The Spanish Main

I have urgent business with his excellency the viceroy.

He is not to be disturbed. I have urgent business with him.

We have our orders. And I have my oath of allegiance!

How do they expect a man to sleep? Confound that...

Oh, it's you, is it? I might have known.

And what matter is more important than that I should have peace?

-Pardon, your excellency. A Dutch ship has crashed off the harbour.

-Good.

-Any survivors?

-They were immigrants.

-These routine experiences bore me.

Give me a report in the morning or after my siesta, whichever is later.

-Forgive me, your excellency, but...

-Always buts! What is it now?

-The ship was the Golden Maid.

-Charming name. Goodnight.

-The captain requests an audience. He says his is a special case.

A special plea. Won't your excellency speak with him? The ship's papers.

When will you people realise that a tropical climate calls for a tropical tempo?

But no. All I hear is, "Every golden minute has 60 golden seconds."

Why must it be 60 golden seconds? Why can't it have 30 golden seconds?

-And why do they have to be gold? Why can't they be silver?

-Ahem!

Why don't you tell me these things?

I do everything myself except take my siesta. That YOU take for me!

This is the viceroy and governor, his excellency Don Juan Alvarado...

Excellency, this is Captain Van Horn of the Golden Maid.

Formerly Captain Van Horn of the former Golden Maid, as I see it.

It's a simple matter I present to you.

-He means to "your excellency", doesn't he?

-Yes, your excellency.

-Meaning ME!

What I wish to discuss with, er... with your excellency...

I have already been told you have a special plea. Promptly specify it.

Then I'll promptly deny it.

We are peaceful immigrants on our way to new homes in America. We were blown off course by a hurricane.

Our ship crashed on your rocks...

Most inconsiderate of my rocks. I shall have them reprimanded(!)

We wish to repair our ship, buy food, fill our water casks and then proceed.

-You ask a Spanish town to provision a Dutch ship?

-We are in distress.

And you will be in greater distress, I can assure you.

The law is quite explicit. It forbids these waters to all ships except those of His Spanish Majesty.

-But we were blown off course!

-It is not my fault you're a bad navigator.

-What's this?

-My ship's papers. They constitute a grant of land in a new world.

Well, well, well.

Indeed, a sort of grant or charter to settle on lands in...

Bless me, in the Carolinas!

The Carolinas.

When will people realise they cannot give away what they do not own?

The Carolinas belong to His Spanish Majesty, not to this English king,

who so lavishly bestowed them on all the scum of Europe.

-How many of you survived?

-About 30.

-I could have hoped for more.

-But even 30 workers are better than none.

-We do not wish to remain here.

Those who are able-bodied I will send to the back country as indentured servants.

As for yourself, as their leader, I will provide you with a special status,

so that in years to come it is not inconceivable, with fidelity and diligence, you may become a freeman.

Your excellency does not understand.

My people are not slaves to be sold by me or bought by anyone.

Your people are trespassers and are for me to dispose of as I see fit.

In any case, this grant is worthless.

What a high-strung young man.

-Prison, your excellency?

-For the time, for we'll hang him later.

I'm obliged to you for your kindness.

Welcome to our little home, mate.

I s'pose you're wondering who we are. That's Swaine.

A seaman off a British schooner. >

Uh-uh-uh-uh... He's glad to meet you.

He can't say it. They cut out his tongue.

This here's Paree. He landed from France. They say there's a town in France called Paree.

I'm Pillery Gow, just waiting the day they'll hang me.

-For what crime?

-For no crime at all, mate.

We was earning a living sailing our merchant ships where the needs of trade took us,

till they took us into these waters - our misfortune.

They captured our ships unarmed and made us prisoners of war. What for? It's more than we know. And you?

A peaceful voyager, like yourselves, at least I thought I was.

Laurent Van Horn is my name and Holland my country.

We hoped to leave oppression behind us and settle in the Carolinas.

We dreamed to build a new home in the New World with freedom for all.

Fire!

We thought the Barracuda was here, your excellency...

No more excuses. "We thought the Barracuda was here, your excellency, but he was there." I won't have it!

-Catch me the Barracuda!

-For years we have done...

I'D do it, but I work 20 hours a day being fitted to meet my bride-to-be,

while you and your men do not catch the Barracuda.

We do everything humanly possible...

If I have to catch him myself, as soon as my honeymoon is over, I...

-You are to fit me, not to fondle me.

-A thousand pardons, sir.

You'll need them if the cloak drags. I'll send you to a thousand deaths.

I'll arrange for a bed of hot coals to be started.

One month from today, this bed will have an occupant, the Barracuda or yourself - the choice is your own.

-You understand?

-I do, your excellency.

-For my cuffs, I think Venetian lace will be nice.

-Yes, your excellency.

-Or petit point.

-Oh, your excellency!

HE RECITES A LATIN LOVE POEM

There is another phrasing of that last paragraph, my child, of which you are probably well aware.

-It's absurd that I'm not allowed to go on deck.

-Without your duennas?

They left me. They got seasick. The air might help. I hope it doesn't.

They can be unhappy like me, even if it's not for the same reason.

And what is your reason, my child?

I wish I knew.

-We'll follow the chart when we're ready.

-Aye-aye, sir.

Senor Urbisco...

who is that man?

Why do you ask, my child?

Surely now that I'm about to be married, I...

Well, I was just wondering if I would find my betrothed as...as handsome...

My child, you are about to be married, to enter the world...

Yes, as a bullfighter who has never seen a bull would enter the ring.

-Is my betrothed as handsome?

-As handsome?

All viceroys are men of noble bearing.

You haven't told me who that man is.

He's a Hollander, a man of many words. The existing order does not meet with his favour.

My father calls them malcontents.

The viceroy of Mexico has a gift for precise phrases. A malcontent indeed.

-KNOCK ON DOOR

-Come in, Lepita.

Senora Montavo and Senora Perez are at the door of death.

Again? Yesterday and the day before and the day before.

Well, it has been a very heavy sea.

They beg for final consolation. I will go to them.

They seem to have found a way to keep from being bored on a sea trip.

Always unhappy about themselves.

They'd given up everything but the holy faith.

-Give me your cape.

-You aren't going on deck without your duennas?

Just because they're poor sailors doesn't mean I must be a prisoner.

Come down from aloft!

A beautiful day.

I addressed you, senor.

-You're a man of words I'm told, but clearly only when you utter them yourself, because when...

-Stop!

-How dare you?!

-32.

32.

-What did you say about my being a man of words?

-What are you doing?

Timing our speed against a cork dropped from above.

That's something I could never do. I don't think I even have a pulse.

I'll find it for you.

Mmm. Fast.

Much too fast for navigation.

Senor, you're holding my hand.

And you are holding mine and you are a maid and why not?

I might have known you'd be without manners and not know your place. After all, a Hollander!

Worse than English pirates. Your ships should be sunk at sight.

They are! Pirate or voyager - all the same to a Spaniard.

If Holland is so distasteful, why do you wear Brabant lace?

Capitan!

-Capitan!

-Contessa. What happened?

-He put hands on me.

-Why is he permitted here?

-Working his way into Cartagena. You put hands on the viceroy of Mexico's daughter?

-If she says so.

Take him in charge and hang him.

Wait! Er...

I would not like a corpse dangling beneath my wedding bell.

I think, Capitan, it will be enough to...to have him whipped.

Then whip him! Seize him to the foremast!

Sound battle stations! > BUGLE BLOWS

Prepare for battle. Open the gun ports.

The cleverest and most daring cut-throat in all the Caribbeans.

We know him only by the name of his ship, the Barracuda.

There'll be some nice pickings on that one, sir.

Too sweet a ship for a black-hearted pirate. Look through the spyglass.

I'll forego the pleasure of admiring it.

It's death for him to come within range of our guns and he knows it.

Showing himself is merely insolence.

I hope that's his own opinion as well as yours.

I'd like to see him try it.

At your helm!

HE SHOUTS COMMANDS

Hands to the braces.

Starboard guns fire!

Starboard guns fire!

Not now.

Later.

Fire!

Below!

CANNONFIRE

Quickly, Lepita, help me get him down.

Oh, how could they?!

-Give me water.

-Water, Lepita.

< Fire!

How could they leave him up there to die in the hot sun?

What fair skin he has. That wretched captain spoke of hanging him.

As if men like this grew on every bush, on any bush.

Hello.

Let go of her, you brute! Let go!

Put me down! Let go of me, you brute! Put me down!

On my word of honour as the daughter of the grandee of Spain, you'll hang this time!

-I'd hang you every day for a week!

-Call the guard!

Put me down! Put me down!

Swaine, to the whip-staff!

Carry it off!

CANNONFIRE

Spare these women violence or suffer the curse of holy church

on earth and in hell forever.

Well, what do you think of that?!

My father is the viceroy of Mexico.

I am Contessa Francesca de Gusmania Regantora.

That sounds like a lot of wench, don't it?

Where is your leader? Where is this Barracuda? I demand to speak to him.

He's on deck. What did you say your name was? Francesca de Gusman-what?

You will disturb nothing until I have spoken to him.

He will tell you that you have made a great mistake.

No... 'Ere, high and mighty, ain't she?

I wish to be taken to your leader.

Which one is the Barracuda?

Are you the scoundrel who calls himself the Barracuda?

Alas, no. I am Capitan Mario Du Billar at your service, senorita.

If you're looking for the Barracuda...

A thousand apologies.

Permit me.

Stand by to abandon ship!

Permit me, senorita, to present to you my master - Senor Barracuda.

-My betrothed is the viceroy of New Granada.

-I've known him some time.

If it takes every ship on the Spanish Main, he'll hang you.

Perhaps. ..Mario, there'll be another ship along soon.

Your head will be our wedding gift to the world.

Put 50,000 pieces of eight into the fund for the others.

-I'll take this woman for myself.

-No woman is worth such a sum.

That's true, but she happens to be more than just a woman to me.

-She's a score to be settled.

-You're mad!

-No compliments!

-Will she stand the rough weather...?

-Add the value of the silver bell on the masthead.

It's a wedding bell. I want it too.

An odd world - an odd world, truly.

-One never knows when one is going to be married.

-Put me down!

'Ere, what kind of bilge water is this?

The grandees drink canary wine. I'm no wine-drinking canary! Give me rum.

-Take it away!

-Heave!

-Lively, men, lively!

-Heave-ho! Heave-ho!

Courage, my child.

50,000 pieces of eight!

My friends, I invite you to dance at my wedding.

-When will this wedding take place?

-At my leisure.

I promise you one hour's notice!

Nothing in this world could make me marry you!

You will accompany me to my cabin.

THEY ALL LAUGH

You've no marriage plans for my duennas?

See that the ladies get safely to their cabins.

-If you please.

-Or if you don't please!

Clear decks for action! Prisoners below!

HE CONTINUES TO GIVE ORDERS

Please proceed.

What are these preparations for?

-There is a companion ship to the Santa Madre.

-San Pablo is in sight!

-San Pablo? More death and bloodshed!

-Hurry if you wish not to see it.

-Senor Barracuda.

-What is it now?

-I propose to make a bargain.

-Indeed?

You shall have my hand in marriage.

Your hand in marriage, eh?

What will you do with the San Pablo?

Well, we try, but it's almost impossible to think up anything new.

Take over. Hold her close to the wind. Keep an eye on the San Pablo.

I will marry you if the San Pablo is allowed to proceed unharmed.

Don't you realise your hand in marriage AND the San Pablo are mine for the asking.

A genuine wedding. I will have the Lord Bishop perform the ceremony.

Pillery, hoist the silver bell to the masthead.

But the San Pablo, Captain? She's an easy victim.

She will proceed unharmed.

Your attention, please, your lordship.

I propose to be married immediately, as soon as you can robe yourself.

Why, I will profane no sacrament.

-Be not afraid, my child.

-But I wish to be.

If there has been any coercion,

if it's not of your own free will...

It IS of my own free will.

I wish to be married to this man at once.

Take him to the fo'c'sle, Swaine.

Go to my cabin with your mistress and get her into the wedding gown.

I'll do nothing you say, you pig!

You beast! You pig! You swine! You brute! ..You put me down!

Your highness, walk or ride?

Will thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance

in the holy estate of matrimony?

Will thou obey and serve him, love, honour and keep him in sickness and in health,

and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him so long as you both shall live?

I will.

BANGING AGAINST DOOR

Why are you still dressed?

I told you to be in bed.

Brabant lace.

You will put that on.

Believe me, you will.

I'm very pleased with myself. I'm sure you share my delight in what a wonderful fellow I am.

I'm pleased to strip Alvarado of as much gold as I have and to sink as many of his ships as I have,

but now at last I've deprived him of his bride.

Is that why you married me, senor?

Perhaps. Perhaps it was the whipping I took or I may be in love with you.

That's not too unbelievable is it? ..Or is it?

Anyway, whatever the reason, I've taken you for my wife,

and my wife you are going to be.

Was this intended for yourself or for me?

I meant it for you,

but I see now I have no need of it.

There is nothing you can really do to me.

Neither your touch nor anything you say can be of any consequence.

After all, I...I have been taught never to mind dogs or peasants.

If you're completely finished with your declaration of love, your highness,

you will put that on.

Put that on or I'll throw you to the crew without it.

50,000 pieces of eight. Are you worth that much? What am I getting in return?

Francesca de Gusmania Regantora, bearer of one of the proudest Spanish names,

spoiled in the cradle, schooled in cruelty and stubborn pride,

and cursed with a vile temper, which you probably perfected yourself.

No, no, you are no bargain.

On the other hand, there may be some assets I'm not taking into account.

If I may make so bold,

my figure?

Good. You would bring five thousand in the auction in Algiers. Say, four.

-My hair?

-There is fire in it.

-My eyes?

-Cold. I might even say calculating.

My lips?

Your lips. They could persuade me that I have made a good bargain.

Anyway, I'm about to begin to count.

If you aren't ready when I count ten...

I am ready.

Good night.

More wine for us, senores. Another slice of roast for his lordship.

Forgive my wife's absence. She'll learn better manners in time.

If there's anything you like, I beg you to ask for it. Consider yourself not prisoners, but guests.

Recommend my piracy to your friends when you return home.

-And when will that be?

-As soon as your ransoms are paid. Tomorrow I shall send Alvarado the reckoning.

-When the money comes, you can go.

-And what of the Contessa?

She will remain my wife. ..Excuse me.

Close that door! Don't you dare come in while I'm trying to fix my hair!

CRASH!

There are habits of the nobility to which one must accustom oneself.

Under no circumstances can a lady be expected to do her own hair. Send Lepita to her.

I've a better idea. You're a barber who was deported for blackmail.

The whole matter can nicely be left in your hands.

There.

Pillery, serve our note to the merchants for a public auction at whichever market seems best.

We meet tonight as usual. I'm going to have a haircut.

Settlement of accounts tonight at the side of the Turtle. Them as ain't there, ain't paid!

A good day, my dear Benjamin. I don't think so.

Your venture was unsuccessful? Yes.

Laurent took the Santa Madre. 5,000 share at the very least.

And a beautiful bride for himself. So I see!

You feel perhaps that Tortuga's no place for a lady of her refinement?

I'm inclined to agree.

Come, Benjamin, let's drink on it.

Pillery, is it more than we expected?

The best haul we've ever had, sir.

Rum! Bring me rum! Aye-aye, sir.

Oh, curse these cards! The Barracuda married the girl? Why marry her?

Well, it's eccentric behaviour.

As a sea lawyer, there's nothing in the articles of brotherhood agin marriage, just a warning!

Wait until the viceroy of New Granada hears, and sends 20 galleons and an army or two to get his bride back.

D'you think he'd send all that for a girl? That's out of a bottle, Benjy.

No, that's one thing that Benjamin's right about. I heard it myself.

I'm a pirate, not a womaniser.

I grab a Spaniard's treasure or ship wherever I find it, then I sell it back to him.

I take my chances. I don't see why I should take the Barracuda's chances.

What difference, if we can kill twice as many of them?

We're not afraid of them. He's using us in a private feud.

I say clear 'em both out of here together -

him and his high-born wench, before it's too late. What's the law on it?

According to the articles, a captain can do with his prize any which way he pleases.

That's on the one hand.

On the other, prisoners taken at sea are often sent home in good condition

and earn you more than their weight in ransom.

That's on the other hand, so...

He'll send her back, or... That's for the brotherhood to decide, Benjamin.

MUSIC: "What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?"

Guv'nor, you're in the Barracuda's chair. Come on. Give over, will you?

Rip me, if it's not the Barracuda!

-Well, where is it?

-Sorry, I didn't bring one this trip.

No lace nightgown? You worthless dog!

Who's been keeping his feet warm?

What's this?

May I present my friend, Anne Bonney? This is my wife, Anne.

Your wife?!

-He says it's his wife.

-The Lord Bishop married us on the Barracuda.

What'd he do? Catch you in the cable tier and marry you over a pistol?

Is this true?

Yes.

You Dutch codfish! If there was any honest blood in you, I'd let it out at your throat.

If I'd thought you'd known the word "marriage", and marriage to that -

a powdered, prissy trollop!

Broad in the beam!

Soft in the chest.

Let's look at your teeth.

Say your prayers, my pretty.

-Drop it!

-I don't need protection and certainly not against her!

As if any of your kind had the courage to fight your own battles!

You're the nobility, hiding behind your paid protection.

I'll slit you like a pigeon!

I'm sure you'd rather fight pigeons.

-Would you stand before me the length of that table with pistols in our hands?

-I've the mind and heart to!

That's enough!

What do YOU say? Am I to be struck by his ducksy without satisfaction?

You'll get satisfaction from me, if you want it.

Parties striking each other are to be armed and set ashore for 30 minutes without interference.

We'll do it without interference!

Not so fast, Benjamin! This will be no duel. It would be murder.

Have you ever fired a pistol?

No.

Francesca, your honour will be no good to you when you are dead.

Shake hands with Anne. Drink with us and be friends.

Anne, for my sake, forgive her.

Does she crawl and beg me to?

No.

You heard what he said, without interference from no others!

You're right. It will be as they wish.

Your pistol, Manuel.

And yours, Captain Strangford.

I will load them...equally.

Bless you.

Steady.

Think, Laurent, what chance will your wife have?

The same chance as Anne. ..Your pigeon has claws, Anne.

Only eagles have claws, and she's no eagle.

Will you two do without this madness?

No.

Very well, then.

According to the rules, the injured party first.

That's me.

Move back.

Get ready.

Take aim.

I will ask once if you are ready and then give the word.

Aw, make her hold it steady with both hands.

I don't wanna be made a honeycomb of.

-Are you ready?

-Ready, my friend.

Ready.

Fire!

You Dutch codfish, chimney soot in the pistols!

ANNE LAUGHS

I might have known you'd do a trick like this.

Teach you not to marry anyone who can't see a joke.

I think you are right, Anne.

If I had chosen you...

The joke seems not to your taste.

You and your Spanish strumpet!

And what else, Benjamin?

Pack her back where she came from!

I am waiting. What's your grievance?

She'll have the Spanish Main upon us. We want no more of her...or you!

Does this scum speak for the brotherhood?

Are you my jury? Have I been tried?

-Any man as asks to hear...

-You'll hear me, anyway.

What's my offence, truly?

Let me tell you. It is that I hate the tyrant with all my breath and spirit.

In Cartegena long ago I took an oath,

to prise fingers loose as far as one man might,

until he lost his grasp,

so that others coming after me might find in a new world what I had sought.

Well, the Spaniard begins to feel us now.

His ships go armed and still he loses them.

We even have to find ways now to coax him out to fight.

She will bring Alvarado out.

And I'll be ready for him.

As if that's the crime you see fit to charge me with, I plead guilty. Guilty in the highest degree!

-Laurent!

-No!

Your teeth are chattering, Benjamin. Are you afraid?

You can have your life, for what it's worth, but get out of Tortuga before the morning.

I warn you!

-Gangway!

-THEY ALL CHEER

KNOCK ON DOOR

Who is it?

Your husband, remember?

I felt there was something I ought to say to you,

but I am a little afraid you will misunderstand.

You said I was brought up to be an ornament.

-You couldn't expect an ornament to understand.

-That's just it.

-You ARE an ornament.

-Thank you(!)

I admired you at the Sea Turtle. You had dignity, a sense of fitness,

-courage...

-And?

And I was proud of you.

The Senor Barracuda is very gracious(!)

Do not be sarcastic about all I say.

You mean that occasionally you say what you genuinely mean?

I've a suggestion.

Let us both be genuine with each other.

About the Sea Turtle, I might have been offended tonight if I HAD been your wife,

-but, after all, that woman, that... What's her name?

-You know her name.

Very well. Anne Bonney. You put the soot in the pistols to protect her as well.

Anne was my dearest friend until I met you.

I don't know what purpose you could have in telling me that,

unless you really mean it.

I do mean it.

Please...please don't make me believe you again.

Last night when you left me here, you didn't mean it then, you couldn't have.

Why did you leave?

If you had stayed...

When I captured the Santa Madre and you, and decided to marry you,

I wasn't sure whether I did it out of contempt, for revenge against Alvarado, but now I know.

I want you to be my wife... really my wife.

-Laurent...

-Yes?

Why?

Tell me, why?

Careful, you scum.

And you, Dutchman, tell your bride goodbye. She's off to Cartegena on the turn of the tide.

Do forgive me. What I do is not for my own choice, but for your own good,

and in the name of the brotherhood.

Mario's steering your ship, Bonney's in charge of your wife and you're staying in Tortuga,

whether you like it or not.

Laurent!

That's enough. Stop the wench. >

I'm beginning to think the Spanish witch had a spell on you.

Soak me if I don't believe it's that nightgown!

FRANCESCA SCREAMS

Take him ashore!

ORDERS ARE SHOUTED

We'll fire a cannon when we leave the harbour, then cut him loose and run.

Sit down!

Anchor up and all clear!

Take them to Barracuda. Get the crew going to Cobra.

We sail in an hour. Aye.

Be careful, Senor Barracuda.

-We wish no harm on you.

-I'll remember your thoughtfulness.

You will remember it too to the end of your days.

I'll take over. What do you want?

Him. Leave us alone. He'll trouble you no more.

Benjy, you've been drinking too much. There'll be no murder here. Now, put down that pistol or I'll...

Hold it, Dutchman.

You're a very brave man, Benjy, aren't you?

I don't think I'll dirty my steel on you.

Swaine!

Strike me if it ain't the spitting image of the Barracuda.

-The Barracuda's in bed...

-Quick, Pillery, untie me!

Why, it IS the Barracuda! Do you hear? It's the Barracuda!

-Are you hurt, Swaine?

-Uh-uh-uh-uh.

He means that we can handle a dozen like Black any time you say. CANNONFIRE

-What's that?

-That's a signal that my friend, Du Billar, got clean away with my wife and my ship.

He stole your wife and your ship?

That's truly accommodating of Benjy, to leave his ship where we need it.

-The Cobra'll never overhaul the Barracuda.

-She can get us to Cartegena and that is all I need.

I would have used my power and freed you even before this,

but our tropical fruit must be eaten when picked or else they become worthless.

-He did her no harm, did he?

-Apparently not, your excellency.

Murderous words. I prefer to believe I heard you say "indubitably not".

La Contessa Francesca de Gusmania Regantora.

Welcome to Cartegena.

The Lord Bishop is informed of your capture and of your brave trials and tribulations.

-Why not tell me she was beautiful?

-I did.

Why not tell me she's more beautiful than you did?

I've also been told, my child, of an alleged marriage between yourself and this Barracuda.

I hold it to be no marriage at all.

What I hold anything not to be automatically becomes...

Any man who adopts the nom de plume of a fish!

-You could petition for annulment.

-But that would take months.

-On the average, about 18.

-18 months!

I refuse to wait like a beggar with my hat in my hand for 18 months.

-There is no reason why we should not be married tomorrow.

-Tomorrow?

Yesterday, unfortunately, is impossible.

Today, I will devote my attention to the task of making myself even more personable for you.

Tomorrow, I have the entire day free.

We shall be married tomorrow.

But a girl has so many things to consider, your excellency. Suppose I found myself with two husbands.

A pirate can never be regarded as a husband, except by another pirate.

And now, Contessa, I beg your leave.

I'll attend to all the arrangements for the wedding feast and banquet.

I have people to be hanged who cannot be hanged without my signature.

I will be back shortly.

Come along.

Ah, we'll make a beautiful couple!

You told me he was a man of noble bearing.

A man of noble...? Oh, I did, didn't I?

Well, he's not. He's fat.

Can't you regard him as just pleasingly plump?

-My poor Lord Bishop!

-RATTLING

My child, you are a bad influence.

I was to authorise several people to be hanged. Instead I became soft.

They'll be turned on the rack instead.

Well, is my little bride all a-flutter?

I must counsel that she return home and your marriage be postponed.

I'm sure your advice is sound, however I will ignore it.

Commandante, we will apply the word "beautiful" to all the ladies who have appeared on these premises.

You will invent a word meaning more than beautiful,

which will be applied exclusively to la Contessa Francesca.

18 months!

It's absurd!

If I may remind your excellency, I've made my decision. I am returning home to my father.

-You're in error. We will not discuss it.

-I insist on returning home.

It is a mistake to insist upon a decision one's powerless to enforce.

It was your father's wish that you and I be married.

I assume it is your true wish too.

What have you done with the pirates who brought them?

-They are still aboard the ship.

-I desire to see them. I will honour them with my personal attention.

Pray, excuse me, my child. ..And you, your lordship.

Your excellency, I will accompany you.

You're already acquiring a taste for my company. Good.

By all means, come along.

So this is the Barracuda? I fancy her as well as any other of our own armada, perhaps better.

I agree. With some alteration, it would make a good ship of war.

The elimination of Senor Barracuda's enough to convert her for my needs -

a vessel for my private pleasure.

She may put out to sea carrying you on your honeymoon in the arms of your beloved.

If my reference to your beloved is vague, I refer to myself.

Bless me, it's a woman!

So I am, hogshead, but what are you?

I must decide whether you hang or burn at the stake. It's a difficult choice.

-I promised them safe conduct back to Tortuga.

-You did?

I would have done the same thing and I wouldn't have kept my word.

-I see no reason to keep yours.

-When I give my word, it should be kept.

-There is no such thing as a word of honour as far as this rubbish is concerned.

-My word MUST be kept.

You shall have your way.

They are to be kept under guard until returned to their own pirates.

-Does that satisfy you?

-I have your word for it?

-You have.

-Thank you.

Commandante, you will escort the Contessa to the gangway.

Thank you.

Take this riff-raff, shackled if necessary, to prison.

Keep them there until I decide if they are to burnt at the stake separately or together.

I should have cut your...!

What uncouth language! Take her away.

You...!

-Your excellency.

-Who are you?

-Mario Du Billar. You must have heard of me.

-Indeed I have. You shall be hanged.

-I restored your excellency's bride.

Your excellency jokes undoubtedly.

-Hanged?

-Only by the thumbs.

The Contessa Francesca pledged me...

You should learn that no-one as low-born as yourself may ever have the presumption

to rely on the viceroy's daughter.

-Now what?

-Unknown schooner of English build is moving along the coast.

The Cobra. Of course!

The Barracuda's on board her.

Now, what made me say that?

Senor Barracuda and I have had our misunderstandings but he's my friend.

I'd rather be hanged at once than tempted to betray him on his arrival here.

-My, you're a scoundrel. What evidence have you that the Barracuda's aboard the Cobra?

-None.

-Why do you...?

-Because I know the man.

He will not rest until he frees the women, or is killed in the attempt.

The latter alternative is the more likely and the more satisfactory.

If you were of assistance in bringing this Barracuda within the sphere of my benevolent custody,

you might avoid hanging altogether.

-A service like that is worth, er...

-You have conditions to suggest?

The Contessa promised 50,000 pieces of eight and the Order of the Golden Spur.

Your impudence is almost engaging.

50,000 pieces of eight it shall be and the Order of the Golden Spur, on my honour as an hidalgo of Spain.

I thank your excellency.

The Barracuda will unquestionably come ashore at a cove long used by our men for scouting purposes.

It is some leagues along the coast. If I escaped... It could be arranged?

-It could.

-I would meet him there.

Laurent!

I knew you'd come. I've been looking everywhere for you.

Never in my life have I been so glad to see friends.

Imagine my feelings when I tell you that less than three hours ago I lay in a cell condemned to torture.

If it hadn't been for an officer I'd known in happier days and had helped...

If I can be of any service to you...

-Laurent, surely you believe me?

-You stole my ship.

I only acted in the name of the brotherhood, in your interest.

You were becoming unfaithful to our common cause.

You hear what I hear? I was untrue to the cause.

-Let me finish him off.

-You were saying, Mario?

If I die for saying it...it was your wife who betrayed us all.

-What of my wife?

-From the moment you met, she was scheming and contriving to get us to free her from you.

-Finally we consented, not for her sake, for yours.

-Go on.

She promised us all safe conduct back to Tortuga after we brought her here to marry Alvarado.

Bonney and the crew are rotting in the dungeons,

sentenced to burn at the stake.

That's how much you can trust her.

You realise what you've told me?

Fully. She couldn't wait for the wedding before moving into his excellency's palace.

In his palace?

Under the same roof?

Forgive me, Mario, for not trusting you at first.

I thank you for your information.

Get more and meet me in the marketplace when it draws dark.

You can rely on me.

-How can you believe him?

-Who says I do?

If he bids me good morning, I figure it's night and sleep. Every word...

Some are true and some are not. I want to find out which is which.

Find out from her? You'll put yourself in prison.

Not the worst place to be. That's where our true friends are.

Something tells me they'll be awfully glad to welcome us. Come on.

Oooh!

-Your excellency, Capitan Mario Du Billar.

-Send him in.

Aggh!

So, you've returned already, have you?

Oh, dear. I seem to know less about scoundrels than I thought.

Surely your excellency never doubted me?

Not at all. I took it for granted you would betray me if you could.

-Well, have you been successful?

-Your excellency shall be the judge.

-I met a man of consequence...

-Oh, come to the point!

I raised a topic to which no man is insensitive - a lady whom he loves.

I intimated that she may not be in love with him, that she may be making a fool of him.

-You're shrewder than I thought.

-Oh, your excellency!

-That was NOT a compliment.

-I promised you 10,000 pieces of eight.

-50,000 was the sum you said.

50,000 I said. 10,000 was what I had in mind.

-Whatever your excellency says.

-Exactly.

I would assume that vanity would lead this man to investigate whether he HAS been made a fool of.

If you were in his place, your excellency.

If I were in his position...yes.

I think I would call upon the lady.

DOORS ARE UNBOLTED

Laurent!

I'm sorry if I startled you. There was too much danger to have myself announced with more formality.

Wait. Let me close the door.

You must not stay here. If you were discovered, don't you know what they would do? You were mad to come.

There's safety in madness. Who would suspect I would come, unless you send for Alvarado?

Oh, Laurent, be serious. Why don't you kiss me?

You would like to continue with this farce?

-What are you saying?

-I believed you.

-Believed a lady like you would stoop to a buccaneer.

-I won't listen!

-All the time you were scheming to leave me.

-What makes you say this?

-What proof have you?

-The only proof I have is in myself, in my heart.

The very first time we met, you had me lashed because I spoke to you.

The dagger you were ready to stab me with.

-It was only...

-That night in the cabin, I tried to explain.

These things you're saying might once have been so,

but have not been so since I realised how... how much I do love you.

-What else proves you love me?

-I wish there were proofs I could give you.

Unless you're prepared to believe what I say just because I say it...

-I have no proofs.

-You've had my crew thrown into the prison.

Anne Bonney - to whom you promised safe conduct home.

They will be burnt at the stake in celebration of the royal holiday.

-Anne...

-The flames will add colour to the festivities connected with...

-Call the guard!

-..your next marriage.

-Laurent, go!

You've got to go.

I take it you know that the palace guard is coming.

-I swear to you I didn't! Please go!

-Now that it's too late, you warn me.

I too had conceived of such a possibility myself.

So, YOU are the Barracuda?

Or Laurent Van Horn, remember?

Yes, I remember. You were presumptuous and I punished you.

We are old friends. It's an intimacy that won't endure much longer.

-I will rid you of this intruder immediately and permanently.

-Tell him about Anne Bonney.

-You must...

-It was a privilege to have known you.

I'll remember you to the end of my days.

What a pretty speech.

Search the garden! ..You, look in the shrubbery to the right.

Remember, get the weapons to me and the prisoners who are hiding.

I count on you.

Make sure there are no more.

A thousand pardons for this intrusion, my child,

but I thought it necessary for your sake even more than my own.

Let me open you another bottle.

HE LAUGHS

Not now.

What if someone saw us?

Take them the basket and then hurry back here. I'll be waiting for you.

Here is your last meal. Don't choke on the bones.

Did you hear him? The last meal.

Huh? What'd he say? He says he doesn't care.

FANFARE

It's the viceroy. I should have left here long ago.

-If he finds you here in this state with me, his favourite...

-I know.

It will be my last meal too.

-Strike me if I'd ever thought I'd see you again!

-Sshh!

Francesca! ..She's here.

-She knows the way to a man's heart.

-Put it away!

-I'd rather wear the white brocade. It flatters my figure.

-Yes, your excellency.

This visit is not meant to reflect on the way you run this prison.

-My appearance keeps people on their toes.

-I think you'll find everything to your liking.

Careful of the steps.

-Tell my barber that my beard wants trimming.

-Yes, your excellency.

-You let a man come so close to your throat with a blade?

-Coco, tell him.

He shouldn't have thought he could steal a woman like he stole ships.

At last we see eye to eye. A woman cannot be stolen, nor her love.

Hang him high, high enough for him to have a last glimpse of the Barracuda - a crowning touch.

Yes, your excellency.

The wedding party will be on the barge with the priests. Let him reach his destination first.

Du Billar, what a pretty sight!

Hiding behind his excellency's rather broad back.

A pity that one of the few comparable swordsman is reduced to parrying with words.

Even if I had something more pointed that words, I would not use it now.

Well, Coco, since we shan't see him again, our condolences.

(He mustn't see me!)

I didn't know your kind cared about their men as much as we do.

I love him.

-I came here to keep my word that you would go free.

-KEY JANGLES

Come now, please.

Well, strike me.

-You...you...

-Walk ahead of me.

My wife.

Now, Laurent, open up.

-You believe me now?

-Yes. I'll never forget these seconds.

I'll never forget the way you look now.

You'll have the guards on our necks! ..You, where's the armoury? Step lively!

DOOR OPENS

I'm sure you're wrong.

The palace sent a maid servant. There was no maid servant. Some girl was here.

I'll find out about her. You see that she doesn't slip past the gates.

I'll see to it.

Hard as I try, I can't believe this is your bridal gown.

There's time for you to change and go on the barge.

I'm sure you'll agree, the less said about this to Alvarado, the better.

Well, Mario, at last!

Oh, Laurent!

You dirty...!

Make for the harbour. Avoid the fortress, it bristles with soldiers.

Head him for the Carolinas.

And there...

Good sailing.

-See the boat?

-I see nothing, sir.

-You won't find it in my face. Look out there.

-Yes, sir.

-Keep looking.

Why are those pillows on deck? You think we'll sleep here? Idiot! Take them below.

I will enjoy that tomorrow morning at breakfast.

-More soldiers? What are they for?

-The pirates are at large.

-What?

-They will protect you now that we are to return ashore.

-Return ashore?

This is their leader's ship. I will wait here. Are there more of you?

-They are waiting alongside.

-They will constitute an adequate committee of reception.

The boat has come, sir.

-Will I send it back?

-No, she must see how I deal with men who cross me.

They'll be unaware that their ropes are missing until they wake. Pillery used no violence.

-I'm afraid the Lord Bishop himself may be expected.

-Hmm.

If so, his lordship's absence may have to be excused.

Form a guard of honour to receive the Contessa. Put down the carpet.

My dear.

Father Lorenzo is deputising for his lordship. The bishop is confined with gout.

I pity him, while I rejoice that he cause me no delay.

I fancied we'd be married right here.

I take it for granted you agree.

I must make mention of an unforeseen delay. You are not yet a widow.

-We shall have to restrain our impatience, not for weeks, nor days, nor even hours I hope.

-Don't hope.

I should have said it will be only a matter of minutes.

This ship is amply fortified, which I'm sure you didn't anticipate.

I indulged myself in the thought you were unwilling in this intrigue.

-It was of my own choosing.

-You chose the loser. You can change your mind.

-I've no intention of doing so.

-Don't try my affection too far.

I'm not your kind. No matter what you do, I won't share your triumph.

-Lieutenant!

-Your guards can't make me despise you any less.

-You stand for everything I wish to forget.

-Lieutenant!

Where are you?!

Sentry.

Sentry!

SENTRY!

Cut the anchor cable. Set topsails.

-We can't sail past. It's in point-blank range.

-We'll make a run for it.

You fool!

You'll never clear the harbour.

The garrison will fire if this ship so much as moves before daybreak.

Sound the alarm. Man your guns.

Sound the alarm! FANFARE

At least we all may have the dubious consolation of dying together.

Man your guns!

The Barracuda sails long before her time, sir.

The priest, the bride, his excellency.

Any reason he shouldn't be married ahead of time?

Look carefully at the priest, sir. Isn't he rather tall for the bishop?

Yes, strangely tall, I grant you.

Stand ready to fire by sections!

< Stand ready to fire by sections!

Fire.

Why don't you fire?

Section number three, fire!

FIRING CONTINUES

Moments now. Close your eyes and pray that we will be delivered.

FIRING CONTINUES

To think that I considered firing on her with his excellency on board.

Give them the rockets for good luck.

Long live the viceroy!

Oh, let's hang him from the yardarm!

Take out his heart. We've got to do this properly,

step by step, limb from limb.

Can't you let him live? Find him some useful work.

Work?

No, Contessa, yours is the cruellest of all suggestions.

Lucky Don Juan Alvarado! I knew he wouldn't wait.

He's dead.

Subtitles by Sarah Aitken BBC Scotland 2000

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