hello, Ruth.
Thought you'd gone to bed.
- Can I steal your Mr. Logan for a dance?
- With pleasure.
Excuse me.
- Excuse me, please.
- Certainly.
Ruth.
No! No, no, no!
- No.
- Dr. Manning.
You will confine Mrs. Bowman to her cabin
at once for the remainder of the voyage.
- Yes, sir.
- Oh, no. You can't lock me up.
Oh, please, you mustn't.
She'll be asleep
in just a few minutes.
John... 2:00.
:00.
Operator, th-
This is Mrs. Bowman.
I've got to see Dr. Manning.
I've got to see him right away.
I asked for Dr. Manning.
I took the call.
You've had a rapid recovery.
Where is Paul?
Please get him for me.
- Haven't you taken up enough of his time as it is?
- But I must see him.
He'll call on you in the morning
when he makes his rounds.
- It has to be now.
- I suggest you go back to bed and stop this nonsense.
Please.
You don't understand.
Please get him for me.
You're not ill, and you're not going
to get the doctor down here...
to hold your hand
over something you've imagined.
Good night, Mrs. Bowman.
Oh, no.
- You still awake, Barlowe?
- Couldn't sleep.
Too much lying in bed, I guess.
What was all that racket
I heard a couple of hours ago?
Mrs. Bowman again.
I'll give you a sedative.
- You've had your hands full with her, haven't you?
- Yes.
Tonight she got quite violent.
Sounds like she's
off her rocker.
Everyone seems to think so,
including the captain.
I'm not so sure myself.
Something peculiar going on.
I'd like to get to the bottom of it.
There's something else odd too.
Your pulse remains normal,
but you still have the pains.
Take the sedative anyway.
Sleep won't hurt you.
Actually, I won't need it.
I've been feeling much better.
Don't be surprised to see me
up and around by tomorrow.
- Glad to hear it. Good night.
- Good night.
I hope you don't have any more trouble
with, uh-What's her name?
- Mrs. Bowman?
- I won't.
The captain's had her
confined to her cabin.
Anna? This is Jack.
Jack. No, she's asleep.
She had an injection.
Wouldn't tomorrow night
be better?
Tomorrow's our last night out. We can't
take the chance. It's gotta be now.
Let her think she escaped,
but see that she gets out of the cabin.
All right, Jack.
Oh.
I got to worrying about you,
Mrs. Bowman, and decided to look in.
Is there anything I can do?
Why, yes, there is something.
I started
for a glass of water...
but I'm so drowsy.
- Do you suppose you could-
- Of course.
I'll get it for you.
Hello?
- She's on her way.
- Right.
Operator. Operator.
Operator!
Miss Quinn, where is
Mrs. Bowman?
She- I-I was just trying
to get her to sleep and she ran out.
I was just trying
to call you, Doctor.
- Oh, darling. I was so afraid I wasn't going to get here.
- Come on over here.
We must go to the captain
and show him I was right.
- No, no, no. Come on.
- But, John, we must.
No. We're not going
to the captain.
- Then to Dr. Manning. He'll protect us, darling.
- We won't need protection.
- What do you mean?
- Everything's worked out just the way I wanted it.
You made a perfect fool
of yourself.
- They're all sure you're out of your mind.
- No.
When you're missing,
they'll think it was suicide.
- No!
- That money of yours won't do you any good anymore.
- No!
- You've had it all your life.
- It's somebody else's turn.
- No!
Jack!
Jack!
Man overboard!
Prepare to lower lifeboats.
Oh, how could I
have been so blind?
I was in love with him.
I thought I believed him.
He came into your life
when you desperately needed someone.
You wanted to believe him.
Now everything he ever said and did
is like a terrible nightmare...
only worse because
it was real.
Ruth, listen to me.
You've gotta put it out of your mind,
the whole thing.
It was a nightmare,
but your eyes are open now.
It's over, Ruth.
All over.
You've got tomorrow
to think of.
Lots of tomorrows after that.
I know you're right, Paul,
but...
if only something could
make it go away for me.
Drink this.
It'll warm you up.
I've come to offer
my apologies, Mrs. Bowman.
You don't have to apologize,
Captain.
It's over now.
It's all over.
The stewardess gave us
a full confession.
She'll be handed over
to the authorities when we dock.
After we talked to her,
we found these in Barlowe's cabin.
Your passport and your
marriage certificate.
I'll take those, Captain,
until she needs them.
Mrs. Bowman, speaking for myself
and every member of my crew...
we're sincerely sorry.
I'm very glad I was so wrong
about you.
- Thank you, Captain Peters.
- Good night.
Good night.
Now drink your toddy, young lady,
and get yourself to bed.
One of those tomorrows I mentioned
will be round before you know it.
Paul?
Paul, I-
I hope you know
how grateful I am for everything.
Now you know what I mean
about a ship's doctor playing God.
Maybe now you'll have some time
for the other passengers.
We'll talk about that
tomorrow.
Good night.
Good night.
- Funny little Ruth.
- Isn't it beautiful?
- Oh, we don't have to admire it from here.
I do have tickets,
and we are sailing.
I just have to have a little time
to get used to everything.
Everything's happened so fast.
And, besides...
aren't brides
supposed to be excited?
Climb aboard, bride.
- Welcome aboard, ma'am.
- Thank you.
And watch your step, please.
Oh!
- Thank you.
- Not at all.
Do you think we're going
to leave on time?
Yes, ma'am, I'm sure
we'll leave on time.
- Are the "C" deck cabins this way?
- Yes, ma'am. Right down this way.
I think we're down
this way, darling.
"B-12"?
No, that's not it.
- You can get lost down here.
- I know.
"B-18 to B"-
Oh, here we are.
B-16.
Now, Mrs. Bowman-
Oh, John, darling.
- Oh.
- Oh!
- Excuse me.
- That's quite all right.
Well, it's the best
I could do in a hurry.
- You like it?
- It's just perfect.
It's the way I want everything
to be for you, Ruth, from now on.
It's the way everything will be,
won't it?
- If I have anything to say about it.
- Oh, darling.
I was such a mess when you met me.
Just four weeks ago. Imagine.
Four weeks and two days.
And you were not a mess.
I was too.
- You're sure you didn't marry me just out of pity?
- Certainly not.
I married you for your money.
We're gonna forget everything now,
except our honeymoon.
- Agreed?
- Agreed.
Ah!
Hey, you'd better fix that hair, young lady,
before you can be seen with me in public.
It won't take me a minute.
Oh, look. I wanna leave some cash
with the purser for safekeeping.
Why don't you run up on deck
and watch us take off?
Oh, I'd much rather be with you.
I promise you, a ship heading down
the river is 10 times as exciting...
as a purser and I
could possibly be.
I'll meet you in 15 minutes
in the main deck bar.
We'll drink a toast to us.
All ashore that's going ashore!
All ashore that's going ashore!
All ashore that's going ashore!
Which one is yours? Well, there must be
at least one man seeing you off.
Oh. I'm just waving
at anybody and everybody.
- My husband's with me.
- Good.
You'II, um, pardon my curiosity...
but you're much too pretty
to be traveling alone.
I was beginning to worry
about the competition.
- No competition.
- Then we may as well be friends.
- I'm Kay Prentiss.
- I'm Ruth Stanton. I mean, Bowman.
- Just married?
- Does it show that much?
I always forgot my married name
the first couple of weeks.
I've been a bride myself on occasion.
Is the groom seasick already?
No, he just had an errand to do.
I'm meeting him in a few minutes.
Well, you mustn't let him
out of your sight.
Husbands can get lost
so easily. I know.
Left rudder.
Soupy weather ahead, Captain Peters.
I like a bit of weather
on an off-season crossing.
Relieves the monotony.
Purser's report, sir.
Everything's in order.
- Nothing else?
- Dr. Manning is bringing his report.
- I'll be out on the bridge.
- Yes, sir.
- One of the passengers down already, Doctor?
- The usual.
The lady in C-42 got seasick
before we left the pier.
- Third Officer Barlowe complaining of stomach pains.
- Barlowe, eh?
- Too much shore leave, probably.
- I'd recognize that.
He reported for duty but was taken
suddenly ill just a few minutes ago.
Might be appendicitis. I've got
him in ice packs for the time being.
- Get him on his feet if you can.
- Yes, sir.
- Did you wish to order, madame?
- Oh, in a few minutes.
- Oh, waiter?
- Yes, madame?
I believe I will order now.
No. No, I'll wait.
- Oh, steward?
- Yes, madame?
Can you tell me where I can find
the purser's office, please?
On this deck, aft.
- To the rear.
- Oh. Of course.
Shall I hold the table?
No.
No, thanks.
- Are you sure?
- Quite sure.
- Well, I can't understand it.
- We'll check the parcel room.
- I would like to write a check.
- Yes, sir.
Can you tell me how long ago
Mr. Bowman was here?
- Bowman?
- Yes, John Bowman. He left some cash with you.
- 400 is all right?
- Certainly.
Just a moment.
I'm afraid we have
no record of it.
Well, you must have.
He was coming right here from-
- This is the purser's office?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Perhaps Mr. Bowman has been delayed.
- If you'd care to wait-
It's been such an awfully long time
since he left our cabin.
He was coming right here
and then meeting me in the bar.
Well, I don't think
it's anything to worry about.
We always run into these mix-ups
around sailing time.
Departures always seem
one big confusion.
But he said-
Why don't you go back
to the bar and wait?
And if he comes here first,
I'll send him galloping.
Thank you.
Hello.
- Don't tell me you've lost him already?
- You haven't seen him, have you?
Oh, of course not.
You don't know him.
Come on and have a drink with me.
I'll stand watch with you.
No, I can't.
I can't, really.
John?
John?
- Oh!
- Anything wrong, madame?
Oh. Yes. Would you mind
opening my cabin for me?
- I don't have my key.
- Are you sure you have the right number?
- Why, of course. B-16.
- I'm afraid there's some mistake.
- No, this is the one. - I'm in
charge of this section, madame, and-
If you'll just open it, please.
You see?
There was a mistake.
But-
But we were here.
- Right here.
- I don't think that's possible.
But I know.
This cabin has not
been booked for this crossing.
This cabin hasn't
been opened until now.
But we were here.
- If I could see your ticket.
- John has the tickets- my husband.
He... carried me across the-
- Did you say a mistake?
- It happens.
Many cabins look like
many other cabins.
But I- I know
we stood right here.
We sat on this bed.
My hat came off. I had to fix my hair.
I'll bring the purser.
I knew it couldn't last. I knew it.
Oh, John.
John, what have they done?
Why did I let you get mixed up
in all my troubles?
I beg your pardon.
Oh, you were asking
for Mr. Bowman earlier, weren't you?
- I presume you're Mrs. Bowman.
- Mrs. John Bowman.
- I'm afraid we have no such listing.
- But you have. You must have.
Here's the passenger list,
Mrs. Bowman.
But- But our luggage was here.
Everything.
Luggage-That is my responsibility.
There was none delivered here.
Is it possible you could've
been listed under another name?
You and your husband, that is.
Well, I don't see how.
He got the tickets.
He arranged for everything.
- But-But my luggage-
- Yes?
Well, you see, we were married only
last night, and naturally, my own name-
my maiden name was
still on the luggage tags.
- But I don't see how that could-
- What name was that, Mrs. Bowman?
Stanton.
Ruth Stanton.
Stanton.
Yes, I remember that name.
Luggage came aboard early.
Three bags and a steamer trunk, wasn't it?
- Why, yes, but-
- Here we are.
Ruth Stanton.
Cabin B-18.
But it isn't B-18!
It couldn't be.
Shall we have a look at B-18?
Yes.
Yes, of course.
This is your luggage, Miss Stanton?
- I'm Mrs. Bowman.
- I beg your pardon.
My-My husband's luggage was with mine.
What have you done with it?
I assure you, ma'am, this is
the only luggage delivered to this cabin.
But to our cabin, to B-16.
It was there. I saw it.
I do think you're confused, Mrs. Bowman.
This is your cabin.
B- 16 has not been occupied.
Why are you saying that?
What are you trying to do to me?
I'll call the ship's doctor.
Perhaps he can-
I don't want the ship's doctor.
L- I want my husband.
Please find him for me.
Oh, you won't find him.
I know you won't. I'll find him!
I'll find him myself!
Get Dr. Manning
down here right away.
It's all right.
I'm Dr. Manning.
Where's John?
Where's my husband?
We're doing everything we can.
- Did they tell you?
- I know all about it.
- We're trying to help you.
- It'll help us if-
Well, could you tell us, did anyone
aboard ship see you with your husband?
Well, there was an officer
near the gangplank...
when we first came aboard.
He might remember.
That'd beJim Logan.
Wait.
There was someone else.
There was a stewardess in the cabin
when John and I first came in.
I'll bring them in.
You'll probably be
more comfortable in the chair.
- Let me help you.
- No, I'm all right.
You'll be all right
if only you'll try to relax.
I'm very sorry about all this.
It's enough to upset anybody.
They don't believe me.
They think I'm-
It'll straighten itself out
in no time...
and you'll be enjoying the trip
with all the rest of'em.
Something's happened to him.
I know it.
Mrs. Bowman, this is Mr. Logan,
our second officer.
Jim, do you happen to recall seeing this
young lady come aboard this afternoon?
Distinctly. She arrived only
10 or 15 minutes before we cast off.
Are you sure among
several hundred passengers?
Well, this passenger, if I may say so,
is much more attractive than most.
Besides, her coat
got caught on the rail.
- I unhooked it.
- Then you saw my husband too?
- I don't remember another passenger with you.
- But you saw us!
I'm sorry. Uh, a lot of latecomers
were hurrying aboard.
But I'm certain I'd have noticed
someone with you...
especially a man.
This is Miss Quinn,
our bedroom stewardess for this section.
Anna, do you recall seeing
Mrs. Bowman or Mr. Bowman in B-16?
Why, no, sir.
I wasn't in B-16.
It wasn't booked, you know.
But you were there.
You were arranging flowers.
In B-16?
- I'm sure there's some mistake, madame.
- But you must remember.
My husband, he carried me
over the threshold.
I'm sorry, madame.
I'm sure I would have remembered that.
But-
If you need me, Doctor-
Nobody believes me.
- Do you?
- I'd have to know more of the facts.
You think I'm lying too.
Everybody does.
- I've got to go and see the captain.
- I'd rather you rested a while.
Will you take me to see the captain,
or shall I go by myself?
I'll take you to him,
Mrs. Bowman.
The captain'll see you now,
Mrs. Bowman.
Please sit down,
Mrs. Bowman.
I've filled Captain Peters in
as well as I could.
I know it sounds incredible,
but my husband is aboard this ship.
He-
You've got to help me.
I've already ordered
a search of the ship.
- If your husband's aboard, we'll find him.
- Thank you.
And now, uh, I'll want a little help
from you, Mrs. Bowman.
If you could, uh,
show me your tickets, for instance.
ButJohn,
my husband, has them.
Perhaps if you could show
the captain your passport.
I don't have it.
John took care of everything.
When were you married,
Mrs. Bowman?
Just last night.
Uh, where, may I ask?
Why, actually, I don't know.
It was one of those little towns in Maryland
with wedding signs all along the highway...
and wejust stopped
into one of them and-
Oh, what's the use?
Yes.
Oh, yes, right away.
Is it possible, Mrs. Bowman, your husband
could've left the ship before we sailed?
- Yes, he could have, but-
- We've just reached Ambrose Light.
We're about to drop the pilot.
Now, it'd be a simple matter...
to arrange for you
to return to shore with him.
But he wouldn't.
He wouldn't leave me.
It's your last chance to leave the ship
and return to New York.
I'm not going to leave this ship until
I find out what's happened to my husband.
- It was merely a suggestion. We'll forget it.
- Yes, let's forget it.
Let's drop it!
It's as easy as dropping the pilot!
- Mrs. Bowman, please.
- L- I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to. Oh, Captain,
everything I've told you is the truth.
We want to help you
all we can, Mrs. Bowman.
But you can scarcely blame us for finding
your story unusual, to say the least.
The minute I get a report on the search,
I assure you, you'll be notified.
- I'll show you to your cabin. A little
rest, a sedative- - I don't need any rest.
And I'm perfectly capable
of finding my own cabin.
You think I'm-
I'm afraid you have a patient
in your hands this trip.
- Can we have her story checked?
- Surely you don't believe any of that fantasy?
I don't know.
I want to find out.
If it'll make you any happier,
I'll have the New York office...
radio us anything
they can find out about her.
But in the meantime,
you keep an eye on her.
- Hello?
- Ruth, this is John.
Oh, John! Oh, my darling, where are you?
What happened? I've been frantic!
I can't tell you.
I'm hiding.
I can't let them find me.
John, I can't hear you.
Are you all right?
We're in terrible danger, Ruth.
I'll tell you more when I can.
All I can say now is don't trust anyone.
- Not anyone.
- John, can't I see you?
No, not now. We're being watched, both of us.
I must see you, but not now.
I'll call you tomorrow night
at 10:00.
No, John! John!
Oh, no! Answer me, darling!
No!
Operator? Oh!
- Operator. - Operator, can you-
can you trace that call for me?
- What call, madame?
- That call. I was just talking to my husband.
I'm sorry. I've had no call
for your number, madame.
But you have. You must have.
I was just talking to him this minute!
Perhaps he dialed your number. I have no
way of tracing a call on the dial system.
Oh.
Well, thank you.
Oh!
Oh!
Maybe I should mind my own business,
but you weren't at dinner.
So I asked the stewardess
to make you some broth.
Oh.
Oh, how nice of you.
You ought to drink it
while it's hot, madame.
Come along.
It was made especially for you.
Here.
- Unless you need me for anything-
- No, that's all right.
Oh, and thank you.
- How about unpacking? I'll help you.
- No!
I mean, please don't bother.
I'll do it in the morning.
Well, nonsense.
It's no bother at all.
- Oh, go ahead. It won't poison you.
- I guess I just don't feel like-
Yes?
Oh, yes, hello.
There's something the captain's
asked me to tell you. May I come down?
I'd rather meet you.
Yeah, perhaps that would be better.
Meet me in the main lounge.
All right, I'll be right up.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me.
I just got a call, and I-
Oh, dear.
L- I'm terribly sorry
about the broth.
Oh, think nothing of it.
You have a right to be a little shaky.
I'll have the stewardess
clean it up.
- I'm afraid my call disturbed you.
- Oh, no, it wasn't that.
I suppose you know why I called.
Captain Peters has a report
on the search of the ship.
He asked me to tell you
your husband isn't aboard.
- Captain Peters is wrong.
- I'm sorry, Mrs. Bowman.
- Either your husband left the ship
before we sailed- - You're wrong too.
My husband is aboard this ship.
Our crewmen are professionals
at this sort of thing.
People are always trying to stow away
and always getting caught.
- Are you trying to suggest that my
husband is- - I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.
It's just that there's absolutely
no chance he was missing.
- Everyone aboard is accounted for.
- That's not so!
Mrs. Bowman, please.
What are you trying to do to me?
You, the captain- everyone.
I don't understand.
My husband phoned me tonight
just before you called.
Mrs. Bowman, this has been
a trying day for all of us...
and we have done
everything we could.
But he phoned me! I'm as sure of that as-
You don't believe me.
Where did he phone you from,
Mrs. Bowman?
Why, I don't know.
He had to hang up
before he could tell me.
He just said he had to see me, and then
suddenly, I couldn't hear him anymore.
But I remember the foghorn from
somewhere near where he was calling.
- I remember that.
- You could've fallen asleep for a few minutes.
- This could've been a dream.
- But the foghorn- I distinctly heard it.
You heard the foghorn and you woke up.
It wasn't a dream.
I didn't sleep!
Then I'm going to insist
you try and do some sleeping now.
- We'll go into this again in the morning.
- But I-
- All right.
- I'll see you down to your cabin.
That won't be necessary, Doctor.
John?
John?
I thought I told you to go to bed,
young lady.
Would you mind telling me
what you're doing up here?
I could ask you the same question.
I'll answer it. I followed you.
That's what I heard when he called.
He was here.
And it wasn't a dream.
All right, let's say
it wasn't a dream.
Let's say you could
have imagined it.
- The imagination can play
strange tricks sometimes.
I wouldn't mention this
to anyone if I were you.
He's against me too. They all are.
I'll fool him.
I'll pretend to agree with him.
- Do you- Do you really think I could
have imagined it? - Such things can happen.
- I have been upset.
- Do you want to tell me about it?
- Do you think you can help me?
- I can try.
But not here.
You're freezing. Come along.
I'll get you something to warm you up.
- Oh!
- Careful.
Would you say that I imagined that step?
- Anything you'd particularly like?
- Order for me, won't you?
- Uh, brandy, milk punch, and a scotch and soda, please.
- Yes, Doctor.
Do you want to talk now, or would
you like to look around some more?
I guess I did it without thinking.
You see, this is
where everything started.
It's where I was supposed
to meetJohn.
If you're uncomfortable about it,
there are other bars.
No, I'm not, really.
It was just seeing the place again.
Mrs. Bowman, your conviction that your
husband phoned you was very strong, wasn't it?
- Yes. Yes, it was.
- You still can't believe it was your imagination, can you?
No, I can't.
It was so real.
You said you'd been
upset about something.
Would you mind
telling me what it was?
I'd rather not
talk about it, please.
Such things are hard to talk about,
but sometimes it helps.
Won't you let me help you?
Tell me.
Well, it all started
when my father died.
Oh, I'm sorry.
When was that?
About four months ago.
You were very close
to your father?
Yes. I hadn't realized
how much he meant to me...
until he was gone.
I know how it feels to lose someone
you love very much...
but you still had your mother,
brothers, sisters perhaps.
No. I was an only child, and my mother
had died when I was very young.
Then you were left
all alone?
Yes. I'm afraid I pretty much
went to pieces for a while.
I used to look around rooms expecting
to see my father walk in at any minute.
I wouldn't go out,
wouldn't see anyone except the doctor.
You were ill?
- No, not really.
- Then why did you see the doctor?
It was just that
I felt exhausted all the time.
How long were you
under his care?
A couple of months
altogether.
Was he a psychiatrist?
No, just our family doctor.
I don't wanna
talk about it anymore, please.
When you looked around the rooms for your
father, did you ever think you saw him?
Did you?
- No, of course not.
- But you couldn't help looking. Why?
Because of so many years
of seeing him around.
It's only natural,
like looking forJohn here tonight.
What did the doctor prescribe?
- He wanted me to get a change of scene.
- You went away?
I went to New York and I metJohn.
Everything changed for me.
Suddenly, I was happy
and well again.
Did John, by any chance,
remind you of your father?
Well, he was tall...
and he had a certain air of authority
about him that-
You're not trying to suggest that
John is just in my imagination?
I didn't say that. But it is possible
to create a father image...
especially in a case like yours
where you felt so badly in need of one.
He's not a father image.
He's my husband.
And he's in danger, terrible danger.
We both are.
- That's why he phoned me- to warn me.
- What did he warn you about?
You don't believe I have a husband.
You won't believe this either.
I can't believe or disbelieve
anything till you tell me.
I won't tell you.
I won't tell anyone! Let me alone!
Careful, Ruth. You can't take chances.
If you make a scene,
he'll tell the captain.
You don't want to miss
John's call. Pretend.
I'm sorry.
I know you're trying to help.
I get so confused,
I'm not sure of anything.
I feel so much better
after this talk with you.
I just hope I haven't taken up
too much of your time.
I was about to suggest
you take up some more of it.
A couple of days' normal activity,
some games, a little talk.
Yes, I think that would help.
I don't wanna monopolize you.
- Then I'll change the suggestion to an order.
- All right, Doctor.
This comes under the heading
of doctor's orders too.
Take two.
They seldom bite.
It'll calm you down.
Mmm.
- Good morning, Captain.
- Good morning. Patient showing any improvement?
Blood count's normal,
but the pain is still severe.
- I've kept him in ice packs.
- Oh, no, not Barlowe.
- That girl-What's her name? Stanton.
- Oh, Mrs. Bowman?
She was quite disturbed
last night.
I had to give her a sedative
to help her sleep.
I'm counting on you to keep an eye on her.
Don't want a crazy woman running around loose.
I don't think
she's crazy, Captain.
Too strong a word, perhaps.
Would you settle for hallucinations?
That's more like it.
Nevertheless, have I your permission...
to radio the Bureau
of Missing Persons in New York?
- What on earth for?
- I want them to check on the whereabouts ofJohn Bowman.
Well, that's going a bit far, isn't it?
We know he isn't aboard this ship.
Captain, I'm sure she's not
intentionally lying.
- I'd like to get to the bottom of it.
- Dr. Manning.
You're not, by any chance,
being influenced by a pretty face?
Of course I'm not.
I just feel sorry for her.
She seems terribly frightened of someone
or something. I'd like to help her.
Well, Doctor, remember, you're the
ship's surgeon. You're not a detective.
You can send your radiogram,
practice your psychoanalysis all you want.
But keep her under observation,
see that she doesn't cause any trouble.
- Yes, sir.
- The responsibility is yours.
- Good morning, Mrs. Bowman.
- Oh.
Good morning, Mrs. Bowman.
I havejust come to see you.
I have here a little book.
It might pass the time a bit for you.
Oh. It-It was good of you
to think of me.
I have thought of you
very often with concern.
Won't you?
Thank you.
I'Il- I'll return it.
- Oh!
- Look, you've gotta start simmering down, young lady.
- Oh, I'm sorry. L- - Last night I
suggested a couple of days' normal activity.
Do you want me to spell out
the word "normal" for you?
- Can I ask you a favor?
- Within reason.
I haven't really seen
much of the ship.
Would a conducted tour
be within the realm of normal activity?
That might be just
the medicine you need.
All right, let's try
a few doses of it.
I wasn't asking a favor for myself.
It was really forJohn.
- I hoped somehow, somewhere I'd find him.
- What's in here?
If I just kept looking.
They told me they'd searched the ship,
but I wasn't satisfiied.
I wanted to make sure...
and I kept thinking
I might find a place they had forgotten.
- What do they do?
- What?
- Those things there.
- I can't hear you. The engines.
But Dr. Manning
insisted I relax and try some games.
I didn't want to, but I pretended
to enjoy myself.
And then I wasn't sure
I was pretending.
He was good company, and I needed
to relax, even for a few short hours.
Mrs. Bowman, be careful!
This is not the safest
place in the world.
Sorry.
You said you'd call at 10:00, John.
What's happened?
Where are you, darling?
I've looked everywhere for you.
I've got to find you.
John?
John?
No! No!
Be careful, children.
- Good morning, Doctor.
- Morning, Harry. Is Mrs. Bowman here?
Yes, sir. I called your office to report,
but there was no answer.
I was out looking for her.
We lost track of her for an hour.
Oh, there she is.
Here.
You've had
an uncomfortable night.
I was awake, waiting
for the phone to ring again.
And then I- I wondered
if he really called at all.
You know people are not supposed
to prowl around the luggage hold...
without a member
of the crew.
Oh, so-
so they told you.
That hold was ransacked thoroughly
when they searched the ship.
You must trust us, Ruth.
You can't go on
being suspicious of everybody.
Take that man
you saw down there.
The steward was opening
his trunk for him to get a book.
Does that sound so villainous?
Oh, I am sorry.
So we've eliminated
one suspect, at least.
It's just that I-
I feel so frustrated and helpless...
because I can't do anything
to helpJohn.
We're doing
everything we can.
We're even checking
with the Bureau of Missing Persons...
in New York in case your husband
left the ship before we sailed.
Although, for the life of me,
I can't understand why he would.
He seems so nice.
He acts as if he really
wants to help me.
But how can I be sure when
I know he still doesn't believe me?
If I could only
learn more about him.
- Dr. Manning?
- Paul.
Paul. There's something
I've been wanting to ask you.
It's probably a question everyone has.
I've been waiting for this.
Ships' doctors and dime-a-dance girls
all get it.
"How does a nice person
like you get into this business?
"You're young.
You have talent.
Why waste it as a ship's doctor?"
Oh, now,
don't make fun of me.
After all,
I've told you a lot about myself.
Well, in books, the ship's doctor is
usually a man with a shadow over him.
Turns out he murdered his wife
and is trying to forget.
And you haven't
murdered your wife?
Through no fault of my own,
I never had a wife.
Well, then, if you're not trying
to hide anything...
and there's nothing to forget-
Well, take this crossing.
1,400 passengers in my care.
No specialist to run to
if they break out in a rash...
or fracture a kneecap.
I've saved the lives
of people...
I've never seen before
and will never see again.
I don't know
which it is I like more...
the feeling of responsibility
or the feeling of power.
I don't know many men
who could play God...
so many times
in the course of a year.
And what are you thinking?
It just occurred to me. L-
I don't really know
my own husband.
Everything happened
so fast for us-
the way we met,
times we saw each other, our wedding.
We were going to get acquainted
on this trip, and now...
instead I-I seem to be
getting acquainted with you.
Hello there!
Come on. I'll race you
the length of the pool.
Oh, no, thanks.
I was just about to go and get dressed.
You know, I just remembered something
that happened the day we sailed...
that might help explain
Ruth's story.
She was waving good-bye
to somebody on shore...
but when I asked her
who it was, she said no one.
No one?
That's very odd.
Well, she explained
she was just waving...
because everything was so gay
and she felt so happy.
Hmm. Possible, but strange.
It's also possible she really was
waving good-bye to someone on shore.
- Someone she hasn't told us about.
- Or her husband, perhaps.
Thank you, Mrs. Prentiss.
That's very interesting.
There's nothing in this desk.
- Hello, Ruth.
- Mrs. Bowman.
Just a minute.
Mrs. Bowman, please
let me talk to you.
What were you
doing in B-16?
Oh, darling, don't make us sound
like international spies.
It was simply that we
were curious about the cabin...
and I asked the stewardess
to let us in.
We thought we might find something
to help make sense of your story.
But we're poor detectives.
We didn't find a shred of evidence.
You're all so
patient with me.
I- I really didn't mean to-
Will you excuse me now?
Thank you very much.
All right.
Right about there.
Even off your end, Doc.
Oh, John, why haven't you called?
Please call me, darling.
Please!
Hello.
Oh. Y-Yes, Paul.
I know.
Just a little while.
Well, you know how long
it takes a woman to dress.
Yes, I-I will.
Oh! I beg your pardon.
I didn't know you were here.
Mrs. Bowman,
is anything wrong?
Oh, no. Nothing.
You startled me, that's all.
I was just going to turn down the bed,
but it can wait.
No, go right ahead.
I'm going out now. Really.
Mrs. Bowman.
Might I speak to you
for a moment?
Why, of course.
I've been waiting
for this chance...
- to tell you about your husband.
- Yes?
I mean, about not seeing
your husband with you.
- Oh.
- We see so many new people on sailing day.
Maybe I forgot.
Or maybe you saw another stewardess.
- Anyway, I'm sorry.
- It's all right.
- If there's anything I can do-
- No, nothing.
It's Anna.
Are you alone?
She just went up to dinner
with the doctor.
It's all working out
just the way we wanted.
Everybody thinks she's crazy.
Yes. Whenever you say.
But be careful.
John. John!
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm terribly sorry.
Shall we go in?
Afraid I won't be
a very cheerful dinner companion.
Then I'll prescribe
a little champagne.
We'll see if that'll help.
Pardon me, Doctor.
There's a telephone call for you.
- Will you please check with the switchboard operator?
- Thank you.
- Excuse me, won't you? I'll be as quick as I can.
- Sure.
Come in.
- Doctor.
- Captain.
This just came from our New York office.
It's regarding your inquiry.
"Albert Stanton, President, Stanton Iron
and Steel Corporation, Philadelphia...
"died four months ago.
"Ruth, greatly disturbed by father's
death, was ill and under a doctor's care.
"When she left Philadelphia five days ago,
assumed destination New York.
"Neither Stanton housekeeper
nor doctor knows of a John Bowman...
"and are positive
Miss Stanton not married.
Hollister,
Managing Director. "
That confirms what
I've thought all along.
Of course she's not married.
You ready to believe it now, Doctor?
- This seems to be pretty conclusive.
- Mm-hmm.
Perhaps she'll stop believing it too
when you show her that.
Captain Peters, do you mind
if I show it to her later, after dinner?
She's still pretty upset,
and I'd like to break it to her gently.
We've been altogether
too gentle with her.
It's time we showed some concern
for the rest of the passengers.
- She hasn't made any trouble.
- Well, not yet.
Her condition,
there's no telling what she might do.
We don't want
a suicide aboard this ship.
She's to be confined to her quarters
for the rest of the voyage.
I'm afraid, sir, that might do
more damage than good.
I've got to know her
pretty well during the past few days.
I'm sure this hallucination or delusion
is the result of something temporary-
an emotional setback or disturbance-
and can be corrected.
There's nothing violent
about her.
- I assure you she won't get out of hand.
- Well, that may be.
This isn't a case
for you to handle, Doctor.
It's for a professional
psychiatrist.
Possibly it is, but it's still wrong
to make a prisoner of her.
Such a shock at this critical time
might do irreparable harm.
She needs help,
not punishment.
All right. Handle it your own way,
Doctor, for the time being.
Thank you, sir.
May I pour your wine, madame?
Oh, yes, you may as well.
One for Dr. Manning too.
Sorry I had to run away.
- You were with the captain.
- Yes, I came in with him.
Let's stop worrying about things,
shall we, and enjoy our dinner?
Well, I thought I'd been all over this
ship with you, but this is new, isn't it?
We're out of the residential section.
Commercial district.
Shops, offices, so on.
Aren't you overworking,
Miss Bridges?
- Just straightening up, Doctor.
- That's fine. Thank you very much.
Good night, Doctor.
Good night, Mrs. Bowman.
I want to talk to you alone, Ruth.
Won't you sit down?
It was the captain
I was with earlier.
This radiogram came to him
just before dinner.
Oh, it's not true.
No, it's not true!
It's not true!
- Ruth, sit down.
- Oh, no.
It's not true. No!
Young lady,
behave yourself.
You're going to tell me
the truth.
We're going to get
to the bottom of this.
I- I have told you
the truth, Paul.
Then why did you say
that radiogram was not so?
Because it isn't so.
They don't know aboutJohn back home.
How is it possible they wouldn't know
about your marriage?
- Because I didn't tell them.
- Why not? You must have had a reason.
- I did have.
- What was it?
Oh, I can't tell you.
I can't tell you.
The day we sailed you waved good-bye
to someone on the pier.
- What do you mean?
- You were standing at the rail waving at someone.
- How did you know that?
- Never mind. Who was it?
It was nobody.
I was just so happy.
- Was it your husband?
- No, of course not.
He was on the ship.
He still is. He phoned me.
I thought we agreed that phone call
was in your imagination.
I knew it wasn't.
- I lied to you.
- Now we're getting somewhere.
- Why did you lie to me?
- I was afraid.
- Of me?
- Of everybody.
I was afraid they'd
lock me in my cabin...
because nobody believes me,
and I don't want that.
- I've got to find John before something happens.
- Don't you see?
If he could have called you, he could just
as easily have called the ships' officers.
You don't understand.
He's afraid to talk to anybody but me.
He's in danger, terrible danger.
We both are.
Who could possibly benefit
by the death of you or your husband?
A man I hardly know.
Who is it?
He's my father's
half-brother, Fred.
He was always in trouble.
Dad always had to pull him out of it.
He actually resented Dad
for helping him.
He had to blame someone for
his own weakness, so he blamed Dad.
It's a familiar pattern.
He finally sold out
his interest to Dad...
but it didn't take him long
to go through the money.
Four months ago he was back
in Philadelphia.
I heard him and Dad
have a terrible argument.
When he found out that Dad had
willed the company to me, he-
he actually threatened him.
Said he'd stop at nothing
to gain control of his interests again.
They almost came to blows.
Then Fred left.
It was-
It was only
a few days later that...
Dad had his heart attack
and died.
- Have you told this to anyone else?
- Only toJohn.
You're not alone, Ruth.
We'll do everything
to protect you.
But you never believed me
aboutJohn.
It's possible I never wanted
to believe you had a husband.
Whatever happens,
we'll see this through together.
Right now I'm gonna
take you down to your cabin...
and you're gonna
get some sleep.
Thank you, Paul.
Paul, I-
I'm not afraid anymore.
Hello?
Oh, John!
Of course I will. Where?
The boat deck, darling.
Near the lifeboats. Portside.
Right away, can you?
And, Ruth.
Be careful.
Don't let anyone see you.
Oh, wait for me.
I'll be right there.
Oh!
Oh, darling.
Oh, John, what happened?
Oh, darling.
Come over here
where we won't be seen.
First we had a wonderful cabin,
and then we didn't have it.
When I try to tell them,
they don't believe me.
They think I'm crazy. When you
called and said don't trust anyone-
I was so afraid. I didn't know
who it was that was trying to-
- Someone's coming.
Meet me here later tonight- 2:00.
John!
John!
John!
Hello, Ruth.
Thought you'd gone to bed.
- Can I steal your Mr. Logan for a dance?
- With pleasure.
Excuse me.
- Excuse me, please.
- Certainly.
Ruth.
No! No, no, no!
- No.
- Dr. Manning.
You will confine Mrs. Bowman to her cabin
at once for the remainder of the voyage.
- Yes, sir.
- Oh, no. You can't lock me up.
Oh, please, you mustn't.
She'll be asleep
in just a few minutes.
John... 2:00.
:00.
Operator, th-
This is Mrs. Bowman.
I've got to see Dr. Manning.
I've got to see him right away.
I asked for Dr. Manning.
I took the call.
You've had a rapid recovery.
Where is Paul?
Please get him for me.
- Haven't you taken up enough of his time as it is?
- But I must see him.
He'll call on you in the morning
when he makes his rounds.
- It has to be now.
- I suggest you go back to bed and stop this nonsense.
Please.
You don't understand.
Please get him for me.
You're not ill, and you're not going
to get the doctor down here...
to hold your hand
over something you've imagined.
Good night, Mrs. Bowman.
Oh, no.
- You still awake, Barlowe?
- Couldn't sleep.
Too much lying in bed, I guess.
What was all that racket
I heard a couple of hours ago?
Mrs. Bowman again.
I'll give you a sedative.
- You've had your hands full with her, haven't you?
- Yes.
Tonight she got quite violent.
Sounds like she's
off her rocker.
Everyone seems to think so,
including the captain.
I'm not so sure myself.
Something peculiar going on.
I'd like to get to the bottom of it.
There's something else odd too.
Your pulse remains normal,
but you still have the pains.
Take the sedative anyway.
Sleep won't hurt you.
Actually, I won't need it.
I've been feeling much better.
Don't be surprised to see me
up and around by tomorrow.
- Glad to hear it. Good night.
- Good night.
I hope you don't have any more trouble
with, uh-What's her name?
- Mrs. Bowman?
- I won't.
The captain's had her
confined to her cabin.
Anna? This is Jack.
Jack. No, she's asleep.
She had an injection.
Wouldn't tomorrow night
be better?
Tomorrow's our last night out. We can't
take the chance. It's gotta be now.
Let her think she escaped,
but see that she gets out of the cabin.
All right, Jack.
Oh.
I got to worrying about you,
Mrs. Bowman, and decided to look in.
Is there anything I can do?
Why, yes, there is something.
I started
for a glass of water...
but I'm so drowsy.
- Do you suppose you could-
- Of course.
I'll get it for you.
Hello?
- She's on her way.
- Right.
Operator. Operator.
Operator!
Miss Quinn, where is
Mrs. Bowman?
She- I-I was just trying
to get her to sleep and she ran out.
I was just trying
to call you, Doctor.
- Oh, darling. I was so afraid I wasn't going to get here.
- Come on over here.
We must go to the captain
and show him I was right.
- No, no, no. Come on.
- But, John, we must.
No. We're not going
to the captain.
- Then to Dr. Manning. He'll protect us, darling.
- We won't need protection.
- What do you mean?
- Everything's worked out just the way I wanted it.
You made a perfect fool
of yourself.
- They're all sure you're out of your mind.
- No.
When you're missing,
they'll think it was suicide.
- No!
- That money of yours won't do you any good anymore.
- No!
- You've had it all your life.
- It's somebody else's turn.
- No!
Jack!
Jack!
Man overboard!
Prepare to lower lifeboats.
Oh, how could I
have been so blind?
I was in love with him.
I thought I believed him.
He came into your life
when you desperately needed someone.
You wanted to believe him.
Now everything he ever said and did
is like a terrible nightmare...
only worse because
it was real.
Ruth, listen to me.
You've gotta put it out of your mind,
the whole thing.
It was a nightmare,
but your eyes are open now.
It's over, Ruth.
All over.
You've got tomorrow
to think of.
Lots of tomorrows after that.
I know you're right, Paul,
but...
if only something could
make it go away for me.
Drink this.
It'll warm you up.
I've come to offer
my apologies, Mrs. Bowman.
You don't have to apologize,
Captain.
It's over now.
It's all over.
The stewardess gave us
a full confession.
She'll be handed over
to the authorities when we dock.
After we talked to her,
we found these in Barlowe's cabin.
Your passport and your
marriage certificate.
I'll take those, Captain,
until she needs them.
Mrs. Bowman, speaking for myself
and every member of my crew...
we're sincerely sorry.
I'm very glad I was so wrong
about you.
- Thank you, Captain Peters.
- Good night.
Good night.
Now drink your toddy, young lady,
and get yourself to bed.
One of those tomorrows I mentioned
will be round before you know it.
Paul?
Paul, I-
I hope you know
how grateful I am for everything.
Now you know what I mean
about a ship's doctor playing God.
Maybe now you'll have some time
for the other passengers.
We'll talk about that
tomorrow.
Good night.
Good night.