To Have and Have Not

As the scorching summer of 1940 settles over Fort-de-France, Martinique, world-weariness has become a palpable reality for Harry Morgan. The grizzled operator of the Queen Conch sport-fishing boat has grown accustomed to navigating the treacherous waters of his own existence, as well as those surrounding him on the island. The once-proud French colony is now under the iron grip of pro-German Vichy France, its people living in a state of perpetual unease.

Harry's modest livelihood relies on chartering out his boat to tourists, with his trusted - albeit slightly befuddled - friend Eddie serving as his able crew. The two share a bond that goes beyond mere camaraderie, as Harry has taken it upon himself to be Eddie's guardian angel, shielding him from the ravages of his own demons.

Meanwhile, tensions on the island are simmering just below the surface, as whispers of dissent and rebellion begin to spread like wildfire. Many residents secretly harbor sympathies for Free France, their spirits buoyed by the prospect of resistance against the oppressive Vichy regime.

As Harry goes about his daily routine, he's approached by Gérard - affectionately known as "Frenchy" among the island's English-speaking population - with a request that will test his resolve. Frenchy implores Harry to use his boat to smuggle individuals onto the island, thereby supporting the French Resistance in their noble quest for freedom. However, Harry remains steadfast in his refusal to become embroiled in the political machinations of the time, preferring instead to maintain a safe distance from the tumult.

Back at his hotel home, Harry is introduced to Marie ("Slim") Browning, a young American wanderer who has just arrived on the island via a plane from Rio. Seeking solace from the advances of a rowdy Johnson, Slim volunteers to perform a soulful duet of "Am I Blue" alongside pianist Cricket and his ensemble in the hotel bar.

As Harry observes Slim's actions with a keen eye, he becomes aware that she has pilfered Johnson's wallet, containing no less than $1,400 in traveler's cheques and a plane ticket scheduled to depart early the next morning, before the banks open. After extracting the wallet from her grasp, Harry demands that she hand over the contents, only to discover the true extent of Johnson's pecuniary woes.

Just as Harry is about to return the wallet to its rightful owner, chaos erupts outside the hotel, as a shootout between police and members of the Resistance spills into the bar. In the ensuing mayhem, Johnson meets his untimely demise at the hands of a stray bullet. The authorities quickly move in, taking Harry, Slim, Frenchy, and several others into custody for questioning.

As the police rummage through their belongings, they seize Johnson's wallet, Harry's passport, and his hard-earned cash - all in the midst of an escalating atmosphere of unease and uncertainty.

As the dust settles on their precarious escapades, Gérard extends an unexpected opportunity to Harry: transporting Paul de Bursac, a stalwart member of the Resistance, and his wife Hélène from a nearby islet to Martinique. The prospect of financial gain proves too enticing for Harry to resist, despite his growing sense of unease. Meanwhile, Slim's affections for Harry begin to simmer, only to be cruelly dashed when he uses their shared earnings to purchase her ticket back to America.

The ensuing days are marked by a series of harrowing events as Harry navigates the treacherous waters of the Caribbean. After transporting the de Bursacs, his boat is spotted and attacked by a naval patrol vessel, leaving Paul wounded but alive. With cunning and quick thinking, Harry manages to escape and transfer the fugitives to a pre-arranged rowboat, ensuring their safe passage.

Upon his return to the hotel, Harry finds Slim still lingering, her resolve to depart replaced with a newfound determination to stay by his side. The de Bursacs, meanwhile, are secretly stashed in the hotel's basement, where Harry tends to Paul's wound at Frenchy's behest. As their stories unfold, it becomes clear that the couple has come to Martinique to facilitate the escape of a key figure from Devil's Island, with the ultimate goal of bolstering the Free French forces.

Paul appeals to Harry for assistance in this perilous operation, but our protagonist remains resolute in his refusal to become embroiled in the intrigue. Little do they know, however, that their hotel has become a hotbed of Vichy activity, and it's only a matter of time before the authorities return, hell-bent on cracking down on any perceived threats.

When the police finally arrive at the hotel, Harry finds himself cornered in his room by Captain Renard, who seeks to extract information about the smuggling ring. Undaunted, Harry turns the tables, dispatching one officer and taking Renard hostage. With a steady hand, he coaxes the captain into releasing Eddie from custody and securing harbor passes for their impending departure.

With the authorities temporarily foiled, Harry, Eddie, and Slim set off together to meet Frenchy and the de Bursacs at the Queen Conch, their ultimate goal being to engineer the daring escape of the figure from Devil's Island, a feat that will undoubtedly shake the very foundations of the Vichy regime.