The Ship of Wanted Men

A motley assortment of gangsters, murderers, confidence men and embezzlers gather in the back room of a waterfront bar to prepare for their one-way cruise to Angel Island, a small isle off the Central American coast which does not extradite criminals. They are organized by the tough first mate, Chuck Young, who also bullies the captain and navigator, John Holden. John, who has been framed on a smuggling charge, is himself fleeing the law. John, Young and the six criminals set sail, but their journey is interrupted when John sees a woman swimming alone in the ocean. John rescues her, and despite her attempts to hide her identity, the shipmates learn from a radio report that she is Irene Reynolds, the chief suspect in the shooting of her wealthy fiancé, John Craig. Irene explains to John that in the midst of a wild party on Craig's yacht, he made violent advances and she shot him in self-defense, then jumped overboard. Believing that she has killed Craig, Irene agrees to go to Angel Island, but she is dismayed to learn that there is a $5,000 landing fee for each person. Some of the men, including Frank Busch, George Spinoli and Meyers suggest that they bid for her and that the winner will pay her way so that he can avail himself of her company during their long exile. Later that day, Spinoli goes to Irene and tells her that he will take care of her landing fee if she will cooperate. She threatens him with her gun, which goes off as they struggle, and John comes to the rescue. Spinoli and Busch try to bump off John that night, but Young stops them, warning them that only John can navigate. Vera, another shady passenger, overhears the three men plan to kill John and settle with Irene when they land. Concerned for the couple, who have become romantically involved, Vera warns them of the danger. Irene convinces John to turn back, even though it may mean that she will go to prison, and he wires the Navy of their position. He changes their course during the night, and the next morning, Young realizes that they are heading back. Young and John fight, and after besting Young, John takes charge and orders the criminals below. The Navy ship arrives, and the captain, after taking charge of John's prisoners, tells Irene that Craig has recovered and will not press charges. He then informs John that his brave actions will undoubtedly convince the government that he was wrongly accused of smuggling and that he will be acquitted. As Vera is being led away, Irene apologizes to her, but Vera remarks that she is happy to be with some sailors. John and Irene then happily embrace.