The Lightship (1985) Movie Script
My old man was a captain
in the Coast Guard.
We never saw too much of each other.
Most of the time, he was away at sea.
But this time, I was lucky.
He made it to my graduation.
Come on. Get out.
I said, get out!
He even wore his uniform to the ceremony.
- Captain Miller?
- Thank you, Sergeant.
My father taught me respect
for men in uniform.
Come on.
Right here, Captain.
Come on, Alex.
- Stump, this is my son, Alex.
- Good to meet you, kid.
Were you fighting because of me?
What difference does it make?
Before we bring you the farm report,
this special bulletin.
Three people are dead in a daring daylight
robbery of a U.S. Treasury courier.
The two gunmen are described
as being in their late 20s.
One is of heavy build and average height.
The other was reportedly wearing a
Hawaiian shirt and a black leather jacket.
No description is available
on the getaway driver...
but police are confident of early arrests.
And now for the farm report.
Wheat holding steady at $196.
Corn off at $135.
Alfalfa slightly higher at $79.
Peanuts slightly lower at $273.
Pork bellies firm at $38.
I didn't know much about ships.
But I knew my old man
must have screwed up...
to end up the captain of the Hatteras.
It's not the kind of job you volunteer for.
Lightships never move.
Captain, I have yet to sign
the log this morning.
Sir, you brought an unauthorized person
aboard this vessel...
during my watch, sir.
I didn't know whether you wanted me
to report it or not.
Now, recorded and signed.
Anything else?
The pen, sir.
Yeah.
What the hell are you doing here?
Come on.
What's the matter with you?
That plate was property
of the United States Coast Guard.
Come on.
What happened here, Nate?
- It's running.
- I'll stop it.
- There we are.
- Fine. I'll have two cups of coffee.
- Don't worry about it. I'll fix that.
- All right.
You know, last night,
I got him to say it a couple of times.
That it was just as clear...
I was so proud of him, Captain.
Do you want to hear it?
Yeah, okay. Come on now, Fred.
Say it for the Captain now.
Come on, say it for me now.
Don't you embarrass me
in front of the Captain.
Come on, Fred. Say it for me now.
Love Nate.
Come on, my good bird. Yeah.
That's my bird.
Mr. Thorne, this is my son, Alex.
Hi.
Can you call the shore?
Who do you want to call?
Somebody who can get me out of here.
How's the weather?
We have a storm coming up from the south.
Should be here tonight.
I'd rather be in jail.
Captain!
Looks like we got a drifter about a mile
and a half out towards Nevens Ledge.
A motorboat.
I've been watching them for a while.
Looks like they ran out of power.
I don't know if you can see them.
What will you do with them?
Got to call the coast station
for a boat to pick them up.
We're not running a hotel.
Ever been in one of those situations
where you were trapped?
Then, without you doing anything,
a door opens up.
And there it is, the way out.
I didn't care who they were.
But when those guys left the Hatteras...
I was going with them.
- Permission to come aboard, Captain?
- Permission granted.
Are you a Navy man?
I? No, but it amuses me to know the rules
and customs that other men find important.
Calvin Caspary at your service.
Miller, my pleasure.
- Calvin Caspary.
- Mike Carousa. Call me Stump.
- Dr. Caspary.
- Nate, sir.
- Calvin Caspary.
- Alex Miller.
- Your son?
- Yes.
I find families fascinating.
My colleagues, Eugene and Edward Waxler.
- This is Eddie. He's a good boy.
- Don't touch me.
After Eddie, their parents knew
they would have to try again.
And after Eugene,
they knew there was no point...
so they took vows of celibacy.
You tell them, Mr. Caspary.
I like to hear Mr. Caspary talk.
So would you follow me?
Gentlemen, sit down.
Would you join us, Captain?
- No, thank you.
- He looks funny, Mr. Caspary.
- He looks like a big chicken.
- Eugene.
Cheers. Thank you for bringing us here.
It's part of my job.
Nevertheless, thank you.
Yours must be a very lonely occupation.
Do you get many visitors out here?
Visitors? No.
Your colleagues from the mainland
don't come by and bring you hot biscuits?
Tuck you in for the
night, that sort of thing?
No, but we will get them on the shortwave.
I'm sure they will send someone for you.
A generous offer, but no, thank you.
To go ashore would be a retreat.
You see, we have a rendezvous
in a few hours at sea...
and in a world of vagaries
and inconstancy, Captain...
it amuses me to set a
course and stick to it.
As a nautical man,
I'm sure you would appreciate that.
Listen, gentlemen.
If we can't repair your boat,
we'll either call the mainland...
or hail a fishing boat to pick you up.
All right?
You talk funny.
Where'd you learn to talk like that?
Germany. I was born in Germany.
Where's Germany?
- Yeah.
- Pour me a drink.
- Pour me a little one.
- I don't think you want any more, Eugene.
It isn't very good stuff.
And you know what happens
when you drink bad stuff.
It makes our teeth loose.
Just for our three guests, Captain?
- Yeah. Alex, do you?
- Thanks, no.
Lovely. We have... What?
- Chipped beef on toast?
- Shit on shingles.
Eddie!
I'm looking forward to this.
I'll say the blessing.
Our Heavenly Father,
we thank you for these blessed people...
who brought us in
when we were in need of refuge.
We thank you for the kindness that brings
us to the safety of this lovely abode.
We ask that you bestow grace
upon all that are in this room...
Capt. Miller and his entire crew,
on Eugene and Eddie.
We thank thee and glorify thee
and love thee.
Ask for your blessings upon us. Amen.
Excuse me, Captain. It's almost 2:00.
You were to see Stump on the bridge
about that cracked valve.
Yes.
We agree there's no more Coast Guard,
no hailing of boats.
I'm sure your men will fix ours,
and then off we go.
- Come with me.
- No, let him stay.
You have him forever.
I know nothing about
what young people think these days.
If young Alex could educate me,
I'd be very grateful.
- Eddie.
- No, thanks.
Ed, you ain't eating?
- I like shit on shingles.
- Eugene.
How old will you be on your next birthday?
- Seventeen.
- Do you have a sweetheart?
- What's your sweetheart's name?
- Karen.
That's a lovely name. Really.
What sort of things do you do
with your girlfriend?
What's this nonsense about a cracked valve?
I got to show you something, Captain.
Coop found this
under the floorboards of their boat.
- A beauty, huh?
- Nice.
Wait till you get a load of this.
The pice de rsistance.
Look, the way I figure it,
there's three of them, there's six of us.
- We can take them.
- You forgot about their guns.
- I am sure they have more of them.
- We've got these.
And they have the ammunition.
Now put this stuff back in...
and tell Coop to fix their boat.
- Okay?
- Okay, sir. And then what?
Dinner.
And New York...
New York, to me...
is the most magnificent city
on the continent, any continent.
For a young man
of your clear abilities and intelligence...
New York is like the Garden of Eden.
Where you can satisfy every appetite,
fulfill every dream.
Captain Miller, we were
just discussing New York.
- Do you know the city?
- I know the docks.
The waterfront. Most interesting, I'm sure.
Alex, do me a favor.
Tell Coop I want to see him.
In a minute. We're talking.
Alex, do as your father asks.
A son's first duty is always to his father.
I can handle this.
Of course. I don't mean to intrude
between father and son.
That is sacred territory. Believe me.
Unfortunately, my father blew his brains out
before we could come to an understanding.
Sometimes, I regret the lost opportunity.
Of course, death of the father...
does free the son.
That's an expensive freedom.
Freedom is the greatest prize of all.
Why shouldn't the cost be high?
- Nonsense.
- Is it?
We won't be together long, Captain...
but if you learn only one thing
while we are...
learn not to judge me
by what you know of other men.
You straighten him out, Mr. Caspary.
Alex, go and find Coop.
Hey, buddy.
Mind if I take a look at that thing?
- Now what the hell you call this?
- What do you mean?
Just trying to help.
Dr. Caspary? We got a problem.
- What, Eddie?
- I'm out there watching him...
you know, when he's in the boat.
I don't know whether he sees me
or he just don't care...
or maybe he thinks
I'm stupid. I don't know.
Eddie, what did he do?
- Well, I'm getting to that.
- Is the boat all right?
- It ain't never going to be right.
- Why?
I know something about engines.
I mean, Gene, am I right?
I've been around a few engines.
I've seen a few engines,
and I've seen this...
when we were out there, bobbing around,
there's the drive shaft, just a piece of it.
- What's wrong?
- It's sheered off here at the threads. See?
There's no way in hell
it's going to work again.
See? No way.
And this guy is putting it right back in.
Like it was cherry.
Captain Miller, was this on your orders?
My only interest is to get you
off this boat as soon as possible.
Well, then our desires coincide.
I don't know,
I just think he's going to have to eat it.
Get your blasted hands off me!
You hear me?
- Hold!
- Stop it now!
You don't touch me!
Eugene, sit down.
He shouldn't touch Eddie, Mr. Caspary.
Let's discuss all our mutual needs
and concerns calmly.
Mr. Thorne,
if you'll sit down before you're cut.
Eddie, put the knife down.
Put the knife away, Eddie.
Relax.
I'm sorry, Captain Miller.
- I'll kill him.
- It's all right.
Let's all settle down.
Obviously, we have to
change our plans, Captain.
I guess that shortened the wave up
pretty good, didn't it?
Loose lips sink ships.
Is there another backup or whatever?
Good. Then that's done.
Just a few more matters to settle
and then we can all relax.
I want all of your weapons.
And don't play the fool with me.
Every Coast Guard ship
carries something that shoots.
I'll have to get my keys.
Stay calm, Eugene. You're a good boy.
Yes, sir, Mr. Caspary.
You just keep cooking, boy.
Cozy little place.
Well, well.
Regular cowboy here.
- I'll take the .45.
- Eddie.
Unlucky.
Shall we?
- Yes, sir, Mr. Caspary.
- Come here.
Come.
This .45 breaks my heart.
Poor boy.
So much for that temptation.
Finished.
Now, Mr. Miller, let's talk about
the matter of our transportation.
You already settled the matter.
Your boat doesn't work.
And now, we can't call for another.
We don't have to call.
We'll use one of your launches.
What do you say?
You have a whole ship, after all.
You can't begrudge us a launch.
Can't I?
What then? The ship, we'll take the ship...
- and you may have the launch.
- This ship doesn't move.
Never.
I am the most reasonable, rational man
you have ever met.
Now, let's examine my reason against yours.
Our boat is finished. You can't
call your shore station, obviously.
You won't give us one of your launches.
Therefore, the ship is the last resort.
And the final and most salient point...
we have guns.
I will cheerfully have your men
shot one by one...
until you understand
the beauty of my logic.
You tell them, Mr. Caspary.
You're flooding it.
Back off the choke, Eugene.
You're flooding it.
- I know to start an engine, Eddie.
- Then start it.
- I'm not stupid.
- I'm not saying you're stupid.
I'm not stupid.
I'm sorry.
Yes!
Ask and it shall be granted.
I thought it was only
for the pure of heart.
Am I not?
You've got the boat. Take it and go.
Oh, Captain, my Captain, haste is unseemly.
I think the fog may have defeated us.
We missed our first rendezvous.
Our second isn't for hours.
We have one of the ultimate luxuries here:
unlooked-for time.
Now, why don't we use it
to nurture our growing friendship.
The truth is, you must be on the run.
You have to leave as fast as you can.
The truth is a bore, Miller.
It's without charm.
Goodbye, boys.
It was real nice to meet you.
You see, all my life...
it's been my ambition never to learn
or to speak more than half the truth.
If I hadn't done that, you see...
the tedium would have killed me, literally.
Dr. Caspary.
Take your boat.
I'll take it, Captain. Oh, yes.
If you follow all the rules and regulations,
everything will take care of itself.
Do you understand?
Here I come.
You okay?
- Mr. Caspary?
- We're ready to go.
- We're not going now, Eddie.
- What?
We're not going.
- What do you mean?
- Just turn the motor off and relax.
- I want it back.
- Want what back, sir?
The .45 that was taken from the armory.
I want it right now.
Believe me, if I had one, I'd use it.
You are an idiot.
I am an officer of this ship,
I will be treated with respect.
- Earn it.
- I'll earn it all right.
I'll take them and you'll have to answer
to a court-martial board why you wouldn't.
I want to keep my boat on station.
I want to keep other ships off the rocks.
I want to bring my crew in safely.
That's my job.
When the shore station
doesn't get us on the radio...
they will send a boat to investigate.
- We can't do nothing until then...
- This is my ship.
And you will do as you are told.
Son of a bitch.
- Look, I'm sorry. He just pisses me off.
- I know what you mean.
- Is it true?
- Is what true?
About the war.
I don't know.
I didn't know him during the war.
Well, you know what they say about him.
Look, he's your father.
Why don't you ask him?
Listen, kid, if I were you,
I'd just forget about it.
Come in, Caspary.
How did you know?
Eves in the back of your head?
Men like you love an audience.
You were bound to come looking for me.
Bravo. Yes.
You were a handsome young man, Captain.
I think you're going to live up
to all my expectations.
Indeed, in deference to you,
I have taken to carrying a gun.
I loathe carrying one.
It ruins the drape of my suit.
But perilous times, radical measures...
Do you like yourself, Captain Miller?
I love myself and hate myself.
I sit for hours in front of my reflection
watching the face under the revolver.
I aim at the face I see...
at this chin, at this forehead.
I put the gun between the lips.
I caress the trigger.
An instant to eternity.
Love and hate.
Pull it.
No, I'm having too much fun.
Give it to me. I'll do it.
No, you are the best the ship has to offer.
But the only person grand enough for that
is my friend in the mirror.
Have him do it quickly.
Blow your brains out, Caspary.
It's a sure cure.
My father killed himself.
He lost the family fortune,
and he shot himself in the library...
after we'd all gone to bed.
At the time...
I thought it was the act of a coward.
- Now I'm not so sure.
- Pull the trigger and go and ask him.
I should like to warn you
against the arrogance...
of being so sure of other people.
I don't know what kind of game
they had going.
The rules were too weird to make sense,
except to them.
They just squared off, one on one.
The way I saw it
nobody was in charge of anything anymore.
I guess that's why I
held on to that pistol.
What are you doing?
Fishing.
Just doing a little fishing.
I like to fish. Can I fish, too?
- Please?
- Well, I don't see why not. Come on.
So you like to fish?
Two years ago, Mr. Caspary,
he took us all to the ocean for vacation...
and I caught fish every day.
Mr. Caspary is wonderful.
You know, before we met Mr. Caspary,
Eddie and I were just moving around...
doing gas station stickups
and things like that.
Mr. Caspary, you know,
he taught us how to think real big.
Must be real good
to have a friend like Mr. Caspary.
- What's that?
- What?
That.
Why, that's my Fred.
That's Fredrick Douglass Bird.
Say hello to the man, Fred.
Can he talk? Really talk?
Of course he can. Come on, Fred.
Say hello to the man now.
Come on, son.
Love Nate.
Not, "Loves Nate." Loves Eugene.
I ain't Nate, I'm Eugene.
Make him say, "Loves Eugene."
Well, I ain't taught him that one.
I don't know as he can.
Say it to me, bird. I
ain't Nate. Say it to me.
- I'll make him say it.
- What are you doing? No!
Don't touch my bird. Stop!
Eugene, what?
He's a real stupid bird.
Fred!
Please. Come on.
Come on, do it, nigger.
I killed me a black bird, Mr. Caspary.
Now I'm going to kill me a black man.
Nate! Stay where you are.
You can't take him like this.
Give me the knife.
Bravo, Captain.
Strength, courage, command.
Bravo. Lovely.
Give me the knife.
Go to your cabin.
Eugene, enough.
Take your finger off the trigger.
- Let's just call for it once more.
- I got to wait for Coop, all right?
Come on, Coop.
Okay, here's the plan.
It's going to be easy if we
follow the plan, all right?
Now, I want you and you
on either side of the door.
I want you up top.
I want you to take the first one.
- I want you to take the second one.
- I want the big one, Mr. Thorne.
Suppose the big one is the first one.
That's what I'm trying to tell you.
Look, give him the big one, all right?
You got it? All right.
I still think we ought to tell the Captain.
Believe me,
the Captain doesn't want to be bothered.
How come you've got
such a hard-on for him?
He's a good man.
You don't know much
about our Captain, do you?
Go on. Tell them.
This is not the place
or the time, all right?
Wait a minute.
What's the story with this kid?
Don't worry. He's in. He's okay.
Are you in?
Yeah, I'm in.
You in or out?
- I'm in.
- You in?
Let's do it.
Your predecessor?
One of them.
A grim-looking soul.
There's no joy in his life.
Is that the fault of the boat?
'Cause your ship, Miller, is like you.
It's chained here, it's locked down tight.
A ship ought to be allowed to sail.
She needs to go over the horizon
and come back with stories to tell.
This one's built with a chain.
She's a prisoner for life.
And that's why this poor soul...
was a prisoner on a prisoner ship...
in command of something going nowhere.
Nowhere.
You talk about freedom of ships at sea?
Yeah.
Your so-called free ships sail easily...
only because we are anchored here.
But they're free.
Free.
If we wanted to, we could wreck
half of them on the reefs out there.
The whole bay would be full of wrecks...
where the minefields used to be.
Have you ever thought of doing it?
No.
Well, don't be like everybody else,
like one of the sheep.
I mean, freedom comes when you break
chains, destroy rules, and sail at will.
In other words,
freedom is choice unfettered...
by other men's puny customs.
To the captains of the lightships,
happy in their chains.
Cut it out, Eddie.
A big old snake.
From snakes to Missouri
coming down on you.
Put it down, Eddie.
Big old snake.
Quiet.
Go below.
If you don't have the
balls for it, keep out.
- Go below.
- We can do it, Captain.
I don't want to bury you at sea tomorrow.
- We'll risk it.
- Not on my ship.
Not while I'm captain.
Very sensible, Mr. Miller.
God loves a peacemaker and so do I.
And I'm a very light sleeper.
- I'm sorry about that.
- Yes.
I think it's time you and I talked
about the next phase of our visit.
Not now.
Alex, what do you think you're doing here?
- Leave me alone, Dad.
- Come on, get down.
Come. Go.
What were you doing up there?
What you're afraid to do, that's what.
You could have gotten killed.
They think you're a coward.
I know they're right.
I've heard that story all my life.
People love to tell me about it.
What, Alex?
You let men die in the war.
Sit down.
Sit down!
I was captain of a destroyer, as you know.
Behind my back, they made jokes
about my accent. They called me Kraut.
But I was captain in
the United States Navy.
One night, a submarine
attacked one of our troop ships.
The sea was covered with burning oil.
Men were jumping into the flames.
We could hear them screaming.
We went after the submarine,
and we sank it.
When we got back...
the men in the water were gone.
Do you understand?
I gave the order to go
after that submarine.
There was a court of inquiry
and I was cleared of all charges.
But...
I still feel...
responsible.
Please...
don't get involved with weapons.
Never.
What are you doing?
My wrench, I dropped it.
Your wrench?
What the hell do you want with a wrench?
I was hiding it for a weapon.
- Wait. Where the hell you going?
- We don't know what can happen.
I'm going to look for it.
Don't worry about it.
You ain't going to find it anyway.
Come here, kid.
- Have a swig.
- No.
Here, it will put hair on your chest.
You box?
- Do you know how to box? Fight?
- Yeah, a little.
Come on, hit me.
Hit me as hard as you can.
Listen, you're drunk.
It don't matter. Come on.
My grandmother hits harder than you.
Come on.
Come on, don't be a little pansy.
Hit me. Come on.
Like steel.
I used to box for a living, you know.
But I had a glass jaw.
You hit me one on the button
and it was lights out.
- But over here, like solid iron.
- Great.
Sounds like solid bullshit to me.
Don't it sound like
solid bullshit to you, Eugene?
Yeah, Eddie.
- Why don't you give Gene a shot?
- Leave him alone.
- You shut up.
- It's all right. Stay here, Alex.
Give me your best shot, punk.
Yes!
- I'll ring this bell just like in the Garden.
- Come on.
You ready, Gene?
- I'm ready, Eddie.
- "I'm ready, Eddie."
You ready, big man?
He's down! He's out!
Get up, Coast Guard.
Get up, Coast Guard, get up!
- They fold up pretty easy, don't they?
- They're pussies, Eddie.
I don't think you can guard our momma.
Don't even think about it, sonny.
- If I had a gun...
- If you had a gun?
Yeah, I heard that before.
But, see, you don't have a gun.
I have a gun. Okay?
- Gene.
- Yeah, Eddie?
He's so pretty...
I don't know whether to shoot him
or kiss him.
Kiss him, Eddie. Give him a kiss.
What a pair.
Let's go.
See you later, fatso.
- You okay, Stump?
- Shit!
What happened?
- You all right?
- It's all right.
Good. Sit down.
I want to show you something.
You'll see.
Take it.
Mr. Caspary,
when are we getting out of here?
When it's time, Eddie.
What's wrong with right now?
I'm having fun.
You wouldn't want me to stop having fun,
would you?
No.
- But me and Gene were thinking...
- I didn't say nothing.
You what?
- We were thinking that...
- Don't think, Eddie Waxler.
The last time you and Eugene thought,
I had to go to Florida...
and get you out of jail, remember?
You do remember?
But I didn't say nothing, Mr. Caspary.
Leave the thinking to the doctor.
I'll tell you when it's time to go.
No, not this.
Dr. Caspary, please.
I can't do that.
May [ join you?
How can I stop you?
Is this your logbook?
Everything's written down there.
Everything's in there
to be looked up again.
There's no secrets, no mystery.
I like to begin each day
by erasing all traces of the one before.
I mean, after all, why carry
the baggage of yesterday into tomorrow.
You've killed men. I
can see it in your face.
Well, if you say so. I don't remember.
Maybe you should keep a log.
Very good.
Those ships out there,
how far can they see the light?
15 miles.
So as long as the light is flashing,
they'll be satisfied...
that there's still order at sea.
Is that correct?
Yes.
- They don't care who gives the signal?
- No.
They're so used to obeying it,
they'd follow it anywhere.
Yes.
My men could do it as well as yours.
- Come on, forget it.
- What?
You're stupid, that's it. You're a moron.
It's my cut.
Come on, Eddie, it's my king. It's mine.
What the hell kind of poker is that?
Two wild cards.
That ain't poker.
You might as well be playing old maid
or one of them games.
Uncle Buddy lets me use two wild cards.
Uncle Buddy don't know his ass
from third base.
Uncle Buddy's never been
out of Cape Girardeau.
He's never been off the farm.
He's never been into Arkansas.
Do you think they play that way in Vegas?
Uncle Buddy can play that way,
but nobody plays with two wild cards.
- Why not?
- Women play with two wild cards.
Give my money.
See Mr. Caspary
in the back room of our old...
Right now!
Dr. Caspary, come in here and tell Gene...
that you don't play with two wild cards.
You son of a bitch.
- Take it easy.
- Okay, Eddie.
Hold it, big man.
I got to go up on watch.
My ass.
- Now, where's our guy?
- Who?
Mr. Caspary.
- Where's Mr. Caspary?
- Where is he?
How the hell should I know?
Well, now, he's got to be down here.
I would've seen him.
Maybe you ain't looking in the right place.
Eddie, this door is locked.
That's the storeroom.
The Captain's got the key.
Storeroom?
Looks like the can to me.
Watch it!
He's in there.
Get back.
I'm coming, big man!
Get in there.
You pushed me down!
Stump!
Captain.
Are you all right, Eddie?
Did you kill him, Eddie?
You take Eugene down and get him
some ice cream. It'll soothe him.
Thank you, Mr. Caspary.
Here.
A dead man is an amazing thing.
It must make some kind of photograph
on your heart.
It's there to look at whenever you want to.
But sometimes it's there
whether you want to look at it or not.
The Captain just stayed out there
in the storm...
until the rain washed the blood
from the deck of the ship...
and those men drowning in the flames
were quiet again.
"Know that whosoever is born of God
sinneth not...
"but he that is begotten of God
keepeth himself...
"and that wicked one toucheth him not.
"And we know that we are of God,
and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
"And we know that the Son of God is
come and hath given us an understanding...
that we may know him that is true...
"and we are in him that is true,
even in his Son Jesus Christ.
"I had many things to write...
"but I will not with ink and pen
write unto thee:
"But I trust I shall shortly see thee,
and we shall speak face to face.
"Peace be to thee.
"Our friends salute thee.
Greet the friends by name."
I was waiting to tell you
how much I regret the incident.
It was murder.
Self-defense, actually.
Also, I wanted to tell you that we decided
to leave you, really leave you.
You'll have to stay here...
until someone comes to pick you up.
Someone cut the launch loose.
Kind as you are,
I don't think we can accept the invitation.
And unfortunately,
I've never mastered walking on water.
So that's out. And if that's out...
we'll have to take your ship.
I thought I'd offer you money.
I would enjoy that mild
and easy corruption.
But that was early in our relationship...
before I understood that your corruption
should be much, much grander.
You have been running
with those idiots of yours too long.
You think everyone is like them.
Ready to be pushed around.
But we are different.
Most of us.
That's something you can't understand.
Bravo, Captain. Pretty speech.
Perhaps what you're saying is true,
but I doubt it.
I was right. You are mad.
Actually, piety runs in my family,
not madness.
My father, God rot his soul...
made his fortune printing Bibles,
if you can imagine.
But every 40 years or so,
the blood throws up an anomaly...
without exception,
a gifted and remarkable black sheep...
from our not-very-remarkable family.
A thief, a swindler, etcetera...
a murderer, or whatever.
My father...
announced this on the day
of my 16th birthday.
I realized that I was the designated one
of my generation.
I accepted it...
and made it my redemption.
Where are you going?
Don't you do that, Captain.
- Don't!
- There is a storm rising.
I have a ship to see to.
There is a storm rising right here.
You better see to it.
Now, you will listen to me.
Now, as I said...
I accepted my destiny
and threw the light of my genius on it.
I wanted to create myself.
I needed a lever to crack life open...
like an oyster.
Among other things, I'm a lawyer.
I became a lawyer to please my father.
Then I discovered something
to please myself.
New Orleans is a wonderfully corrupt town,
but no more than anywhere else.
And in my legal practice,
I discovered that everyone conceals guilt.
Take any person at random...
and I guarantee
I can find something in his life...
that will cost him,
what, two years in jail.
I don't give a damn who it is,
doctor, lawyer, Indian chief.
At first, I used this knowledge
for a little genteel blackmail...
and I billed my clients handsomely.
But I realized I was wasting my talents.
In a world that is criminal,
it seemed only just...
that I become the greatest criminal of all.
Why do I have to listen to all this?
Because you're the very first person
I've ever told this to.
And because
every man resembles his enemy.
We hold each other
in the palms of our hands, Captain.
We are as intimate...
as lovers.
You are a pig.
I'm unworthy of you, Captain Miller.
Try a little harder.
It will make the game more interesting.
Let me leave you
with something to think about.
Your crew didn't cut
the launch loose. I did.
I will not take you to your rendezvous.
I agree, the rendezvous is out.
As you said, there's a storm rising...
and I have no wish
to spend the next few hours...
vomiting over the side of a sailboat.
Tomorrow will be soon enough.
We'll free the lightship from her chains...
and see how she likes her freedom.
I think I'll go below and rest.
Tomorrow promises to be...
a fascinating day.
Hey, cook...
I'm tired of vanilla.
Can you give me some chocolate?
You got chocolate?
I guess I've got some chocolate.
Can I have some? I want it.
How much do you want?
Some pie would go good with this.
Can you give me some pie?
Please.
Cook, I said I want some...
What's that?
Loves Nate!
Who's doing that?
Loves Nate.
Who are you?
Where are you?
Loves Nate.
You stop that!
Stop it!
Loves Nate.
I don't like it!
You hear me?
Loves Nate.
I said, stop it!
- Loves Nate.
- No!
I'm going to kill you!
Help me!
Eddie, help me!
Eugene.
Yes?
Here.
Take this.
I can't find Gene.
I want to go home.
Gene, is that you?
Hey, kid.
What are you going to do now?
You going to kill me?
It won't take much.
You going to shoot me?
Well, go ahead.
I puke one more time, I'm dead anyway.
Come on.
You want me to move closer?
I'll move closer.
How's that?
Go on.
Here, I'll help you.
I'll take the gun.
It's a nice gun.
Your dad's?
It didn't hurt.
All I kept thinking about was
how me and my old man...
we weren't so different.
That's what hurt.
What is it?
Hundred yards at 2:00.
See it?
Coop, get the torch.
We got to cut the anchor chain.
- Right.
- No, it's too late.
Break out the life vests,
and be quick about it.
Come on, let's move it!
Thorne, what is it?
We got a mine on starboard.
Where's my brother?
Make him tell me.
After we settle this matter...
you're going to find Eugene Waxler,
Captain Miller.
Now, raise the anchor.
It's the perfect opportunity.
Who could blame you in this situation?
Please, Captain, free the ship.
Raise the anchor.
I never saw him like that.
Staring at that thing...
talking to it like he knew
it was out there all the time.
Drifting, waiting...
looking for him and his ship.
I don't know what kind of deal he made...
but nothing's going to hurt his ship.
Gene!
Now, Mr. Thorne...
raise the anchor, please.
Right now, or in one minute,
Eddie will shoot the men behind you.
Continue, Mr. Thorne.
Thirty seconds, Mr. Thorne.
Ten seconds, Mr. Thorne.
Don't touch the shackle!
Continue, Mr. Thorne.
You've been sensible so far, Miller.
Now, don't turn stupid.
Don't.
No further.
Don't.
Are we moving?
No.
Dad.
My father told me once...
a ship wasn't something you just sailed on.
A ship was something a man served.
I never knew what he meant.
But I was a lot younger then.
I've been a lot of places since my
father's last watch aboard the lightship.
None of them anywhere near the water.
But every night, when I go to sleep,
I can still see that light.
I can still feel that ship
rocking underneath me.
in the Coast Guard.
We never saw too much of each other.
Most of the time, he was away at sea.
But this time, I was lucky.
He made it to my graduation.
Come on. Get out.
I said, get out!
He even wore his uniform to the ceremony.
- Captain Miller?
- Thank you, Sergeant.
My father taught me respect
for men in uniform.
Come on.
Right here, Captain.
Come on, Alex.
- Stump, this is my son, Alex.
- Good to meet you, kid.
Were you fighting because of me?
What difference does it make?
Before we bring you the farm report,
this special bulletin.
Three people are dead in a daring daylight
robbery of a U.S. Treasury courier.
The two gunmen are described
as being in their late 20s.
One is of heavy build and average height.
The other was reportedly wearing a
Hawaiian shirt and a black leather jacket.
No description is available
on the getaway driver...
but police are confident of early arrests.
And now for the farm report.
Wheat holding steady at $196.
Corn off at $135.
Alfalfa slightly higher at $79.
Peanuts slightly lower at $273.
Pork bellies firm at $38.
I didn't know much about ships.
But I knew my old man
must have screwed up...
to end up the captain of the Hatteras.
It's not the kind of job you volunteer for.
Lightships never move.
Captain, I have yet to sign
the log this morning.
Sir, you brought an unauthorized person
aboard this vessel...
during my watch, sir.
I didn't know whether you wanted me
to report it or not.
Now, recorded and signed.
Anything else?
The pen, sir.
Yeah.
What the hell are you doing here?
Come on.
What's the matter with you?
That plate was property
of the United States Coast Guard.
Come on.
What happened here, Nate?
- It's running.
- I'll stop it.
- There we are.
- Fine. I'll have two cups of coffee.
- Don't worry about it. I'll fix that.
- All right.
You know, last night,
I got him to say it a couple of times.
That it was just as clear...
I was so proud of him, Captain.
Do you want to hear it?
Yeah, okay. Come on now, Fred.
Say it for the Captain now.
Come on, say it for me now.
Don't you embarrass me
in front of the Captain.
Come on, Fred. Say it for me now.
Love Nate.
Come on, my good bird. Yeah.
That's my bird.
Mr. Thorne, this is my son, Alex.
Hi.
Can you call the shore?
Who do you want to call?
Somebody who can get me out of here.
How's the weather?
We have a storm coming up from the south.
Should be here tonight.
I'd rather be in jail.
Captain!
Looks like we got a drifter about a mile
and a half out towards Nevens Ledge.
A motorboat.
I've been watching them for a while.
Looks like they ran out of power.
I don't know if you can see them.
What will you do with them?
Got to call the coast station
for a boat to pick them up.
We're not running a hotel.
Ever been in one of those situations
where you were trapped?
Then, without you doing anything,
a door opens up.
And there it is, the way out.
I didn't care who they were.
But when those guys left the Hatteras...
I was going with them.
- Permission to come aboard, Captain?
- Permission granted.
Are you a Navy man?
I? No, but it amuses me to know the rules
and customs that other men find important.
Calvin Caspary at your service.
Miller, my pleasure.
- Calvin Caspary.
- Mike Carousa. Call me Stump.
- Dr. Caspary.
- Nate, sir.
- Calvin Caspary.
- Alex Miller.
- Your son?
- Yes.
I find families fascinating.
My colleagues, Eugene and Edward Waxler.
- This is Eddie. He's a good boy.
- Don't touch me.
After Eddie, their parents knew
they would have to try again.
And after Eugene,
they knew there was no point...
so they took vows of celibacy.
You tell them, Mr. Caspary.
I like to hear Mr. Caspary talk.
So would you follow me?
Gentlemen, sit down.
Would you join us, Captain?
- No, thank you.
- He looks funny, Mr. Caspary.
- He looks like a big chicken.
- Eugene.
Cheers. Thank you for bringing us here.
It's part of my job.
Nevertheless, thank you.
Yours must be a very lonely occupation.
Do you get many visitors out here?
Visitors? No.
Your colleagues from the mainland
don't come by and bring you hot biscuits?
Tuck you in for the
night, that sort of thing?
No, but we will get them on the shortwave.
I'm sure they will send someone for you.
A generous offer, but no, thank you.
To go ashore would be a retreat.
You see, we have a rendezvous
in a few hours at sea...
and in a world of vagaries
and inconstancy, Captain...
it amuses me to set a
course and stick to it.
As a nautical man,
I'm sure you would appreciate that.
Listen, gentlemen.
If we can't repair your boat,
we'll either call the mainland...
or hail a fishing boat to pick you up.
All right?
You talk funny.
Where'd you learn to talk like that?
Germany. I was born in Germany.
Where's Germany?
- Yeah.
- Pour me a drink.
- Pour me a little one.
- I don't think you want any more, Eugene.
It isn't very good stuff.
And you know what happens
when you drink bad stuff.
It makes our teeth loose.
Just for our three guests, Captain?
- Yeah. Alex, do you?
- Thanks, no.
Lovely. We have... What?
- Chipped beef on toast?
- Shit on shingles.
Eddie!
I'm looking forward to this.
I'll say the blessing.
Our Heavenly Father,
we thank you for these blessed people...
who brought us in
when we were in need of refuge.
We thank you for the kindness that brings
us to the safety of this lovely abode.
We ask that you bestow grace
upon all that are in this room...
Capt. Miller and his entire crew,
on Eugene and Eddie.
We thank thee and glorify thee
and love thee.
Ask for your blessings upon us. Amen.
Excuse me, Captain. It's almost 2:00.
You were to see Stump on the bridge
about that cracked valve.
Yes.
We agree there's no more Coast Guard,
no hailing of boats.
I'm sure your men will fix ours,
and then off we go.
- Come with me.
- No, let him stay.
You have him forever.
I know nothing about
what young people think these days.
If young Alex could educate me,
I'd be very grateful.
- Eddie.
- No, thanks.
Ed, you ain't eating?
- I like shit on shingles.
- Eugene.
How old will you be on your next birthday?
- Seventeen.
- Do you have a sweetheart?
- What's your sweetheart's name?
- Karen.
That's a lovely name. Really.
What sort of things do you do
with your girlfriend?
What's this nonsense about a cracked valve?
I got to show you something, Captain.
Coop found this
under the floorboards of their boat.
- A beauty, huh?
- Nice.
Wait till you get a load of this.
The pice de rsistance.
Look, the way I figure it,
there's three of them, there's six of us.
- We can take them.
- You forgot about their guns.
- I am sure they have more of them.
- We've got these.
And they have the ammunition.
Now put this stuff back in...
and tell Coop to fix their boat.
- Okay?
- Okay, sir. And then what?
Dinner.
And New York...
New York, to me...
is the most magnificent city
on the continent, any continent.
For a young man
of your clear abilities and intelligence...
New York is like the Garden of Eden.
Where you can satisfy every appetite,
fulfill every dream.
Captain Miller, we were
just discussing New York.
- Do you know the city?
- I know the docks.
The waterfront. Most interesting, I'm sure.
Alex, do me a favor.
Tell Coop I want to see him.
In a minute. We're talking.
Alex, do as your father asks.
A son's first duty is always to his father.
I can handle this.
Of course. I don't mean to intrude
between father and son.
That is sacred territory. Believe me.
Unfortunately, my father blew his brains out
before we could come to an understanding.
Sometimes, I regret the lost opportunity.
Of course, death of the father...
does free the son.
That's an expensive freedom.
Freedom is the greatest prize of all.
Why shouldn't the cost be high?
- Nonsense.
- Is it?
We won't be together long, Captain...
but if you learn only one thing
while we are...
learn not to judge me
by what you know of other men.
You straighten him out, Mr. Caspary.
Alex, go and find Coop.
Hey, buddy.
Mind if I take a look at that thing?
- Now what the hell you call this?
- What do you mean?
Just trying to help.
Dr. Caspary? We got a problem.
- What, Eddie?
- I'm out there watching him...
you know, when he's in the boat.
I don't know whether he sees me
or he just don't care...
or maybe he thinks
I'm stupid. I don't know.
Eddie, what did he do?
- Well, I'm getting to that.
- Is the boat all right?
- It ain't never going to be right.
- Why?
I know something about engines.
I mean, Gene, am I right?
I've been around a few engines.
I've seen a few engines,
and I've seen this...
when we were out there, bobbing around,
there's the drive shaft, just a piece of it.
- What's wrong?
- It's sheered off here at the threads. See?
There's no way in hell
it's going to work again.
See? No way.
And this guy is putting it right back in.
Like it was cherry.
Captain Miller, was this on your orders?
My only interest is to get you
off this boat as soon as possible.
Well, then our desires coincide.
I don't know,
I just think he's going to have to eat it.
Get your blasted hands off me!
You hear me?
- Hold!
- Stop it now!
You don't touch me!
Eugene, sit down.
He shouldn't touch Eddie, Mr. Caspary.
Let's discuss all our mutual needs
and concerns calmly.
Mr. Thorne,
if you'll sit down before you're cut.
Eddie, put the knife down.
Put the knife away, Eddie.
Relax.
I'm sorry, Captain Miller.
- I'll kill him.
- It's all right.
Let's all settle down.
Obviously, we have to
change our plans, Captain.
I guess that shortened the wave up
pretty good, didn't it?
Loose lips sink ships.
Is there another backup or whatever?
Good. Then that's done.
Just a few more matters to settle
and then we can all relax.
I want all of your weapons.
And don't play the fool with me.
Every Coast Guard ship
carries something that shoots.
I'll have to get my keys.
Stay calm, Eugene. You're a good boy.
Yes, sir, Mr. Caspary.
You just keep cooking, boy.
Cozy little place.
Well, well.
Regular cowboy here.
- I'll take the .45.
- Eddie.
Unlucky.
Shall we?
- Yes, sir, Mr. Caspary.
- Come here.
Come.
This .45 breaks my heart.
Poor boy.
So much for that temptation.
Finished.
Now, Mr. Miller, let's talk about
the matter of our transportation.
You already settled the matter.
Your boat doesn't work.
And now, we can't call for another.
We don't have to call.
We'll use one of your launches.
What do you say?
You have a whole ship, after all.
You can't begrudge us a launch.
Can't I?
What then? The ship, we'll take the ship...
- and you may have the launch.
- This ship doesn't move.
Never.
I am the most reasonable, rational man
you have ever met.
Now, let's examine my reason against yours.
Our boat is finished. You can't
call your shore station, obviously.
You won't give us one of your launches.
Therefore, the ship is the last resort.
And the final and most salient point...
we have guns.
I will cheerfully have your men
shot one by one...
until you understand
the beauty of my logic.
You tell them, Mr. Caspary.
You're flooding it.
Back off the choke, Eugene.
You're flooding it.
- I know to start an engine, Eddie.
- Then start it.
- I'm not stupid.
- I'm not saying you're stupid.
I'm not stupid.
I'm sorry.
Yes!
Ask and it shall be granted.
I thought it was only
for the pure of heart.
Am I not?
You've got the boat. Take it and go.
Oh, Captain, my Captain, haste is unseemly.
I think the fog may have defeated us.
We missed our first rendezvous.
Our second isn't for hours.
We have one of the ultimate luxuries here:
unlooked-for time.
Now, why don't we use it
to nurture our growing friendship.
The truth is, you must be on the run.
You have to leave as fast as you can.
The truth is a bore, Miller.
It's without charm.
Goodbye, boys.
It was real nice to meet you.
You see, all my life...
it's been my ambition never to learn
or to speak more than half the truth.
If I hadn't done that, you see...
the tedium would have killed me, literally.
Dr. Caspary.
Take your boat.
I'll take it, Captain. Oh, yes.
If you follow all the rules and regulations,
everything will take care of itself.
Do you understand?
Here I come.
You okay?
- Mr. Caspary?
- We're ready to go.
- We're not going now, Eddie.
- What?
We're not going.
- What do you mean?
- Just turn the motor off and relax.
- I want it back.
- Want what back, sir?
The .45 that was taken from the armory.
I want it right now.
Believe me, if I had one, I'd use it.
You are an idiot.
I am an officer of this ship,
I will be treated with respect.
- Earn it.
- I'll earn it all right.
I'll take them and you'll have to answer
to a court-martial board why you wouldn't.
I want to keep my boat on station.
I want to keep other ships off the rocks.
I want to bring my crew in safely.
That's my job.
When the shore station
doesn't get us on the radio...
they will send a boat to investigate.
- We can't do nothing until then...
- This is my ship.
And you will do as you are told.
Son of a bitch.
- Look, I'm sorry. He just pisses me off.
- I know what you mean.
- Is it true?
- Is what true?
About the war.
I don't know.
I didn't know him during the war.
Well, you know what they say about him.
Look, he's your father.
Why don't you ask him?
Listen, kid, if I were you,
I'd just forget about it.
Come in, Caspary.
How did you know?
Eves in the back of your head?
Men like you love an audience.
You were bound to come looking for me.
Bravo. Yes.
You were a handsome young man, Captain.
I think you're going to live up
to all my expectations.
Indeed, in deference to you,
I have taken to carrying a gun.
I loathe carrying one.
It ruins the drape of my suit.
But perilous times, radical measures...
Do you like yourself, Captain Miller?
I love myself and hate myself.
I sit for hours in front of my reflection
watching the face under the revolver.
I aim at the face I see...
at this chin, at this forehead.
I put the gun between the lips.
I caress the trigger.
An instant to eternity.
Love and hate.
Pull it.
No, I'm having too much fun.
Give it to me. I'll do it.
No, you are the best the ship has to offer.
But the only person grand enough for that
is my friend in the mirror.
Have him do it quickly.
Blow your brains out, Caspary.
It's a sure cure.
My father killed himself.
He lost the family fortune,
and he shot himself in the library...
after we'd all gone to bed.
At the time...
I thought it was the act of a coward.
- Now I'm not so sure.
- Pull the trigger and go and ask him.
I should like to warn you
against the arrogance...
of being so sure of other people.
I don't know what kind of game
they had going.
The rules were too weird to make sense,
except to them.
They just squared off, one on one.
The way I saw it
nobody was in charge of anything anymore.
I guess that's why I
held on to that pistol.
What are you doing?
Fishing.
Just doing a little fishing.
I like to fish. Can I fish, too?
- Please?
- Well, I don't see why not. Come on.
So you like to fish?
Two years ago, Mr. Caspary,
he took us all to the ocean for vacation...
and I caught fish every day.
Mr. Caspary is wonderful.
You know, before we met Mr. Caspary,
Eddie and I were just moving around...
doing gas station stickups
and things like that.
Mr. Caspary, you know,
he taught us how to think real big.
Must be real good
to have a friend like Mr. Caspary.
- What's that?
- What?
That.
Why, that's my Fred.
That's Fredrick Douglass Bird.
Say hello to the man, Fred.
Can he talk? Really talk?
Of course he can. Come on, Fred.
Say hello to the man now.
Come on, son.
Love Nate.
Not, "Loves Nate." Loves Eugene.
I ain't Nate, I'm Eugene.
Make him say, "Loves Eugene."
Well, I ain't taught him that one.
I don't know as he can.
Say it to me, bird. I
ain't Nate. Say it to me.
- I'll make him say it.
- What are you doing? No!
Don't touch my bird. Stop!
Eugene, what?
He's a real stupid bird.
Fred!
Please. Come on.
Come on, do it, nigger.
I killed me a black bird, Mr. Caspary.
Now I'm going to kill me a black man.
Nate! Stay where you are.
You can't take him like this.
Give me the knife.
Bravo, Captain.
Strength, courage, command.
Bravo. Lovely.
Give me the knife.
Go to your cabin.
Eugene, enough.
Take your finger off the trigger.
- Let's just call for it once more.
- I got to wait for Coop, all right?
Come on, Coop.
Okay, here's the plan.
It's going to be easy if we
follow the plan, all right?
Now, I want you and you
on either side of the door.
I want you up top.
I want you to take the first one.
- I want you to take the second one.
- I want the big one, Mr. Thorne.
Suppose the big one is the first one.
That's what I'm trying to tell you.
Look, give him the big one, all right?
You got it? All right.
I still think we ought to tell the Captain.
Believe me,
the Captain doesn't want to be bothered.
How come you've got
such a hard-on for him?
He's a good man.
You don't know much
about our Captain, do you?
Go on. Tell them.
This is not the place
or the time, all right?
Wait a minute.
What's the story with this kid?
Don't worry. He's in. He's okay.
Are you in?
Yeah, I'm in.
You in or out?
- I'm in.
- You in?
Let's do it.
Your predecessor?
One of them.
A grim-looking soul.
There's no joy in his life.
Is that the fault of the boat?
'Cause your ship, Miller, is like you.
It's chained here, it's locked down tight.
A ship ought to be allowed to sail.
She needs to go over the horizon
and come back with stories to tell.
This one's built with a chain.
She's a prisoner for life.
And that's why this poor soul...
was a prisoner on a prisoner ship...
in command of something going nowhere.
Nowhere.
You talk about freedom of ships at sea?
Yeah.
Your so-called free ships sail easily...
only because we are anchored here.
But they're free.
Free.
If we wanted to, we could wreck
half of them on the reefs out there.
The whole bay would be full of wrecks...
where the minefields used to be.
Have you ever thought of doing it?
No.
Well, don't be like everybody else,
like one of the sheep.
I mean, freedom comes when you break
chains, destroy rules, and sail at will.
In other words,
freedom is choice unfettered...
by other men's puny customs.
To the captains of the lightships,
happy in their chains.
Cut it out, Eddie.
A big old snake.
From snakes to Missouri
coming down on you.
Put it down, Eddie.
Big old snake.
Quiet.
Go below.
If you don't have the
balls for it, keep out.
- Go below.
- We can do it, Captain.
I don't want to bury you at sea tomorrow.
- We'll risk it.
- Not on my ship.
Not while I'm captain.
Very sensible, Mr. Miller.
God loves a peacemaker and so do I.
And I'm a very light sleeper.
- I'm sorry about that.
- Yes.
I think it's time you and I talked
about the next phase of our visit.
Not now.
Alex, what do you think you're doing here?
- Leave me alone, Dad.
- Come on, get down.
Come. Go.
What were you doing up there?
What you're afraid to do, that's what.
You could have gotten killed.
They think you're a coward.
I know they're right.
I've heard that story all my life.
People love to tell me about it.
What, Alex?
You let men die in the war.
Sit down.
Sit down!
I was captain of a destroyer, as you know.
Behind my back, they made jokes
about my accent. They called me Kraut.
But I was captain in
the United States Navy.
One night, a submarine
attacked one of our troop ships.
The sea was covered with burning oil.
Men were jumping into the flames.
We could hear them screaming.
We went after the submarine,
and we sank it.
When we got back...
the men in the water were gone.
Do you understand?
I gave the order to go
after that submarine.
There was a court of inquiry
and I was cleared of all charges.
But...
I still feel...
responsible.
Please...
don't get involved with weapons.
Never.
What are you doing?
My wrench, I dropped it.
Your wrench?
What the hell do you want with a wrench?
I was hiding it for a weapon.
- Wait. Where the hell you going?
- We don't know what can happen.
I'm going to look for it.
Don't worry about it.
You ain't going to find it anyway.
Come here, kid.
- Have a swig.
- No.
Here, it will put hair on your chest.
You box?
- Do you know how to box? Fight?
- Yeah, a little.
Come on, hit me.
Hit me as hard as you can.
Listen, you're drunk.
It don't matter. Come on.
My grandmother hits harder than you.
Come on.
Come on, don't be a little pansy.
Hit me. Come on.
Like steel.
I used to box for a living, you know.
But I had a glass jaw.
You hit me one on the button
and it was lights out.
- But over here, like solid iron.
- Great.
Sounds like solid bullshit to me.
Don't it sound like
solid bullshit to you, Eugene?
Yeah, Eddie.
- Why don't you give Gene a shot?
- Leave him alone.
- You shut up.
- It's all right. Stay here, Alex.
Give me your best shot, punk.
Yes!
- I'll ring this bell just like in the Garden.
- Come on.
You ready, Gene?
- I'm ready, Eddie.
- "I'm ready, Eddie."
You ready, big man?
He's down! He's out!
Get up, Coast Guard.
Get up, Coast Guard, get up!
- They fold up pretty easy, don't they?
- They're pussies, Eddie.
I don't think you can guard our momma.
Don't even think about it, sonny.
- If I had a gun...
- If you had a gun?
Yeah, I heard that before.
But, see, you don't have a gun.
I have a gun. Okay?
- Gene.
- Yeah, Eddie?
He's so pretty...
I don't know whether to shoot him
or kiss him.
Kiss him, Eddie. Give him a kiss.
What a pair.
Let's go.
See you later, fatso.
- You okay, Stump?
- Shit!
What happened?
- You all right?
- It's all right.
Good. Sit down.
I want to show you something.
You'll see.
Take it.
Mr. Caspary,
when are we getting out of here?
When it's time, Eddie.
What's wrong with right now?
I'm having fun.
You wouldn't want me to stop having fun,
would you?
No.
- But me and Gene were thinking...
- I didn't say nothing.
You what?
- We were thinking that...
- Don't think, Eddie Waxler.
The last time you and Eugene thought,
I had to go to Florida...
and get you out of jail, remember?
You do remember?
But I didn't say nothing, Mr. Caspary.
Leave the thinking to the doctor.
I'll tell you when it's time to go.
No, not this.
Dr. Caspary, please.
I can't do that.
May [ join you?
How can I stop you?
Is this your logbook?
Everything's written down there.
Everything's in there
to be looked up again.
There's no secrets, no mystery.
I like to begin each day
by erasing all traces of the one before.
I mean, after all, why carry
the baggage of yesterday into tomorrow.
You've killed men. I
can see it in your face.
Well, if you say so. I don't remember.
Maybe you should keep a log.
Very good.
Those ships out there,
how far can they see the light?
15 miles.
So as long as the light is flashing,
they'll be satisfied...
that there's still order at sea.
Is that correct?
Yes.
- They don't care who gives the signal?
- No.
They're so used to obeying it,
they'd follow it anywhere.
Yes.
My men could do it as well as yours.
- Come on, forget it.
- What?
You're stupid, that's it. You're a moron.
It's my cut.
Come on, Eddie, it's my king. It's mine.
What the hell kind of poker is that?
Two wild cards.
That ain't poker.
You might as well be playing old maid
or one of them games.
Uncle Buddy lets me use two wild cards.
Uncle Buddy don't know his ass
from third base.
Uncle Buddy's never been
out of Cape Girardeau.
He's never been off the farm.
He's never been into Arkansas.
Do you think they play that way in Vegas?
Uncle Buddy can play that way,
but nobody plays with two wild cards.
- Why not?
- Women play with two wild cards.
Give my money.
See Mr. Caspary
in the back room of our old...
Right now!
Dr. Caspary, come in here and tell Gene...
that you don't play with two wild cards.
You son of a bitch.
- Take it easy.
- Okay, Eddie.
Hold it, big man.
I got to go up on watch.
My ass.
- Now, where's our guy?
- Who?
Mr. Caspary.
- Where's Mr. Caspary?
- Where is he?
How the hell should I know?
Well, now, he's got to be down here.
I would've seen him.
Maybe you ain't looking in the right place.
Eddie, this door is locked.
That's the storeroom.
The Captain's got the key.
Storeroom?
Looks like the can to me.
Watch it!
He's in there.
Get back.
I'm coming, big man!
Get in there.
You pushed me down!
Stump!
Captain.
Are you all right, Eddie?
Did you kill him, Eddie?
You take Eugene down and get him
some ice cream. It'll soothe him.
Thank you, Mr. Caspary.
Here.
A dead man is an amazing thing.
It must make some kind of photograph
on your heart.
It's there to look at whenever you want to.
But sometimes it's there
whether you want to look at it or not.
The Captain just stayed out there
in the storm...
until the rain washed the blood
from the deck of the ship...
and those men drowning in the flames
were quiet again.
"Know that whosoever is born of God
sinneth not...
"but he that is begotten of God
keepeth himself...
"and that wicked one toucheth him not.
"And we know that we are of God,
and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
"And we know that the Son of God is
come and hath given us an understanding...
that we may know him that is true...
"and we are in him that is true,
even in his Son Jesus Christ.
"I had many things to write...
"but I will not with ink and pen
write unto thee:
"But I trust I shall shortly see thee,
and we shall speak face to face.
"Peace be to thee.
"Our friends salute thee.
Greet the friends by name."
I was waiting to tell you
how much I regret the incident.
It was murder.
Self-defense, actually.
Also, I wanted to tell you that we decided
to leave you, really leave you.
You'll have to stay here...
until someone comes to pick you up.
Someone cut the launch loose.
Kind as you are,
I don't think we can accept the invitation.
And unfortunately,
I've never mastered walking on water.
So that's out. And if that's out...
we'll have to take your ship.
I thought I'd offer you money.
I would enjoy that mild
and easy corruption.
But that was early in our relationship...
before I understood that your corruption
should be much, much grander.
You have been running
with those idiots of yours too long.
You think everyone is like them.
Ready to be pushed around.
But we are different.
Most of us.
That's something you can't understand.
Bravo, Captain. Pretty speech.
Perhaps what you're saying is true,
but I doubt it.
I was right. You are mad.
Actually, piety runs in my family,
not madness.
My father, God rot his soul...
made his fortune printing Bibles,
if you can imagine.
But every 40 years or so,
the blood throws up an anomaly...
without exception,
a gifted and remarkable black sheep...
from our not-very-remarkable family.
A thief, a swindler, etcetera...
a murderer, or whatever.
My father...
announced this on the day
of my 16th birthday.
I realized that I was the designated one
of my generation.
I accepted it...
and made it my redemption.
Where are you going?
Don't you do that, Captain.
- Don't!
- There is a storm rising.
I have a ship to see to.
There is a storm rising right here.
You better see to it.
Now, you will listen to me.
Now, as I said...
I accepted my destiny
and threw the light of my genius on it.
I wanted to create myself.
I needed a lever to crack life open...
like an oyster.
Among other things, I'm a lawyer.
I became a lawyer to please my father.
Then I discovered something
to please myself.
New Orleans is a wonderfully corrupt town,
but no more than anywhere else.
And in my legal practice,
I discovered that everyone conceals guilt.
Take any person at random...
and I guarantee
I can find something in his life...
that will cost him,
what, two years in jail.
I don't give a damn who it is,
doctor, lawyer, Indian chief.
At first, I used this knowledge
for a little genteel blackmail...
and I billed my clients handsomely.
But I realized I was wasting my talents.
In a world that is criminal,
it seemed only just...
that I become the greatest criminal of all.
Why do I have to listen to all this?
Because you're the very first person
I've ever told this to.
And because
every man resembles his enemy.
We hold each other
in the palms of our hands, Captain.
We are as intimate...
as lovers.
You are a pig.
I'm unworthy of you, Captain Miller.
Try a little harder.
It will make the game more interesting.
Let me leave you
with something to think about.
Your crew didn't cut
the launch loose. I did.
I will not take you to your rendezvous.
I agree, the rendezvous is out.
As you said, there's a storm rising...
and I have no wish
to spend the next few hours...
vomiting over the side of a sailboat.
Tomorrow will be soon enough.
We'll free the lightship from her chains...
and see how she likes her freedom.
I think I'll go below and rest.
Tomorrow promises to be...
a fascinating day.
Hey, cook...
I'm tired of vanilla.
Can you give me some chocolate?
You got chocolate?
I guess I've got some chocolate.
Can I have some? I want it.
How much do you want?
Some pie would go good with this.
Can you give me some pie?
Please.
Cook, I said I want some...
What's that?
Loves Nate!
Who's doing that?
Loves Nate.
Who are you?
Where are you?
Loves Nate.
You stop that!
Stop it!
Loves Nate.
I don't like it!
You hear me?
Loves Nate.
I said, stop it!
- Loves Nate.
- No!
I'm going to kill you!
Help me!
Eddie, help me!
Eugene.
Yes?
Here.
Take this.
I can't find Gene.
I want to go home.
Gene, is that you?
Hey, kid.
What are you going to do now?
You going to kill me?
It won't take much.
You going to shoot me?
Well, go ahead.
I puke one more time, I'm dead anyway.
Come on.
You want me to move closer?
I'll move closer.
How's that?
Go on.
Here, I'll help you.
I'll take the gun.
It's a nice gun.
Your dad's?
It didn't hurt.
All I kept thinking about was
how me and my old man...
we weren't so different.
That's what hurt.
What is it?
Hundred yards at 2:00.
See it?
Coop, get the torch.
We got to cut the anchor chain.
- Right.
- No, it's too late.
Break out the life vests,
and be quick about it.
Come on, let's move it!
Thorne, what is it?
We got a mine on starboard.
Where's my brother?
Make him tell me.
After we settle this matter...
you're going to find Eugene Waxler,
Captain Miller.
Now, raise the anchor.
It's the perfect opportunity.
Who could blame you in this situation?
Please, Captain, free the ship.
Raise the anchor.
I never saw him like that.
Staring at that thing...
talking to it like he knew
it was out there all the time.
Drifting, waiting...
looking for him and his ship.
I don't know what kind of deal he made...
but nothing's going to hurt his ship.
Gene!
Now, Mr. Thorne...
raise the anchor, please.
Right now, or in one minute,
Eddie will shoot the men behind you.
Continue, Mr. Thorne.
Thirty seconds, Mr. Thorne.
Ten seconds, Mr. Thorne.
Don't touch the shackle!
Continue, Mr. Thorne.
You've been sensible so far, Miller.
Now, don't turn stupid.
Don't.
No further.
Don't.
Are we moving?
No.
Dad.
My father told me once...
a ship wasn't something you just sailed on.
A ship was something a man served.
I never knew what he meant.
But I was a lot younger then.
I've been a lot of places since my
father's last watch aboard the lightship.
None of them anywhere near the water.
But every night, when I go to sleep,
I can still see that light.
I can still feel that ship
rocking underneath me.