They Met in Bombay

In Bombay, Gerald Meldrick and Anya von Duren each adopt a false identity as part of a long-running double life as jewel thieves. They converge on the Star of Asia, a priceless diamond to be displayed at a social function. Neither recognizes the other’s deception at first, setting the stage for a dangerous game of wits.

Gerald uses his con artist skills to manipulate Anya into stealing the Star of Asia and surrendering it to him to avoid prosecution. The ruse exposes both of their talents and sharp minds. Anya quickly senses that Gerald is a fellow thief, not a mere mark.

With the jewel in his hands, Gerald and Anya become targets of the law. Inspector Cressney relentlessly pursues them, vowing to outwit the pair who outsmarted the security system. The chase forces them to flee Bombay together.

The lovers stow away on a freighter bound for British-ruled Hong Kong, aided by the conniving captain Chang. On the ship, they start to learn more about each other beyond their disguises. Cressney and his men keep pursuing them from shore.

During the voyage, Gerald and Anya reveal portions of their backstories and gradually form a reluctant friendship. The exchange of truths deepens their connection and sparks a growing romance. Their partnership becomes a true alliance rather than mere deceit.

Chang grows suspicious of their identities and leaks information to Inspector Cressney by radio. He and Cressney plot to hand the couple over in exchange for a large reward. The threat of capture becomes more immediate as they near Hong Kong.

The ship reaches Hong Kong waters on a foggy night, and Gerald and Anya slip away in a small rowboat before Cressney and his men can arrest them. The escape reinforces the stakes and their growing reliance on each other. The pursuit continues from this new harbor of refuge.

Seeking to outrun authorities, the pair outline plans to leave the British Empire and quietly sell the diamond. Gerald acquires an army uniform and adopts the identity of a captain to advance a separate scheme in a court dispute. The deception blends with his military persona to navigate dangerous political terrain.

The course of their flight is upended by the Japanese invasion of Guangdong Province, prompting British troops to mobilize and secure the region. The global conflict intensifies their struggle to escape with the stolen gem. The war transforms their escape route into a battlefield of choices.

Assigned to evacuate Chaing Ling province, Gerald refuses to abandon the Chinese refugees and volunteers to defend them. He forms a defensive barrier with Winnipeg Grenadiers to shield the civilians from Japanese forces. The cost is high, as many are killed and he is wounded in the ensuing battle.

Days after the crash of the convoy, Gerald recovers in a British hospital in Hong Kong. He is honored with the Victoria Cross in a public ceremony, a moment that cements his status as a war hero. The accolades contrast with the life of crime he led before the war.

Anya’s perspective shifts and she reveals Gerald’s true past to General Allen, summoning Inspector Cressney to witness the confession. The general acknowledges the heroism but also understands the complexities of Gerald’s history. This pivotal revelation bridges past crime with present honor.

The inspector presses forward with arresting Gerald, but the surprise twist arrives when Gerald orders troops to seize Cressney and take him to jail. The base becomes a theatre for a symbolic turning of the tables, as the war hero asserts control over the pursuit. Anya stands by him as they begin to chart a new course.

In the final moment, Gerald and Anya declare they are married, and they hand the stolen jewel back to Inspector Cressney. General Allen smiles at the arrangement and promises to retain Gerald’s Victoria Cross for safekeeping until he returns to service. The couple’s partnership closes with a vow to start life anew, together.