The Dangerous One
Cover Artist: James Meese
By: Ames, Robert (pseudonym of Charles Clifford)
Publisher: Fawcett Publications, Inc. (Gold Medal Books 435)
Place of Publication:New York, NY
Catalog #: Kelley Box 193: PS3501 .M475 D3 1954
Contributor:
A. Pierpaoli
General
Era: 1950s
Author as on Cover: Robert Ames
Publication:1954
Original Date: 1954
Setting: other; the ship, Miranda, and its tropical ports of call
Plot Summary
After a failed quest for a gold-laden Spanish galleon off the west coast of Mexico, Boke Carey demands to be paid for his services, but his client, Roy Anson, runs off to Mexico. Boke meets up with Jodi Ray, who claims that Anson owes her money for breaking his promise of marriage, and the two band together to get their money. This proves to be a relatively simple task, for when Anson returns., he writes checks to both of them, and asks for Boke's help with his next treasure hunt. Anson has been summoned to this task by the Countess of Córdoba, alias Sheila Thayer, but she is in jail, and Anson wants help getting her out. Boke agrees, and enlists the help of a prostitute who has pull with the police, but she double-crosses him and Sheila ends up beaten and bleeding. Boke helps Sheila escape to the ship, the Miranda, killing two men in the process, and the search for gold is on. Soon, greed for buried treasure leads to adventure and murder before Boke, Sheila and Anson eventually save the day.
Major Characters
Boke Carey (uses the alias "Jack/Jackie Smith" at one point), adult male, glamorous tan, turquoise eyes, professional adventurer and treasure seeker
Roy Anson "Bull," adult male, big, hairy chest, famous promoter, philanthropist, big-game hunter and treasure seeker
Earl Paddock adult male, big shoulders, sleek black hair, sky-blue eyes, second in command to Anson
Jodi Ray adult female, big brown eyes, buxom, tanned to high heaven, white-blonde hair, 125 pounds, flat stomach, round buttocks, Boke's love interest until she is killed by López
The Countess of Córdoba (alias Sheila Thayer), adult female, Spanish, slim yet full body, satiny white skin, heavy-looking yellow blonde hair, vivid blue eyes, in search of gold to free her father from prison and aid orphan children of Spain, Boke's love interest
López (alias O'Brien), adult male, Mexican, big, broad-backed, dark stony eyes, pockmarked skin, dangerous Mexican Communist who pirates the Miranda to get the gold
Weapons
guns, knives, fists, knock-out drops, fingernails, and dynamite. Women also use tears and sex as weapons.
Level of Violence
violent scenes tend to be brief and described after the fact. In some cases, the consequences of violent actions seem unrealistic or there are no consequences at all. Boke knocks out both Jodi and Sheila to get them to do what he wants, and that seems to be a manly act, not a big deal. Rather than providing a full description as each incident occurs, readers are given just the bare facts.
Sexuality
Sexual encounters are brief, usually just a paragraph or two, and end without consummation. Either Boke decides the woman isn't worth it, or there is a knock at the door. Only in the final pages is there an implication that Sheila and Boke become lovers, and even then, it is only an implication.
Gender Roles
women are blonde, have big chests, and are considered nitwits, but they manage to get their way at times with whining, sex and tears. In contrast, Boke, the main character is a strong, adventuresome man who enjoys bachelorhood. The stereotypes do break down a few times; Boke cries at one point and he feels fear on several occasions. He is knocked unconscious three times during critical confrontations, and it is Sheila who ultimately saves Boke and Anson and kills the antagonist.
Ethnicity
there are quite a few Spanish phrases in the novel. Sheila is a Spanish woman and she is romanticized as such, mostly in relation to her appearance. There is also talk of the Spanish Communists, who are linked to the Russians. Newly acquired crewmen on the ship are considered "questionable Mexicans," and they end up pirating the ship. Boke seems to feel at one point that if he puts on a straw hat, he will be mistaken as an "hombre." López hides his true identity by using the name "O'Brien," as if a change in name will make him appear Irish instead of Mexican. Russian Communists are referred to as "Reds," or those "red plague lice."
Alcohol/Drug Abuse
Boke's favorite drink is Barbados rum; there is also mention of a big Habanero, sotol, cocktails, champagne, and brandy and soda. The characters on the ship seem to drink constantly, which is why Lòpez succeeds in knocking out almost the entire ship's crew by putting special drops in their liquor. In addition, Boke smokes cigarettes and López smokes cigars.
Law Enforcement
law enforcement does not play a role in the novel, in spite of the number of murders and other crimes that occur.
Added Features
the novel reflects post-World War II McCarthyism, speaking out against Communism and the Reds. It also includes prostitution and scenes at a whorehouse.
Subject Headings
Central America/ Greed/ Buried treasure/ Murder/ Mexico
