Desperate Cargo

In the South American city of Puerta Nueve, after the Trans-Caribbean Airways "Caribbean Cruiser" flight is canceled due to bad weather, Americans Ryan and Desser arrive at the Puerta Nueve hotel and immediately report to "Professor" Carter, an American posing as an invalid, who is planning to hijack the Cruiser and rob its safe. Also at the hotel is the Cruiser's new purser, Tony Bronson, who is taking advantage of the delay by meeting attractive women. Tony tries to help Ann Howard when she drops her packages, but she is offended by his forward manner. He then comes to the aid of New York reporter Jim Halsey, who is fighting off a robber in his room. After the robber escapes through a window, Jim gratefully invites Tony to join him that night for dinner with Ann and her partner, Peggy Morton. Ann and Peggy perform in a "sister" act and have just received notice that the show they were hired for in New York has closed and their agent is refusing to send money for return airfare. Peggy, who never hesitates to take advantage of an opportunity, decides to try to get the fare from Jim that night. Ann agrees, although she is uncomfortable with the deceit. Ann is surprised see Tony again, but when she learns that he works for the Clipper, she tells him that they have work awaiting them in New York, but no money. Tony offers to buy them tickets on the assumption that he will be reimbursed. Later that night, Jim proposes to Peggy, but she refuses him. Tony and Ann, meanwhile, fall in love, and the next day, Tony gives Ann two tickets. Tony soon regrets his gift, however, when Jim finds out about the ruse. Ann is genuinely touched by Tony's gift and intends to be honest with him, but she encounters Ryan in a bar, and he comes on strong. Tony comes to Ann's defense, but then accuses her of being a gold digger. Ryan pays off the bartender to pick a fight with Tony, who is then arrested. Jim is also arrested when he gets unruly at the police station. Capt. MacFarland bails Tony out the next day only because he has no replacements, but warns him that he will have him fired as soon as they return home. After take-off, Peggy admits to Ann that she loves Jim, but rejected him because he travels so much. Because of her refusal, Jim has accepted a position in the Orient. Carter and his entourage hijack the plane shortly after, killing the navigator and co-pilot, and lock the passengers in their compartments. They rob the cash in the safe after forcing Tony to open it at gunpoint. Carter lands the seaplane, and still angry at Tony, Ann tries to seduce Ryan and take his gun. Although she succeeds, she forgets to take the safety catch off and Ryan assaults her. Tony comes to her rescue and shoots Ryan, but Carter threatens to kill the crew if the passengers do not relinquish the gun. Tony escapes through a hatch and swims to the cargo area to free the crew. When MacFarland tells him that Carter plans on burning the plane before he leaves, Tony races to the cockpit and knocks out Carter, then holds the rest of the thugs at gunpoint until MacFarland and the crew take over. The outlaws are taken hostage and MacFarland radios ahead to Miami to inform them of their delay. Jim realizes the delay has cost him his job in the Orient, but is relieved because he really wants to start a new business growing tulips. Delighted by his change of heart, Peggy accepts his proposal, while Ann and Tony make up.