Chapter 4
SCENE #38 – INT – BRIDGE, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, MORNING
Back on the bridge, the Captain is barking mad at the outrage of his stolen pearl ring. His First Mate and Midshipman are with him.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Why is everybody so slow?! Why has no-one found that treacherous man Mr. Davies yet?
FIRST MATE
This is a big ship, sir. We’re doing everything we can to find Mr Davies.
CAPTAIN TOLER
I hold you fully responsible for this, First Mate. I expect you to watch the comings and goings of every crewmember of my ship. At least you should have checked nothing was stolen from my office.
FIRST MATE
It was a full-proof operation, sir! No one could have got in or out of that safe with the slightest dent in the metal.
MIDSHIPMAN
(abjectly) Begging your pardon sir, but he did manage to get your package the moment you showed him the safe. You must have given him care to handle the package to put back into the safe not realising he would steal it.
CAPTAIN TOLER
What are you blubbering on about, Midshipman?! Don’t take such nonsense!
MIDSHIPMAN
We don’t know if it is Mr. Davies as you say, sir. It would be anyone else who might have stolen the safe…
CAPTAIN TOLER
Don’t be ridiculous, midshipman! Of course it was him. I was the one who shared only him about the package in the safe. I trusted him. Now he’s stabbed me in the back.
FIRST MATE
We’ll do all we can to get him, sir. We’ll find Mr. Davies as soon as possible!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(angrily) Don’t dawdle about it! Be quick! I want that snake in the grass found! You hear me! Found! Not beat it, you swabs!
FIRST MATE
Yes, sir. Yes, sir. (to Midshipman) Come on, Midshipman! Let’s get moving!
MIDSHIPMAN
Aye, sir.
FIRST MATE
Find Mr. Davies at once for the Captain!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(angrily) Where’s my pearl ring? Where has it got to?
At that moment, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy enter.
DOCTOR
(cheerfully) Hello, Captain! I think I may be able to help you there!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Really?! How can you help…? (realises) You!
DOCTOR
Ah, yes! Civilians! Yes, I see what you’re thinking. Sorry for barging in like this, but we had to see you to warn you…
CAPTAIN TOLER
Men! Seize him! Seize that man in the white coat! Don’t let him get away!
Crewmembers jump on the Doctor and hold him hostage. The Doctor cries out.
DOCTOR
Alright, alright. No need to be so rough! I’m standing still!
NYSSA
Let him go!
BILLY
Yeah! He’s done nothing wrong!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Nothing wrong?! Can I even hear my own ears! (to Doctor) You’re the one who’s responsible for all of this!
DOCTOR
Now I wouldn’t say that. That’s going a little harsh, Captain…err…Captain…?
CAPTAIN TOLER
(bitterly) Where’s that package?
DOCTOR
Sorry? What package?
CAPTAIN TOLER
(angrily) That package containing the pearl ring! You got that pearl ring, haven’t you?
DOCTOR
Pearl ring? I don’t understand what you’re saying, Captain!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(barks) I’ll soon show you…
FIRST MATE
(interrupts) Easy, Captain! Easy!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Don’t tell me to take it easy! No one tells the Captain to take it easy!
BILLY
But the Doctor’s innocent! He hasn’t done anything!
NYSSA
He’s right! The Doctor hasn’t stolen anything! We came to explain…
CAPTAIN TOLER
(angrily) You’re liars! You’re all liars!
DOCTOR
(realises) Ah! I see what’s happening here! You think I’m someone else, don’t you, Captain!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Don’t play the innocent game with me! You’re a scoundrel and I’m going to get my pearl ring back off of you even if it kills me!
DOCTOR
Captain, listen to me! Your crew and this ship with its passengers is in terrible danger!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(scoffs) Oh really?
NYSSA
Yes, Captain! There’s a conspiracy going on. Some group are trying to conduct a big crime on the ship. And this group is led by someone who looks like the Doctor.
BILLY
Yes. It’s possibly one of those gangs you got back in New York or L.A. Like err…like the Slithee group that was mentioned.
NYSSA
That’s right! Billy, you’re right. In the newspaper. The ship left L.A., so it’s a possibly this heist is conducted by them. The Slithee you mentioned, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Believe us when we tell you, Captain. We’re trying to help you. If you would only just listen to us a little bit more…
CAPTAIN TOLER
I refuse to hear anything you say. You’re lairs, the three of you! Now give me back my pearl ring, Mr. Davies.
DOCTOR
I’m known as the Doctor.
CAPTAIN TOLER
(dismissively) Doctor, whatever! You criminals are all the same with your special codenames and aliases.
NYSSA
But it’s true, Captain! He is the Doctor! The Doctor’s our friend!
BILLY
Yeah, we can speak for him. We can vouch for his innocence. There’s someone else…
CAPTAIN TOLER
Ah, but you see I know who you two are already. I know you both for being the accomplices of Mr. Davies, the Doctor, whatever his name is.
NYSSA
What? We’re not anyone’s accomplices.
BILLY
We don’t know who you are. You’ve never met us before…
CAPTAIN TOLER
What are you trying to do? Make me look dumb? I saw you in the corridor yesterday.
BILLY
In the corridor?
CAPTAIN TOLER
Yes! Your Doctor, who was my first officer, got summoned by you two when you wanted to speak to him. No doubt to discuss your big crimes.
DOCTOR
Me? I got summoned? By Nyssa and Billy?
CAPTAIN TOLER
Now I know you’re playing dumb. Well, I won’t fall for that one. You three are in big trouble, you hear that?
BILLY
Seems that way, doesn’t it?
CAPTAIN TOLER
You two can’t defend your friend. His secret and yours are already out. You’re all under arrest. (to crewmen) Hold these two with their friend, the Doctor.
CREWMEN
(in unison) Yes, sir.
The crewmen hold Nyssa and Billy with the Doctor, as they have them all under arrest.
NYSSA
Well, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Not really, Nyssa. Oh dear. This wasn’t what I had in mind. It’s gone all pear-shaped.
BILLY
Just as well. I never really liked pears. My least favourite fruit to eat.
They remain standing held under arrest, whilst the Captain glares at them accusingly.
SCENE #39 – INT – JUDY’S CABIN, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, MORNING
Meanwhile in Judy’s cabin, someone knocks on her door. She goes over to answer it, as the knocking’s persistent.
JUDY
Alright, alright. I’m coming. Give me a moment, will you?
Eventually she reaches the door and opens it to answer who it is. It happens to be Snowy, Buster and Pugsley. Pugsley is standing behind Snowy and Buster.
JUDY
Yes? Can I help you…? (realises) Oh, Hello! Nice to see you two again.
SNOWY
(charmingly) The pleasure’s all ours.
BUSTER
Nice to see you again, pretty!
JUDY
Who’s that then?
SNOWY
Oh, this is a good friend of ours. Mr. Davies. He’s the first officer of the S.S. Majesty, you see.
JUDY
The first officer?! Really?
PUGSLEY
Yes, I am. Delighted to meet you, Miss Garland. It’s such an honour.
JUDY
Thank you, Mr. Davies. (to Snowy; Buster) Look, I don’t mean to be rude. But…what is all this about?
SNOWY
We’ve talked to Mr. Davies and there’s been a slight change of plan.
BUSTER
We’re nearly arriving at our destination. Where you and Mr. Rooney said you agreed to do our deal.
PUGSLEY
Yes, so we’d like you to accompany us to the boat. It’s all set and ready for disembarking.
JUDY
What? Right this minute? When I haven’t had any breakfast.
PUGSLEY
Time is short, Miss Garland. We require your talents most urgently.
JUDY
Well, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. But I come when I’m able and not before. I have to get myself packed before I set off…
PUGSLEY
The subject is not open for debate, Miss Garland. You will come with us.
SNOWY
Sorry, we have to do this to you, Miss Garland. But we really are pressed for time.
BUSTER
Yeah. Our trip is in a tight spot if only you’d understand our predicament.
JUDY
Look I don’t like the way you three are talking, but I think you should leave now…
Judy makes to go back inside, before Pugsley grabs her roughly by the arm.
PUGSLEY
I’m sorry, Miss Garland. But we can’t allow you to go back inside.
JUDY
(frightened) Let go of me! Please, Mr. Davies, whoever you are. You’re hurting my arm. Please, let go off me!
BUSTER
You best do as Mr. Davies says, Judy.
SNOWY
We really don’t want to make this any difficult!
JUDY
If you guys don’t let go of me, I shall have to call for help!
PUGSLEY
We can’t allow that either! You wouldn’t dare!
JUDY
(calls) Help! Help! Somebody please help! Help!
SNOWY
Come on! Let’s get out of here before somebody else comes…
JUDY
(calls) Help! Help!
BUSTER
We need to get Mickey as well. Both she and him are essential to this operation!
SNOWY
Do you think we’ve forgotten that, Bozo Buster? Let’s deal this one step at a time, shall we?
JUDY
You leave Mickey alone, you three! You leave both me and Mickey alone, you understand! Whatever your game is, I….
PUGSLEY
(agitated) Oh, do shut her up! We haven’t got all day, you know!
JUDY
How dare you?!
At that moment, Mickey turns up around the corner.
MICKEY
Hello, Judy? Is that you I hear…? (realises) Hey! You! What do you think you guys are doing? Leave her alone!
PUGSLEY
Oh great! That’s all we need!
JUDY
Mickey! Help me out here! I don’t know what’s got into these guys! But I think they’ve gone around the bend!
MICKEY
Hold on, Judy! I’ll sort this out! (to Pugsley, Snowy, Buster) You guys, let her go!
PUGSLEY
Buster, sort him out!
BUSTER
With pleasure!
Buster turns and looks towards Mickey who comes down to meet them. Eventually both of get into a fight, as Mickey tries to stop them with Buster getting in his way.
MICKEY
Hey, what’s your game then?
BUSTER
Trying to stop you getting in the way!
MICKEY
You mean the other way out! Get off me!
Both Mickey and Buster keep on fighting, whilst Judy looks on in shock.
JUDY
Stop it! What do you think you’re doing?! He’s Mickey Rooney! You’re gonna hurt him, you know that?
SNOWY
Yeah! We’ve very sorry about this, Judy, but it’s the only way we have to shut you up!
JUDY
What are you…? (cries; in pain; dazed) What are you…? W-W-What’s happening…? Where…where’s the light…?
Judy has suddenly been injected with a drug and she falls to the ground unconscious. Mickey sees this and pushes his way past Buster.
MICKEY
What have you done to her?! You killed her! Judy Garland!
PUGSLEY
Buster, deal with him!
BUSTER
Got ya!
Buster comes up behind Mickey and drugs him with an injection. Mickey gasps and nearly cries, before he too collapses to the floor.
MICKEY
(groans) Judy? We’re…oh! Ow! Ice cream, lollies…chocolate…
Mickey passes out with Judy passed out beside him. Pugsley and the others look Mickey and Judy over.
PUGSLEY
Good job, you two. Didn’t drug them too much. Sedated them for as long as half an hour. Enough for us to get them into the boat.
Thunderclouds rumble above from outside.
BUSTER
Hey? You hear that? Sounds like a storm’s coming this way!
SNOWY
(scared) I don’t like that much. Storms aren’t really my thing.
PUGSLEY
It’s nothing to worry about. Storms are lucky. We got luck on our side.
SNOWY
Luck? From stormy weather? Give me a break, Pugsley?!
PUGSLEY
Come on. Let’s get these two out of this corridor and down into the boat. We don’t want to be seen being suspicious do we by anyone else walking these corridors.
SNOWY
Right, Buster buddy! You carry Mickey, whilst I’ll carry Judy with Pugsley here.
BUSTER
(groans) Why have I got to be the one to carry this guy? Judy’s a lot easier to carry than Mickey is!
SNOWY
Exactly! Finders, keepers, Buster. Remember that. That’s a common thing when you’re in a gang of criminals.
Buster moans, as he carries Mickey out whilst Snowy and Pugsley carry Judy out to make for the boats outside.
SCENE #40 – INT – BRIDGE, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, MORNING
Back on the bridge, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are still held under arrest whilst the Captain barks away like mad.
CAPTAIN TOLER
You won’t get away with this! I’ll get you for this if this is the last thing I ever do! You’ll see! You’ll see!
NYSSA
Somehow I wonder if you’re being just a tiny bit over melodramatic!
CAPTAIN TOLER
For months I’ve worked hard getting my hands on that pearl ring to deliver. And I didn’t plan to end up having to arrest three people involved in the atrocious theft of it.
BILLY
This isn’t a pirate ship you know. We’re not on the Caribbean.
CAPTAIN TOLER
(aggressively) I’m going to give you one last chance! Tell me where that pearl ring is!
NYSSA
Perhaps you should ask nicely when interrogating your prisoners!
DOCTOR
This is entirely unnecessary, Captain. We came to help. We told you. We haven’t done anything that involves committing a crime!
CAPTAIN TOLER
You stole my ring!
DOCTOR
I didn’t steal anything!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Didn’t steal anything? You blackheart!
DOCTOR
Look at me! Look at my eyes! Does it look like I’m telling you the truth?! (Pause) No, of course, you can’t see! Your human minds are so limited to see past the wall of common sense and take on quick judgement!
BILLY
Oy! Not all of us humans are so limited in our minds, Doctor!
NYSSA
I’m sure the Doctor didn’t mean anything by it, Billy.
CAPTAIN TOLER
You walked onto my ship as my new first officer. I trusted you. I should be lenient enough to give you a fair court marital when we get back to L.A.
DOCTOR
I’m not your first officer, Captain. I was never a member of your crew. In fact I was never the man you met. I’m entirely different person. Someone else who looks like him. Can’t you see or understand that yet?
CAPTAIN TOLER
I’ve been patient with you three for long enough. I should probably throw you overboard or have you drowned!
NYSSA
You can’t do such a thing, Captain! It’s unjust and wrong!
CAPTAIN TOLER
I’m the Captain! I can do whatever I like. I shall throw you overboard now!
FIRST MATE
Begging your pardon, sir? But this isn’t getting us anywhere!
CAPTAIN TOLER
You stay out of this!
MIDSHIPMAN
The First Mate’s right, Captain. He’s got a point. Perhaps we should listen to them for a moment or two.
FIRST MATE
Yeah. There may be some element of truth in their story.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Truth? Doubles that look like my first officer and two cronies. Don’t make me laugh!
MIDSHIPMAN
It’s a possibility, sir!
CAPTAIN TOLER
I don’t like possibilities, boy! And I don’t like mysteries! Mysteries irritate me!
DOCTOR
I suggest you really consider this one, Captain. You could all be in grave danger.
CAPTAIN TOLER
(barks) You stay out of this too, Doctor! I won’t have any of you changing my mind! I won’t have any of you giving me orders!
FIRST MATE
Nobody’s giving you orders, sir!
CAPTAIN TOLER
I won’t be confused by anybody! Confusing with such absurd stories! I want my pearl ring back! And I want it now!
BILLY
Look! May I make a suggestion?
CAPTAIN TOLER
No!
DOCTOR
(relieved) Yes, please, Billy, do. I’ve been waiting for this monotony to break.
BILLY
Why don’t we fetch Judy and Mickey? I mean Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney! They know who we are. Nyssa and me. So they should be able to confirm our identity!
NYSSA
Of course! Judy knows you’re a big fan of hers. She’s bound to believe that we’re innocent bystanders in this crime.
DOCTOR
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney? You met them yesterday?
BILLY
You didn’t ask us about them, Doctor? We met them yesterday afternoon and in the evening. They were doing an evening show before we got captured and taken away, Nyssa and I.
DOCTOR
(pleased) Superb! Excellent! (Pause) Well, Captain? How about it? Shall we send for Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney to confirm Nyssa and Billy’s identity?
CAPTAIN TOLER
I won’t have it! I won’t have you people dictating to me!
DOCTOR
It’s your call, Captain. If you want some answers and getting that pearl ring back, you’re going to have to look in all avenues!
CAPTAIN TOLER
I will get that ring back off from you!
FIRST MATE
Captain, please! At least let’s send for Miss Garland and Mr. Rooney aboard!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Don’t ‘Captain, please!’ me, smart alec!
MIDSHIPMAN
They may tell us the truth, Captain! The truth, Captain! Isn’t that what you’re seeking for?
The Captain becomes silent and grumpy as he considers. He huffs and puffs before coming to a decision.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Very well. Very well. But under no circumstances are to go out of my sight, Doctor! You understand? Huh?
DOCTOR
I understand perfectly, Captain.
CAPTAIN
We shall go and look for this Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney for ourselves. Then we shall know whether you three are lying or not! (Pause) Come on, let’s go! First Mate, Midshipman? You come with us!
FIRST MATE
Aye, aye, sir.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Don’t let these three out of your sight! (to crewmen) You two! You come along!
The two crewmen join the group to keep guard of Nyssa, Billy and the Doctor as they follow the Captain with First Mate and Midshipman to look for Judy and Mickey. Storm clouds begin to rumble outside.
BILLY
Is it me or am I hearing storm clouds from outside?
NYSSA
It’s not just you, Billy. Sounds pretty terrible this storm that’s coming!
DOCTOR
Come on, you two! Let’s get this sorted and hope nothing more goes pear-shaped!
They depart from the bridge, heading off to find Mickey and Judy.
SCENE #41 – INT – BOAT PORT, MAIN DECK – DAY, MORNING
Meanwhile with Mickey and Judy, they are being dragged unconscious by Snowy, Buster and Pugsley as they take them to a boat in the boat port on the main deck of the ship. It gets windy as the storm’s getting closer.
PUGSLEY
Put them in that boat! That should be large enough for the five of us!
SNOWY
It’s getting windy up here! Are you sure about a storm being right for us?
PUGSLEY
Of course I am! A storm helps to divert any crew members from chasing us! Once they realise we’ve taken the great Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney off their ship, they’ll be too late to stop us!
SNOWY
Well, I wish you would give us prior warning about this happening! This wind’s getting in my face already!
Thunder cracks, and rain begins to pour down from above. It immediately hits on the three criminals’ faces.
BUSTER
(annoyed) Argh! Now it’s raining!
SNOWY
(angrily) This is not on! I put my best make up on me face this morning!
PUGSLEY
You can put it back on again when we’ve reached the island!
SNOWY
You got to be kidding! This make-up takes ours! And there’s no way we’re going to get quality cruise treatment where we’re going!
PUGSLEY
Oh, do shut up!
Judy and Mickey then groan as they slowly come round to waking up.
BUSTER
Ah! We have a problem! They’re waking up!
PUGSLEY
No matter! We should have this boat out in a jiffy once we get ourselves in!
Mickey and Judy come through, speaking through mumbled words.
MICKEY
(mumbles) Judy? Judy? I’ll get them! I’ll stop them for you!
JUDY
(mumbles) Mickey! Mickey, I don’t understand! Why…why are we being kidnapped?
SNOWY
They sound delusional. I hope they won’t resist running away from us when we get on the island, Pugsley!
PUGSLEY
They won’t try to. The island is out of bounds and isolated. And they can nowhere. Not even with this big ship to cruise so far away from them!
BUSTER
You have so much confidence in yourself, don’t you, big guy!
PUGSLEY
Watch it, chump!
SNOWY
Ssh! I hear something!
BUSTER
I didn’t hear…
Snowy hushes again, as they hear footsteps coming and voices belonging to familiar people.
SNOWY
There’s people coming!
BUSTER
We got to get out of here! Get in the boat!
PUGSLEY
No! We’d never get away in time! Quick, you two! Hide with me! Behind the crates!
Snowy and Buster follow Pugsley reluctantly as they go behind the crates in the far corner. Judy and Mickey are still left in the boat.
BUSTER
We left Judy and Mickey behind!
SNOWY
If only they can keep quiet and not tell whoever’s coming where we are!
PUGSLEY
Quiet, you two! Here they come!
They keep quiet, as people come around the corner.
SCENE #42 – INT – BOAT PORT, MAIN DECK – DAY, MORNING
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy with the Captain and party turn round the corner and find Judy and Mickey in the boat.
BILLY
Here they are! They’re in this boat! And out in the rain!
NYSSA
They’re bound to get pneumonia! We must get them inside!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Stay where you two are! My men will shoot to kill!
DOCTOR
(annoyed) Please, Captain! Be reasonable! These two stars are likely to die of cold! You can’t condemn to that!
CAPTAIN TOLER
First Mate! You and the Midshipman get those two youngsters out of the boat! They shouldn’t even be there!
FIRST MATE
Yes, Captain!
MIDSHIPMAN
Yes, Captain!
The First Mate and Midshipman go to fetch Judy and Mickey out of the boat, whilst the Captain turns to the Doctor.
DOCTOR
Thank you, Captain! Much appreciated!
CAPTAIN TOLER
This doesn’t change anything, pal. You’re still in hot water where you stand!
DOCTOR
Don’t you think it’s rather odd that two stars should be left out there in the cold and in the rain? Surely you can’t blame us for that!
CAPTAIN TOLER
I’ll blame whoever I like. You’re still not trustworthy enough to be relied upon.
NYSSA
Doctor, those two should be taken inside and into the warmth!
DOCTOR
Yes, you’re right Nyssa. We must be close to where there are seats and a table for them to sit and dry.
BILLY
The dining room!
DOCTOR
What?
BILLY
There’s that dining area, Nyssa and I were at last night. We can try there!
NYSSA
Brilliant, Billy! That’s a good idea! We should make our way there as quick as…
CAPTAIN TOLER
(bitterly) Hold it a minute! This is still my command! I decide…
DOCTOR
Would you rather have us standing out here while the storm’s brewing up, Captain?
The First Mate and the Midshipman approach, carrying Judy and Mickey in their arms.
FIRST MATE
Captain? I think we should take these two somewhere warm. The dining area, as Midshipman suggested.
MIDSHIPMAN
It’s close by. And we should be okay before time for lunch.
CAPTAIN TOLER
(frustrated) Can a captain make up his own mind and decisions?! (Pause) Alright, alright then. We’ll do it your way! We’ll make for the dining area to warm these two up.
DOCTOR
Good! Good, Captain!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(bitterly) But only so that we hear from their words that you are who you and your friends say you are, Doctor. Innocent!
DOCTOR
Of course, Captain! Happy to oblige!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Come on! Let’s go!
BILLY
That’s my favourite singer you’re carrying.
MIDSHIPMAN
Is it? Sorry, sir.
BILLY
(amusingly) No, no. You’re a lucky guy. Being able to carry Judy off her feet.
NYSSA
Quickly, come on! Let’s get inside before this storm worsens!
All of them get inside, carrying Judy and Mickey with them, as they head for the dining area. Once gone, Pugsley, Snowy and Buster come out of hiding dismayed.
SNOWY
I’m soaking wet here! I’ve ruined my new dress!
BUSTER
Well, what are we going to do, Pugsley? You and your big plans! What are we going to do?
PUGSLEY
Shut up, the pair of you! We’ve seen only unfortunate circumstances! We’ll just have to go the island ourselves without them!
SNOWY
Are you crazy? Those two stars are our major assets!
PUGSLEY
They’ll join us once the ship shipwrecks onto the island. It’s better the ship crashed on the shore so that they have no means of escape!
SNOWY
Without having them killed in the process.
PUGSLEY
This ship’s stronger than it looks! It can keep ten hundred people safe. Besides, they should realise they’re about to crash with lifeboats and lifebelts and everything.
BUSTER
Is it my imagination, or is that the island ahead?! I can’t see through this rain and wind!
SNOWY
I don’t care whether it’s the island or not! All I care about is my hair! It used to be so ravishing! Now it’s ruined! I hate rain water!
PUGSLEY
Come on, you two! Let’s make for our boat before anyone else does!
Pugsley, Snowy and Buster make to disembark from the ship in one of the boats.
SCENE #43 – INT – DINING ROOM, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, MORNING
The dining room and it’s coming up to noon-time. The Doctor, Nyssa, Billy and the others bring Judy and Mickey in as they place them in chairs at a table as they slowly recover and wake up.
DOCTOR
Here we are! Let’s set them down here! In these chairs!
BILLY
I hope these two weren’t out in the rain long. Some people say they can easily die of pneumonia in the rain!
NYSSA
I’m sure that won’t be the case, Billy. We have to give these two some warmth in order to recover. Hopefully this should work.
CAPTAIN TOLER
You’re still suspects, Doctor. We won’t believe your story until these two recover.
DOCTOR
Well, I’m sure they’ll be willing to tell you about our identity. Or at least Nyssa and Billy’s identity when they wake up.
Judy and Mickey slowly wake up, as they groan out of their rugged state.
JUDY
(dazed) What…have I…have I been sleeping?
MICKEY
(groans) Oh, I feel like I’ve been knocked on the head by several hammers.
NYSSA
It’s alright, Judy, Mickey! You’re safe now!
BILLY
Yeah, come on, you two! Wake up! Look bright and lively for the Captain now!
DOCTOR
See, Captain? They’re getting better now!
CAPTAIN TOLER
So I see.
Judy and Mickey are fully awake and they look to see the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy before them. They back away in terror.
JUDY
(terrified) You! Not you three again! You hurt us!
BILLY
(astonished) What? Judy, it’s us! Me and Nyssa! Remember? You must at least remember me. I’m your fan from yesterday.
JUDY
Keep away from me, whoever you are! Who are you people anyway?!
MICKEY
(accusingly) You kidnapped us! You attacked and kidnapped us to get us off the ship!
DOCTOR
We haven’t done anything of the kind, we promise you!
NYSSA
Please! I know how distressing this must have been for you, Judy and Mickey…
JUDY
Miss Garland to you!
MICKEY
Yeah! And it’s Mr. Rooney, pretty!
NYSSA
Very well. Mr. Rooney and Miss Garland, then. But you must help us…
JUDY
Help you?! After all you’ve done to us! We wouldn’t pick a fly to help you.
MICKEY
That goes double for me!
BILLY
But, Judy, Mickey! Why are you so angry to us? We just rescued you from the rain.
JUDY
You attacked us and tried to kidnap us!
BILLY
We didn’t attack you! We haven’t kidnapped you or anything! What are you talking about?
CAPTAIN TOLER
Seems like they don’t trust you three! As I suspected! (to Judy; Mickey) Miss Garland, Mr. Rooney. Do please tell us what happened.
JUDY
These three came to my cabin and tried to take me with them. I refused and they started attacking me!
BILLY
That’s not true!
DOCTOR
We would never do anything like that to you, Miss Garland. We didn’t come to your cabin. I think I know what’s going on here.
JUDY
Says you, Mr. Davies!
DOCTOR
I’m not Mr. Davies! I’m the Doctor!
JUDY
Dr. Davies then. You and your gang of criminals came to attack us, me and Mickey!
MICKEY
That’s right! I got into a right with this one here and they knocked her and me out!
BILLY
Me? Fight you! Never! I’m one of your biggest fans, Mickey!
MICKEY
Don’t call me, Mickey! It’s Rooney to you! Mr. Rooney! Got that, pal!
Tense silence.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Well, Doctor; Miss Nyssa; Mr. Walker. Seems like your story is a pack of lies after all. I’m considering whether we should throw you overboard now.
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are speechless. At that moment, the Midshipman enters with the First Mate.
MIDSHIPMAN
Sir? Begging your pardon, sir?
CAPTAIN TOLER
What is it now, Midshipman?
MIDSHIPMAN
There’s an island ahead of us! We’re heading straight forward it!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Then change course, man! Change course!
MIDSHIPMAN
That’s just it, you see, sir! We can’t change course!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(shocked) What?!
FIRST MATE
The steering mechanisms won’t operate! The brakes won’t apply. The ship’s cruising without stopping. We can’t break off collision.
CAPTAIN TOLER
(to Crewmen) You two! You go down to engineering and sort out what the problem is. Find out what those idiots are doing down there!
CREWMAN #1
Aye sir! (to Crewman #2) Come on!
The two crewmen go off to engineering.
CAPTAIN TOLER
(to Midshipman; First Mate) You two! Return to your posts on the bridge! Do all you can to getting that ship functional again until engineering’s sorted out! Come on! Make it snappy! Jump to it!
MIDSHIPMAN
Aye, aye, sir!
FIRST MATE
Aye, aye, sir!
The two men salute and leave the Captain and others, heading off back to the bridge. The Captain turns back to the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Now, you two! Don’t you think it’s time you came out clean and tell us the truth?
Before the Doctor can answer, in enters a crippled Engineer #2, who’s been crawling his way from engineering for some time to reach to here. He spots the Captain.
ENGINEER #2
Captain! Captain, sir!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(astonished) Engineer? What’s happened to you?! What are you like this? What’s been going on down there in engineering?
ENGINEER #2
(accusingly) It’s them, sir! They’d done this! They’ve sabotaged engineering!
DOCTOR
What?
CAPTAIN TOLER
Explain yourself, crewman!
ENGINEER
(accusingly) I saw it happen, sir! They came into engineering and did something! Taking out the brake appliance! They killed two of my colleagues with a gun! They shot me in the leg, but I managed to survive! (groans) They should be locked behind bars! They’re going to be the death for us all!
The Captain turns to the Doctor and his friends who have been silent whilst the engineer’s been explaining.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Sabotage and theft, hey? You three are in big trouble now!
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy felt grim as they knew for sure how much trouble they’re in.
SCENE #44 – INT – ENGINEERING, LOWER DECKS – DAY, MORNING
In engineering, the two crewmen who have been sent down by the Captain have arrived. They check to see what the problem is as they approach the main engine core.
CREWMAN #2
A panel’s opening in the main engine section.
They approach with caution, as Crewman #1 checks to see what’s inside the panel. He examines it in great detail.
CREWMAN #1
Yes. I see what’s happening here.
CREWMAN #2
Well? What is it?
CREWMAN #1
Someone’s removed the brake appliance altogether. And the guidance compass’ totally defunct. The ship has lost its right from left.
CREWMAN #2
So we can’t turn the ship around then?
CREWMAN #1
It’s going to take a whole weekend job. And pulling the ship apart to restore the problem. One which we can’t do out in the open sea!
CREWMAN #2
Don’t forget we’re about to crash into an island! What are we going to do? The Captain’s not going to like this!
CREWMAN #1
This will mean having all the guests to jump overboard in lifeboats and lifebelts.
CREWMAN #2
They won’t like that. Those passengers have been wanting to be on an ocean cruise like this, some of them. Imagine their reaction when they’re going to be told they’re going to have to jump ship.
CREWMAN #1
Happy or not happy it’s what we’ve got to tell them! And the Captain! We’ve got to go and tell him now! Come on!
CREWMAN #2
I just don’t like it when the Captain gets angry!
CREWMAN #1
Come on! Leave the talking to me! I know how to deal with him…
CREWMAN #2
(shocked; gasps) Oh, great heavens above!
CREWMAN #1
What is it? What’s wrong?
CREWMAN #2
Look!
They look and see the dead bodies sprawled out on the engineering floor. These bodies are those of the dead engineers shot earlier.
CREWMAN #2
No! It’s not on! How can they been dead like this?!
CREWMAN #1
Keep it together, Crewman! Remember we are out on sea out here?
CREWMAN #2
(feeling sick) I feel I’m going to be sick! What are we going to do with them?! What are we going to do?!
CREWMAN #1
Come on. Let’s go and tell the captain!
They make their way heading back towards the Captain.
SCENE #45 – INT – DINING ROOM, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, NOON
It’s now lunchtime, and in the dining room, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are still under suspicion by Captain Toler and especially by Judy and Mickey.
CAPTAIN TOLER
So Doctor? Still don’t feel like talking. Still don’t feel like giving us the truth on who you are and admitting you kidnapped Miss Garland and Mr. Rooney. Not to mention stealing my pearl ring from my safe!
DOCTOR
The truth! We’ve been telling you the truth for the past half hour, Captain. You just won’t believe us!
CAPTAIN TOLER
You’ve been wasting my time ever since the theft of my precious pearl ring!
NYSSA
Miss Garland, Mr. Rooney, please. Believe us when we tell you we did not kidnap you. That was somebody else who looked like us!
MICKEY
You expect us to believe that, missy!
BILLY
It’s the truth! The Doctor’s right! We have been telling you the truth all this time. There are doubles of us in some big crime. Surely you can’t dismiss that, can you?
JUDY
I… I… Oh, I don’t know!
MICKEY
(shocked) Judy, you’re not seriously suggesting you believe these three scoundrels, are you? They’re the ones who kidnapped us!
JUDY
I don’t know what to think anymore, Mickey! I…I’m just so confused!
DOCTOR
You’re not the only one I’m afraid, Miss Garland. Really.
Just then, the Smiths enters including Alonzo and Anna Smith with Betsey, Roger and Arthur. They make their way for lunch.
ALONZO
Well, children? What do you fancy for lunch?
ROGER
Oh! A nice ham sandwich will do me nice thanks!
ARTHUR
And for me! A nice big juicy steak…smothered in onions!
BETSEY
You and your steaks, Arthur! Can’t you think of having something else other than that!
Billy spots the Smith family and alerts the Doctor, Nyssa and others.
BILLY
Doctor, Nyssa! That family! The Smith family! We met them last night, remember, Nyssa? They can identify who we are!
NYSSA
Of course! They can confirm our identity and say where we were on the night in question!
DOCTOR
Captain, I suggest you take Billy and Nyssa’s suggestion seriously. This family might have the other link to prove our innocence!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Is this some big game you three are playing?
NYSSA
Please, Captain! Let us go over and there and talk to that family!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(considers) Very well. But no monkey tricks, do you hear? Let’s go over to them!
The Captain leads the way with the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Judy and Mickey going over to the Smith family. The Smiths look up to see them.
ALONZO
Oh! Greetings, Captain! This is an honour indeed!
BETSEY
Oh my goodness! It’s Judy and Mickey again! I’m actually seeing them with my own eyes again! And over lunch!
ROGER
Betsey, pipe down will you?!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Very sorry to disturb you guys. Don’t wish to interrupt. But we were wondering if you could help us out with a problem we’re having.
ALONZO
Problem, Captain?
CAPTAIN TOLER
It’s about these three people. Do you know any of them and can you tell us who they are?
ROGER
Why? It’s that nice couple we met last night here for the evening show. With Judy and Mickey here.
BETSEY
Yeah! You two are big Mickey and Judy fans, aren’t you?
ARTHUR
Hello again, you two. Nyssa and Billy, wasn’t it?
BILLY
Yes! Hello there, Arthur, Betsey, Roger.
NYSSA
Hello again. Nice to meet you too. And you Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
CAPTAIN TOLER
So you know these two then! Not this man then?
ROGER
Oh we’ve met him! Yes we came round to us last night at our table.
BETSEY
He said he was a friend of these two. Was looking for them last night. Said he was worried about them and where they had gone.
ARTHUR
Glad you managed to find your friends, Doctor…what was it?
DOCTOR
Yes, that’s right. Thank you very much indeed, Mr. Arthur.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Oh, so the Doctor was looking for these two then, were they? Had Mr. Billy and Miss Nyssa gone then last night?
BETSEY
Oh, we thought they popped out for a stroll. It was odd, you see, because we didn’t see them going when Judy and Mickey were doing one of their numbers.
BILLY
(to Nyssa) That must have been when we were kidnapped, taken captive and locked away in that cargo hold, wasn’t it?
NYSSA
(to Billy) Yes, Billy! I think you’re right!
ROGER
(reassuringly) But it’s alright, cos they came back.
NYSSA
What?
ARTHUR
Yeah! They came back in and did that dance number for us! You know the one they sang to Judy ‘Embraceable You’ song. (to Judy) Isn’t that so, Miss Garland?
JUDY
Yes. I suppose it was.
BILLY
We didn’t dance on the dance floor last night. We were locked up.
NYSSA
Yes. We couldn’t get to dance last night because of so many people in attendance.
ROGER
But we saw you two!
BILLY
What?
ARTHUR
Yes, we definitely saw you two last night! You were dancing superbly. You got the audience applauding no end.
BILLY
(to Judy) Judy, Mickey? You can’t have seen us last night. We weren’t there halfway during the show!
JUDY
It’s what I saw. I saw you two dancing last night. (to Mickey) Didn’t we, Mickey?
MICKEY
Absolutely! Couldn’t be mistaken!
Moment of silence.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Contradictory evidence. Not helping yourselves are you, you three?
DOCTOR
Oh dear. This is all getting a bit thick.
BETSEY
Excuse me, Judy and Mickey? I hope you don’t mind. But, can I have both your autographs?
ANNA
(trembles) Closer! Getting ever closer!
ALONZO
What is it, my dear Anna? What’s the matter?
ANNA
The howling and rain. It drives us closer and closer. We cannot escape us! They’re expecting to feast on us!
NYSSA
(intrigued; concerned) Is your wife alright, sir? She seems very sensitive about something.
ANNA
(trembles) Danger! Terrible danger! Getting closer and closer! I can feel it!
The storm gets worse, with thunderclouds clapping outside, and everyone tensed up with the ship about to approach the island.
SCENE #46 – INT – BOAT PORT, MAIN DECK – DAY, NOON
Back at the boat port, the three criminals, Pugsley, Snowy and Buster get into the boat to set sail through the storm to reach the island.
SNOWY
Come on, Buster boy! Get yourself into this boat before I scream with hysteria!
BUSTER
I’m trying, okay! I’m trying to get into the boat! It’s difficult with all these rain and wind blowing into your face!
SNOWY
I hope you know how to lower us into the water as we sail towards the island, Pugsley!
PUGSLEY
Trust me! I’m skilled on the high sea! I know the waters of the ocean! I just need to lower us down to a firm level with the water before we let go of the cable.
BUSTER
Won’t that be dangerous?
PUGSLEY
Yes, it would! But as I’m in charge we got a job to do! Now stop nattering and help me lower the boat into the water please!
BUSTER
Where?
PUGSLEY
This cable! We lower it with this cable! Now put your back into it!
SNOWY
Do hurry up! I’m freezing here! My legs are all blue as you can see me, hey?
PUGSLEY
Lowering down into the water…now!
BUSTER
Let’s hope all this is worth it!
They lower themselves into the boat to reach water, whilst the boat carries on voyaging towards the island.
SCENE #47 – INT – BRIDGE, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, NOON
On the bridge, the Midshipman and the First Mate are trying to regain control of the ship but don’t seem to have any luck with the steering wheel.
FIRST MATE
Check, Midshipman! Check! CHECK!!!
MIDSHIPMAN
I have checked, sir, and it’s not working! We can’t turn this ship around! Something’s jamming the controls!
FIRST MATE
Those two crewmen should have sorted the problem out by now! Why can’t they do anything right for once?
MIDSHIPMAN
Perhaps it’s a problem that’s unsolvable, sir!
FIRST MATE
Don’t be ridiculous! How can a problem be unsolvable?! It’s just not done!
They keep at it with the controls, whilst seeing the island ahead of them.
MIDSHIPMAN
Err…sir? The island, sir. We’re nearly about to crash onto the shore! We’re going to be shipwreck, aren’t we?
FIRST MATE
I can’t see through this storm! Is it a storm that’s deliberately put on us?!
MIDSHIPMAN
The Captain’s not going to like this at all! He’ll be fuming mad!
FIRST MATE
Concentrate on your job, Midshipman! Try again regaining control! Check! CHECK!!
MIDSHIPMAN
There’s no point in checking, sir! It’s not going to work! We’re going to crash whether you like it or not! We’re all doomed on this cruise ship! The Majesty on its maiden voyage and we’re all doomed!
FIRST MATE
Don’t use words like ‘doomed’ in front of me, Midshipman! It reminds me of my mother whenever she told me I was being so naughty!
Everybody is tense aboard the ship, as the island gets closer.
SCENE #48 – INT – DINING ROOM, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, NOON
In the dining room, the two crewmen from engineering enter and meet up with the Captain.
CREWMAN #2
Captain, Captain! We found a number of engineering staff dead on the floor!
CREWMAN #1
Captain! The brake’s gone and we lost the guidance compass! The ship’s out of control! We can’t stop it!
CAPTAIN TOLER
(exasperated) Haven’t you tried to repair the damage yet? Get this ship to turn round!
CREWMAN #1
Captain, there isn’t time! This ship’s going to crash into that island! We got to evacuate everyone on board!
DOCTOR
We’re too late for that already! The island’s nearly about to collide with us!
CAPTAIN TOLER
Shut up, Doctor! You’re the cause for all of this!
DOCTOR
Oh believe me, Captain! I don’t mind admitting to being responsible! Every time I crop up in time and space somewhere I always have a mark of attracting trouble!
NYSSA
Doctor, there must be something we can do! We got to get everybody to safety!
BILLY
Yes! Please tell us, Doctor! What are we going to do?
DOCTOR
There’s only one thing we can do, Nyssa, Billy!
NYSSA + BILLY
(in unison) What’s that?
DOCTOR
Hold tight! (to everyone) Everyone, hold on!
The Doctor holds onto something in the dining room, whilst Nyssa and Billy follow his example. Billy looks to Judy.
BILLY
(urgently; to Judy) Judy, quick! Hold onto something in this room!
JUDY
Now look here…
BILLY
Judy, hold onto my hand and come here!
MICKEY
You leave that gal alone! She’s Judy Garland…
NYSSA
You too, Mr. Rooney! Take my hand and hold tight!
Billy takes Judy and Nyssa takes Mickey as they join the Doctor, holding onto something in the dining room.
CAPTAIN TOLER
Is this another one of your games, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(cries) We’re about to crash! Everyone, hold on!
The ship crashes, and everything tumbles from side to side as it hits the shore. Everybody screams and shouts as they fall over terrified with the ship going out of control. This lasts for a long time, as the ship tumbles over.
ANNA
(screams) Death! Death has come upon us! We’re soon to face death! We’re doomed, everybody! Doomed on this cursed place!
SCENE #49 – EXT – BEACH, ISLAND – DAY, NOON
On the island, the S.S. Majesty crashes onto shore as it slides through the sand and about to crash into the trees. Fortunately the ship slowly comes to a halt, as it is wrecked on the island. All becomes still again, with the Majesty now wrecked with everyone aboard inside.
Sting music. Roll original 1982 Peter Davison end credits.
© Tim Bradley, 2025-26
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