MovieChat Forums > The Ghost Ship Discussion > Spoiler question

Spoiler question

posted 17 years ago by franklinlj
4 replies | jump to latest

How was the captain's death explained to the crew? The killing may have been justified self-defense, but the killer would not have been able to explain that, being mute and illiterate. It is implied that the already suspicious officers would have figured out the captain was a maniac, but it is not made clear how.

Also, if the mute could not read, how would he know the significance of the telegram, and that it should be passed on the someone? I don't remember him listening in on any conversation that might have let him know that.

[–] AlanSquier 17 years ago

I don't think the mute was truly illiterate. Yes, he indicated that he couldn't read when asked, but at the moment, I mumurred "He's lying" to myself. I think he lied so that his powers of observation would remain unnown. He probably felt safer that way. That's just my speculation thouugh.

And since the officers were already suspicious they would have been likely to accept the main character's explanation of what happened. The captain's presence in the cabin in the first place would back up the explanation.

Not explaining everything is, of course, a Lewton trademark.

"What's the most you ever lost in a coin toss?"

[–] psdhart 14 years ago

I agree that some of the crew were getting suspicious of the captain, we see this when the captain passes the cabin and overhears them talking about him
Also Bowns had seen the message, and word of mouth informed others probably

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ozymandias312 12 years ago

I think Finn (the Mute) *could* read, and was just faking that he could not as a cover. The details of his testimony could have been worked out. There was corroborating evidence to support him.

Ozy

And I stood where I did be; for there was no more use to run; And again I lookt with my hope gone.