
Forbidden Cargo 54xxxx 03 Burning Fortunes
Loading summary
Styles Mackenzie
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.
Salty Burke
Wayfair.
Styles Mackenzie
Every style, Every home.
Greg Barrett
By ship, by plane, by road, by human carriers. Goods are smuggled dangerously out of one country into another. Goods which are forbidden cargo, revealing the inside story of burning fortune. Getting closer. Salty.
Salty Burke
Don't like it.
Greg Barrett
Holy smoke. Spaniards. Ah, can see them clearly now through the glasses. Spaniards all right.
Salty Burke
Want to bet, Greg?
Greg Barrett
On what?
Salty Burke
That it's a Spanish custom.
Greg Barrett
You said it was ten to one we'd meet them before making Tangier. So it's true, eh?
Salty Burke
That they hijack cargo, sell off arrested boats? Yes, it's their latest racket. Got all the smuggling boys worried they can't kick. The Spaniards know that enjoy selling the cargo, splitting the proceeds among themselves.
Greg Barrett
And what happens to the money they get selling the boats?
Salty Burke
Help swell customs department funds. Yes, it's a nice game.
Greg Barrett
Hey, Salty, they're clapping on speed. Straight for us.
Salty Burke
I've been praying for a chance like this.
Greg Barrett
Chance? We're not running contraband. I just decided I wanted to see Tangier. Have a holiday.
Salty Burke
Remember I once told you I'd worked with the boys for a few years after the war, running cigarettes from Tangier to Italy. Spaniards ran down a friend of mine. She drowned.
Greg Barrett
She?
Salty Burke
For the jelly. I see this boat of yours got a steel reinforced bow, huh? Here they come. Great. You want to lose your boat?
Greg Barrett
I'm not running contraband. They can't.
Salty Burke
When those gold ring boys find you or not, I'll take it as a personal insult. There's no cargo for them to hijack and sell.
Greg Barrett
Let them be in insulted.
Patina
He too, senori. You don't get me.
Salty Burke
Listen now. Steal this boat. I'll sell it to make their loss.
Greg Barrett
They can't do that.
Patina
No, senor. Private warning. He too needs to come aboard.
Salty Burke
Well, make up your mind.
Patina
Give me a free hand or lose your boat. No.
Greg Barrett
This is the Mediterranean. Free water.
Patina
They can't do it. Holy smoke, Craig. Make up your mind. Next person we ride at us.
Greg Barrett
They can't do this to me. Who they think they are?
Patina
They're swinging their guns at us. All right, take over.
Salty Burke
Ah, half speed.
Greg Barrett
Half speed. It.
Patina
Be ready, Greg.
Salty Burke
Let him get almost a cross our bow.
Patina
Pull straight ahead. Everything she's got. Salty.
Greg Barrett
You're going to run?
Patina
With luck. Gracious hell will it broadside ground.
Salty Burke
Maria, would you ground yourselves?
Patina
Ground yourself.
Greg Barrett
Some place. Ms. Solid. Mama.
Yank
Mosquitoes.
Salty Burke
Cafe Tangier's rendezvous of the rich.
Greg Barrett
Looking around, I think it was the back bar of the United Nations. Who's the button dancer? Egyptian?
Salty Burke
Italian. Good.
Greg Barrett
That's an understatement. She's cremating me.
Salty Burke
Maria. Sister Latina.
Greg Barrett
So that's why you brought me here.
Salty Burke
Could be.
Greg Barrett
Salty. Who was she? What happened?
Salty Burke
Ah, just a girl I knew today.
Greg Barrett
Out there as you swung the boat to ram those Spaniards. I heard you say forget it. Kick my teeth in. But I'm curious. Was she drowned?
Salty Burke
Drowned, murdered. Same thing.
Greg Barrett
Spanish patrol.
Salty Burke
She was with me. I didn't. He too. They ordered. I knew what they were after. I tried to make a run for it. They cut my boat in half. They churned up the area with their propeller. I was the only one they missed. It was dark. I was picked up next morning by an Italian freighter. Put ashore in Naples. That's where you found him? A grog sottom. Deadbeat. Why'd you offer me a job on your boat, Greg?
Greg Barrett
You're like the kind of you German. You'd like to see a deep water man rotting and dried. So she's her sister.
Salty Burke
It happened four years. She was only 16. Maria 20.
Greg Barrett
Now I understand.
Salty Burke
I hope the fish will be sick. Another drink?
Greg Barrett
Yes, could use another. Sophie, you know me. Just a roving fellow running charted cruises for the tourists. Get my nose clean.
Salty Burke
Oh, forget it. Charm Spanish customs. Will report another boat missing. That's all. No survivors to say what happened. Just another one of those things. Oh, well, here's to it. Great.
Greg Barrett
Go ahead. I'll see you back on the boat. Oh, tell her I enjoyed her dancing.
Salty Burke
Thanks. You'll be able to get back okay.
Greg Barrett
If I get lost, I'll ask a policeman.
Salty Burke
No, don't do that.
Greg Barrett
Oh, why not? Surely.
Salty Burke
Greg, this is Tangier. It's night. There isn't anybody who doesn't know there's a strange boat here. Well, that means strangers. Us.
Greg Barrett
Oh, it's. It's that dangerous in this area?
Salty Burke
Yes. It's the Moorish part. The Grand Sto. Only wide eyed American tourists come here with a guide.
Greg Barrett
Well, there's a few Englishmen Europeans in this place.
Salty Burke
All of one profession.
Greg Barrett
Look.
Salty Burke
See that sleek black haired guy with a girl on his knees? Manolo Riono, waterfront racketeer. And the fat one with a cigar tickling his companion. Nicky Evercino, Italian marijuana dealer. The big sweaty Dutchman's him. Carl Raddick, gun dealer in the corner. That little man with the redhead. Bobo Madero, customs inspector who knows when to look the other way. And you see that slim dark matter kissing the senorita. Pablo Von Chelos. Local agent for a ring of South American white slavers. As I said, all one profession. Regarded on both sides of the Mediterranean as honorable smuggler. Yeah, Dealers in forbidden cargo. Everyone making a colossal personal fortune.
Greg Barrett
I need another drink. You?
Salty Burke
No, I want to catch Patina.
Greg Barrett
All right, all right. I'm carrying my Luger.
Salty Burke
Be good.
Greg Barrett
Speak for yourself. Gregory Barrett.
Yank
Everybody calls me Yank. How do you do? May I join you in a drink?
Greg Barrett
Get yourself a glass.
Yank
The funny thing. You know, I figured you'd say just that. Always prepared for any eventuality. Say, that's a man sized drink. Wait till your Sony work. Went to tell Patina and Julia the news before I joined you. Well, here's down with Spanish guy. Customs.
Greg Barrett
What news?
Yank
Maria's death has been avenged. Sound like Hollywood at its best, don't I? Aren't you drinking, Greg?
Greg Barrett
I'm feeling antisocial.
Yank
With me now, Greg. Let the British lion and the American eagle work together.
Salty Burke
Friendly.
Greg Barrett
You're drunk.
Yank
Stone cold. Cigarette? I can sell you them for 5 cents a packet. Tell you where you can sell them for four shillings a packet. Don't mind if I had another drink, do you? Interested? Go on buddy, take a cigarette. Best American make in the market. Genuine Virginian tobacco. No marijuana though. I could let you have a cargo of that if you're interested. Let me light it for you. Your real service, buddy. And when you want service, ask for the Yank. You're Gregory Barrett, age 34, divorced, once in the Royal Navy. Now owner of a 120 foot X motor gunboat. Registered for to London. One said four engines now only two been hiring out for charter cruises to big businessmen so busy that they take the secretaries with them on vacation. Your London bank shows a low balance. 373 pounds 17 shillings. Today you rammed and sunk a Spanish customs patrol boat. No survivors. Congratulations. You're now at a loose end. You want to tie it up with at least £160,000 cash for an 800 mile run. No questions asked. Your smokes cannot. Bud, let me rewind it for you. Nice place here, Mama. Mosquitoes Cafe. You ever met her, mama? She's someday a character. Personality like a diesel truck. Faced like Mary Dresler.
Patina
You'll never marry.
Yank
You make a fortune in Hollywood, but prefers running this joint. What she don't know is not worth a dime. What she does, she's paid to play dumb. Guess that's why she ain't interested in Hollywood.
Greg Barrett
Who are you?
Yank
Just call me like I say, Yank.
Greg Barrett
Suppose you tell me something I don't already know about myself.
Yank
I left my crystal ball at home, but it doesn't matter. I read it this morning. It said there's money in your future. But I told you that, didn't I? £160,000.
Greg Barrett
How?
Yank
What have you in your mouth?
Greg Barrett
Cigarettes?
Yank
Yeah, by the carton.
Greg Barrett
Aren't you afraid to tell me that?
Salty Burke
No, no.
Yank
You're an honest guy. A straight shooter. As they say back home, a square hombre. We have only honest operators. Now, ring work in with us and you'll be a millionaire within a year. Say I'm almighty dry Yank. Yeah.
Greg Barrett
Why me Salty Burke, yes. But me?
Yank
Simple. We've been watching you. And who's this we never mention? Tough brains. I get my Instructions. Listen, a fourth question. Quiz 1. Who owns the book? 2. Who is known to the control commission that runs this paradise of parasites? 3. Who isn't known to the Tenji Yasua? Day 4. Who can smuggle out unsuspected 800,000 pecks of smokes? Answer.
Salty Burke
You, Greg Barrett, you win the jackpot.
Yank
Have a drink.
Greg Barrett
How did you know about that Spanish boat today?
Yank
The voice of the sea. Marks on your bow. A blind man couldn't miss.
Greg Barrett
You know, I wish I knew if you were sane or what you'd call a screwball.
Yank
Does this pass your lunacy test? 800 cases of cigarettes each case. 100 cartons each carton. 10 packs total. 800,000 packs cost 5. A pack sale. 4 shillings profit. £160,000 goes nuts.
Greg Barrett
If I agree, where do I run them?
Yank
If your middle name Red, Dad Kipling. Cargo loaded on your s bucket this time tomorrow night.
Greg Barrett
165 for one run.
Yank
Greg, we're not in the smuggling racket for peanuts. This is big business. Guess you might say the biggest in the world. A free enterprise. You either agree or next time you leave port, you join those Spaniards on the bottom of the wet.
Greg Barrett
I'm being threatened.
Yank
You're being given the choice of turning into fish food or turning up a fortune.
Greg Barrett
Okay, Yank, fine.
Yank
Now listen. Tomorrow night, the cargo will be loaded. You sail immediately. Destination? Northern coast of Portugal. Berlingus Isles, 380 miles from here. There'll be patrols and gunboats most of the way. Dodge them Beat them off. Come Hades in high water. Stay at sea. Deliver the cargo chart with position and time of rendezvous into Balingas will be handed to you just before you sail. Right?
Greg Barrett
Right, Greg.
Yank
This. This is your first run with the forbidden cargo. Figure to hijack it and you figure a watery end. Have a gargle, bud. I'm dry.
Greg Barrett
Good heavens.
Patina
What's up, Greg? Greg. Clear out. Clear out.
Nicole Byer
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh.
Styles Mackenzie
Fierce.
Nicole Byer
This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.
Salty Burke
Wayfarer.
Styles Mackenzie
Every style, every home.
Ryan Seacrest
It is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com. it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba casino has over 100 online casino style games, all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus now@chumbacasino.com sponsored by Chumba Casino.
Salty Burke
No purchase necessary. VGW Group void.
Yank
We're prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply.
Patina
Come on, Greg. This way.
Salty Burke
All right, all right. Not being followed? Oh, he too for a breather.
Greg Barrett
I've been thrown out of some place places. But never chased out by bullets. Who's the supercargo? Salty.
Salty Burke
Ah, Greg. Meet Patina.
Greg Barrett
How do you do, patina?
Mama
Mr. Greg Salty. He tells me good things about you. I am sorry.
Greg Barrett
So am I. He should have told you the bad.
Mama
You do not make me clear the shooting. I'm sorry. The shooting. It starts. It was my fault.
Salty Burke
Remember me point out to you that marijuana dealer, Nikki Avezana?
Greg Barrett
Yes.
Salty Burke
He came into Padina's dressing room as though he owned it. And her. I tossed him out like a fool. I didn't see if he carried a gun. When we came out, he was waiting. Said he was going to shoot her, me. And you.
Greg Barrett
Me.
Salty Burke
Because the Yank was offering you a cargo instead of him.
Greg Barrett
Well, they barnacled it. Can't anyone do anything in this place without the whole port knowing?
Mama
Pretty stunned ears.
Greg Barrett
Well, I'm beginning to realize you like.
Salty Burke
Making the boat now, pettina.
Mama
Yes, colonel.
Greg Barrett
One moment.
Salty Burke
I know what you're going to say.
Greg Barrett
She can't come aboard.
Salty Burke
Listen, Greg, if I leave her, that dope dealer, the greasy pig.
Mama
He dribbles and falls like this.
Salty Burke
Hey, Greg. Until it all blows over.
Mama
Please. No, Mr. Craig.
Greg Barrett
Women spell trouble. But I'm a fool.
Salty Burke
You won't regret it.
Greg Barrett
Let's hope not.
Mama
Oh, Mr. Craig, I kiss you. Salt.
Greg Barrett
Salty. She is your supercargo. You're in charge now. Let's head to the boat.
Salty Burke
Hey, Greg. The Yank.
Greg Barrett
Know him?
Salty Burke
Yeah. Belongs to a smuggling rig.
Greg Barrett
You told me. What else tell you when we get aboard? He made me quite a good proposition, so I accepted.
Yank
Another 15 minutes, Greg, and it'll be all stowed away. Then what's the matter? You massacred your smoke. Nervous, eh?
Greg Barrett
Perhaps.
Yank
Quit worrying. We'll be out of here in 15 minutes with a fortune to burn. Hey, hey. That's good fortune to burn. Cigarettes. Burning fortunes, eh, Greg?
Patina
Greg.
Salty Burke
That arrow to the dock gate sent word there's a French customs inspector on the way. Marnier. One of the few who can't be bribed. Right?
Yank
Right. I'll go meet him. Toss him in the dark.
Salty Burke
I'll bring the horse. You're ate. Down on our decks. What's biting you?
Yank
He's got to be stopped. Get one of the loaders to go knife him. Tell him there's $50 for the job.
Greg Barrett
No, we can't murder.
Yank
Did you stop at those Spanish customs?
Mama
Salty Marnier. He does not know me, but I know his reputation. I go meet him. No, this I do to Helen.
Yank
Yeah, that's it. To entertain loose. Honey, you go meet this guy. Get him in for Stadel Square, but get him out of sight of us for 15 minutes.
Mama
Listen, I. Salty, I'll do this with pleasure. I know men. I shall return in 15 minutes alone.
Yank
Greg, make this stubborn mule see the light. It's our only chance.
Salty Burke
Watch yourself. If anything happens to her, I'll hold you two responsible. Savvy?
Greg Barrett
Forget it, Bud.
Yank
I know Danes. And if that one's on a hut to look after little Patina, then I sure miseducated myself.
Greg Barrett
Let's give a hand with the blasted cases. It's making me jumpy as a cat.
Salty Burke
I'll get back to the engine.
Yank
Yeah, you do that. They gotta run smooth, Bud. Real fine and smooth. Or we end up in the. We?
Mama
I fix my hair. Oh, I fix good.
Yank
Got a girl, honey? Well, boys, the last cigarettes aboard. Let's shove out front, huh? Huh?
Greg Barrett
Right. See you when we get back. Yank.
Yank
Uh, not this baby.
Greg Barrett
Look, it was agreed I'd pay you for the cargo out of the first seats.
Yank
Sure, sure. But I'm coming along for the ride. But now listen, here's the setup. Orders from top range, you know.
Greg Barrett
No.
Salty Burke
What is this, chump?
Yank
Just hold your hormones, fellas.
Greg Barrett
Make it good, honey.
Yank
Work. What do you guys take me for? A charitable soul? Bet you have 800 cases of smokes in the slate nuts. I'll admit this cargo have to get out of Tangier tonight. All our boats are taken up with other stuff. So we picked a new right. So I'm sticking around, gonna make the run up to Burgellies with you, see? Did you get the money? Less cost of the cargo, less 10% commission.
Salty Burke
Whose commission?
Yank
Mine. And get this. The three of you spread the word back. I collected a commission and it'll be the last vocalizing you'll boo. Savvy?
Greg Barrett
There's no need to wave that gun, Yank. Sir. I'm the dope. You'll get your 10% anyway.
Yank
What are you screaming about? What's 10% of 160 grand? 16 grand. That's all? After you've paid me commissioner cost, you're still clearing close on £100,000. Rather like you can say it in any lingo. That's big dough. Yes, sir.
Greg Barrett
All right, all right. Put that gun away and let's shove off. Salty. Engines. Okay?
Salty Burke
Sweet as people.
Yank
Good.
Greg Barrett
I'll take the wheel. Yank, cast off the stern. Salty, go up forward.
Mama
I can do something.
Greg Barrett
Yes, yes, you can do something. Get below.
Patina
Yank. Cast off. Cast off. Salty. All clear.
Salty Burke
Right.
Yank
Say, honey, them two guys both up and drag Greg.
Mama
He's at the wheel. My sergeant is with his engines.
Greg Barrett
Uh huh.
Yank
Say, after this trip, what are you gonna do for many things. Such as?
Mama
Such a woman. She loves, sure.
Yank
But she's gotta have the right man.
Mama
Like you.
Salty Burke
Like me.
Mama
You're big. You're strong.
Yank
Feeling muscles. Go on, feel. Go on, feel em flexin'now Feel em round you. No. Listen, baby. Listen to Papa. I got a pile of dollars stitched away. A great big pile of brand new greenbacks. Uncle Sam's genuine dollars. More than enough to thaw you up in all the mink coats of Park Avenue when this trip's over. Let you and me get together, honey. Dwell on it, babe. Dwell on it. Mink coats, nylon stockings.
Patina
Soap.
Salty Burke
I got that. Fatina, there's trouble coming. Put on one of those life jackets.
Yank
Listen, bud.
Patina
No gay up.
Salty Burke
Crush your mouth. Put on a life jacket.
Patina
Get off the on deck, man to.
Salty Burke
Follow a machine gun.
Patina
Gun.
Mama
Spaniard.
Salty Burke
Yeah, Gunboat. We're gonna make a rum for it.
Yank
Hey, say, I. I ain't taking old Gunboat.
Patina
Let them come up and I'll talk turkey, huh?
Salty Burke
I don't like Spaniards. If they come up, we fight. Understand?
Yank
Sure, sure.
Patina
And get up on deck.
Salty Burke
Jump to it, Salty.
Mama
You believe in me?
Salty Burke
Yeah. Now stay here. Whatever happens, stay here. Now.
Patina
Harder for all the way.
Yank
What's the big idea?
Patina
Hey, we're turning over. We're turning over. Hold it, Salty. She'll do it. She'll do it kicking like Ma caught in the mangle.
Yank
What's the plan?
Greg Barrett
Little trick I once played on a German E boat.
Patina
Right. Now straighten her up. Straighten her head for them. Keep 100 yards to the sabers. If they try to turn, turn with them and keep it the same distance.
Salty Burke
Right.
Patina
Yank. When I give the word, open fire with that gun. Sure, sure.
Yank
But what do I aim at?
Patina
Is it the guys at the wheels?
Yank
Yes.
Greg Barrett
Go for just behind the bridge, at the water line.
Salty Burke
Water line. Craig, you're off for their ammunition room. Am I?
Patina
Watch it. They're turning. Turn with them. Turn with them. Keep us steady, Yank. Get ready. Fire. Keep turning with them. Keep turning with them. Keep that shot at them. Keep it up. Keep it up. Cease fire.
Yank
Murderous silence.
Greg Barrett
Resume normal course. Maintain full speed ahead.
Yank
Make for that center light.
Greg Barrett
Greg. Now what's there?
Yank
It's a small uninhabited island. Not all of them carry a population.
Salty Burke
Yeah.
Yank
Hold it steady. Right, cut engines. Nice work, fellas. Right on time.
Salty Burke
Now we get the cargo off.
Yank
Our friends will tie up alongside bucket, chain the cargo off hand to hand.
Salty Burke
Here they are. Perhaps they are covered. Cargo coming up.
Yank
I plancheau. Dead on time, huh?
Salty Burke
Can I, Yank? This is good.
Greg Barrett
You have the money?
Salty Burke
This is, you know. But let us be unloading. Felix, the money. Or we stop your boys unloading. I have the money.
Greg Barrett
Come here.
Yank
Right. Smile, Banjo. We brought you a fortune. All the way up from Tangiers.
Salty Burke
Money. 100 pound rolls. Start counting. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 158, 159, 160. 160,000 pounds. Correct?
Greg Barrett
Correct.
Salty Burke
Now I go help the final unloading. Gracious. Will do business. It's a pretty good business again.
Patina
See?
Salty Burke
Perhaps it Saints watch over you.
Patina
Gracious, gracious.
Mama
Salty, the money. Let me look at those bundles.
Salty Burke
Why? Anything wrong?
Mama
Let me look. Salty. This one. This roll. This. Who These? The rest, they are no good.
Greg Barrett
Good.
Mama
These no good.
Yank
Yank.
Greg Barrett
I wouldn't reach for your gun if I were you.
Salty Burke
By The God's great. She's right. These are forgeries. Recognize them? Sterling notes the Nazis counterfeited during the war. I knew there were still thousands in existence.
Greg Barrett
All right, Yank, what's your answer?
Salty Burke
Get punch or he paid you.
Greg Barrett
Bit late for that. He's gone now.
Yank
Listen you guys.
Salty Burke
They were your friends, not ours.
Mama
It's a trick. Salty. Look at his face. Little lion, I.
Patina
Shut your mouth.
Salty Burke
Yes. You know what happens to anyone who pulls a double cross in this game?
Yank
I saw you wouldn't do that to me. Honestly. I swear. I did not agrees upon you and pay your bundle of phonies.
Mama
I'm £10,000 worth, Mr. Greg. It's ironic. The Yank's commission by the Lord Harry.
Yank
All right, Bettina.
Greg Barrett
Give the Yankees money. Pay the gentleman his commission.
Yank
Say listen.
Greg Barrett
Take a Yank, put them in your pocket.
Salty Burke
It don't worry if they get wet.
Yank
Wet.
Salty Burke
Come on, Yank.
Greg Barrett
Out on deck. The island's only a few yards of our port. And it's a mild night for a swim, no?
Yank
Now listen fellas.
Patina
The sharks around here. Sharks. Do you understand?
Mama
That's brother. Brother.
Patina
Why you dirty crab. If only you kept out of this. Go.
Greg Barrett
Thanks, Patina.
Mama
A woman's pleasure.
Greg Barrett
Now let's go back to Tangier. From now on we're running nothing but forbidden cargo. There's a fortune in it. The story you have heard is factual. Names have been changed to protect the identities of those concerned. Listen again for another expose of those who deal in forbidden cargo.
Styles Mackenzie
How to have fun anytime, anywhere. Step 1 Go to chumbacasino.com chumbacasino.com Got it. Step 2 Collect your welcome bonus.
Ryan Seacrest
Come to papa. Welcome bonus.
Styles Mackenzie
Step 3 Play hundreds of casino style games for free.
Ryan Seacrest
That's a lot of games all for free.
Styles Mackenzie
Step 4 Unleash your excitement.
Mama
Woohoo.
Styles Mackenzie
Chumba Casino has been delivering thrills for over a decade. Decade. So claim your free welcome bonus now and live the chumba life. Visit chumbacasino.com no purchase necessary vgw group.
Salty Burke
Void where prohibited by law 21 +.
Yank
Terms and conditions apply Are you ready.
Schwab Advisor
For more independence as a financial advisor? Are you ready for more growth and control over your future? The independent registered investment advisor or RIA model might be right for you. There are many paths to independence and Schwab Advisor Services has helped thousands of advisors make the move with confidence. From defining your vision to successfully transitioning your clients. Schwab helps you build your roadmap map to independence. To find your path, start with Schwab Advisor Services at Advisorservices schwab. Com Paths today.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Title: Forbidden Cargo 54xxxx 03 Burning Fortunes
Release Date: March 10, 2025
"Forbidden Cargo 54xxxx 03 Burning Fortunes" transports listeners into the high-stakes world of smuggling during the Golden Age of Radio. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tangier's bustling harbor, the episode follows Greg Barrett, a divorced former Royal Navy officer and owner of a motor gunboat, who becomes entangled in a dangerous smuggling operation. As Greg navigates alliances and confronts treachery, he must decide whether to pursue the lucrative but perilous path of forbidden cargo.
The episode opens with Greg Barrett and Salty Burke discussing the dangers of smuggling operations. Salty highlights the increasing boldness of Spanish smugglers who dangerously hijack and sell forbidden cargo, thereby swelling customs department funds.
Quote:
“They know that enjoy selling the cargo, splitting the proceeds among themselves.” – Salty Burke [02:38]
Salty recounts his past involvement in cigarette smuggling from Tangier to Italy, sharing a tragic story of a friend who drowned during a confrontation with Spanish patrols.
Quote:
“Spaniards ran down a friend of mine. She drowned.” – Salty Burke [03:07]
As Greg and Salty attempt to relax, a Spanish customs patrol approaches their boat. Tensions escalate as Salty warns Greg of their reputation and the imminent threat.
Quote:
“They’re swinging their guns at us.” – Salty Burke [04:00]
Despite Greg's attempts to deescalate the situation, Salty urges him to take action, reminiscing about past smuggling runs and the dangers they entail.
After the confrontation, Greg and Salty visit Café Tangier, a hotspot for the rich and the notorious. Here, they encounter Yank, an American smuggler eager to involve Greg in a high-stakes operation.
Quote:
“The funny thing. You know, I figured you'd say just that.” – Yank [08:54]
Yank impresses Greg by outlining a lucrative deal: smuggling 800,000 packs of cigarettes for £160,000. He uses psychological pressure and detailed knowledge of Greg's background to coerce him into agreement.
Quote:
“You’re being given the choice of turning into fish food or turning up a fortune.” – Yank [13:03]
Under duress, Greg accepts Yank's proposal. The team prepares for the smuggling run, loading the forbidden cargo onto Greg's boat. Salty introduces Patina and Mama, who play crucial roles in the operation's logistics.
Quote:
“Tomorrow night, the cargo will be loaded. You sail immediately.” – Yank [13:33]
Salty shares details about the rigors of smuggling, emphasizing the need for stealth and efficiency to avoid Spanish patrols en route to the Berlingus Isles.
As the team loads the 800,000 cigarette packs, tensions rise. Greg notices discrepancies in the money provided by Yank, leading Mama to discover that the funds are counterfeit.
Quote:
“These are forgeries. Sterling notes the Nazis counterfeited during the war.” – Mama [26:07]
This revelation throws the operation into chaos, as trust among the crew disintegrates. Salty confronts Yank about the deceit, escalating the conflict to a critical point.
The discovery of counterfeit money leads to a heated confrontation. Salty and Mama accuse Yank of betrayal, while Greg grapples with the implications of continuing the operation.
Quote:
“What are you screaming about? What's 10% of 160 grand? 16 grand. That's all?” – Yank [19:53]
Amidst threats and accusations, Greg decides to take control, aiming to salvage the situation and secure his position in the smuggling network.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Greg resolves to continue smuggling forbidden cargo, recognizing the immense profits despite the inherent dangers. The episode concludes with Greg affirming his commitment to the perilous venture, setting the stage for future challenges.
Quote:
“From now on we're running nothing but forbidden cargo. There's a fortune in it.” – Greg Barrett [27:37]
Salty Burke on Smuggling Practices:
“They know that enjoy selling the cargo, splitting the proceeds among themselves.” – Salty Burke [02:38]
Salty's Tragic Past:
“Spaniards ran down a friend of mine. She drowned.” – Salty Burke [03:07]
Yank’s Coercive Offer:
“You’re being given the choice of turning into fish food or turning up a fortune.” – Yank [13:03]
Discovery of Counterfeit Money:
“These are forgeries. Sterling notes the Nazis counterfeited during the war.” – Mama [26:07]
Greg's Resolution:
“From now on we're running nothing but forbidden cargo. There's a fortune in it.” – Greg Barrett [27:37]
The episode masterfully explores the fragile nature of trust within illicit operations. Greg's reliance on Salty Burke is tested when betrayals surface, highlighting how desperation can erode alliances.
Greg's internal conflict between maintaining lawful operations and succumbing to the lucrative yet dangerous world of smuggling underscores the theme of moral ambiguity. His eventual decision to embrace forbidden cargo reflects the seductive allure of quick wealth despite the risks.
Yank's deceit with counterfeit money serves as a pivotal plot device, illustrating how deception can destabilize even the most carefully planned operations. The fallout from this betrayal emphasizes the precarious balance between profit and peril in smuggling endeavors.
Throughout the episode, characters must continually adapt to survive the volatile environment of smuggling. Greg's ability to navigate threats and make decisive choices underscores the resilience required to thrive in such a high-stakes domain.
"Burning Fortunes" is a compelling installment in the "Forbidden Cargo" series, blending suspenseful storytelling with rich character development. Through intense dialogues and dramatic twists, the episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio dramas, offering listeners a vivid and engaging narrative of smuggling, betrayal, and survival. As Greg Barrett commits to his new path, audiences are left eager to witness the unfolding consequences of his choices in future episodes.