Vessel of Wrath

Ginger Ted lives as a carefree beachcomber in a tropical Dutch colony. When a ship arrives, he races a mob of creditors to claim his remittance cheque from the Controleur, hoping for some relief.

After securing the cheque, a friend forces Ginger to settle his debts, leaving him with only a small amount. The financial squeeze tightens his precarious position in the colony.

Ginger convinces Lia to sneak out of Martha Jones's classroom. He tells Lia about England, sparking a personal connection that will complicate his situation.

Martha Jones has Ginger arrested after the escape talk. He is sentenced to three months on the road gang, a punishment that marks a turning point. The Puritan couple also wants him deported.

To appease the mission-minded couple, the Controleur sends Ginger to Agor Island for reform rather than deportation. The exile is meant to tame him.

A sergeant escorts Ginger back toward his exile. Their boat's propeller strikes a reef, forcing them to spend the night on the nearest island while repairs are made.

Martha finds the ordeal traumatic at first, but she gradually begins to warm to Ginger as they endure the night and the repairs. Their begrudging rapport begins to shift.

Later, when the Controleur laughs at him, Ginger knocks him out. The power dynamic shifts as Ginger asserts himself.

While Ginger is passed out drunk on the beach, Martha cleans his shack. When he returns, he demands that she leaves his life, reigniting their tension.

A typhoid outbreak hits another island. The Controleur asks Ginger to accompany Dr. Jones to inoculate the natives; Ginger resists at first, then reluctantly agrees.

When Jones is overcome by malaria, Martha insists on taking his place. Ginger backs out, then changes his mind after she cries, showing his growing commitment.

They reach the village, where the residents believe the disease stems from abandoning old religion. Headman Albert warns them to leave, and Martha is eager to confront them, but Ginger drags her away.

The headman's wife brings a sick child; Martha inoculates him that night. The headman demands the child back, but Ginger sends him away; ominous drumming signals looming danger, though the child recovers and the crisis passes.

Ginger and Martha marry and return to England to run a pub. Ginger commits to abandoning his drinking, marking a fresh start.