The Clue of the Missing Ape" (also known as "Gibraltar Adventure" and "Apes on the Rock") is a 1953 British children's adventure film directed by James Hill.
Summary:
The film follows the exciting adventures of Jimmy Sutton, a brave Sea Cadet. As a reward for heroically rescuing a pilot from a sabotaged plane, Jimmy is granted a vacation in Gibraltar. There, he befriends a local girl named Pilar Ellis. They soon discover a sinister plot targeting the British naval fleet stationed in Gibraltar. Adding to the mystery, the legendary Barbary macaques (apes) of Gibraltar, believed to be a symbol of British presence, are being systematically harmed. Jimmy and Pilar must race against time to uncover who is behind the cruelty to the apes and the impending attack on the fleet, ultimately working together to save Gibraltar.
Detailed Story:
The movie opens with young Jimmy Sutton displaying remarkable bravery by rescuing Lieutenant Commander Collier from a burning airplane that has crashed in an English field. Unbeknownst to Jimmy, the plane was sabotaged by two shadowy figures, Palmer and his accomplice, who are working for a foreign power. Their aim is to weaken British defenses.
As a reward for his heroic actions, Jimmy is sent to Gibraltar for a well-deserved vacation, courtesy of the Royal Navy. He stays with Petty Officer Ellis, a frogman, and his spirited young daughter, Pilar. Pilar introduces Jimmy to the famous Barbary apes of Gibraltar, explaining the local legend that as long as the apes remain on the Rock, the British will hold Gibraltar. The Gibraltarian people deeply believe in this folklore.
Soon after Jimmy's arrival, a disturbing series of events begins to unfold. The apes, a protected and revered part of the Gibraltar landscape, start to fall ill and disappear. Jimmy and Pilar become suspicious, realizing that these are not natural occurrences. They witness suspicious activity and find evidence suggesting someone is deliberately harming the animals.
Meanwhile, Mr. Palmer, one of the men who sabotaged the plane, arrives in Gibraltar, posing as a tourist. He meets with local collaborators, including a shifty character named Gobo. Palmer's true mission is revealed: he is a spy tasked with planting limpet mines on the British warships anchored in the harbor to cripple the fleet. The attacks on the apes are a calculated diversion to distract the Royal Navy and the local authorities from the impending terrorist strike.
Jimmy and Pilar, with their youthful curiosity and determination, become increasingly aware that something is terribly wrong. They observe Palmer and Gobo and overhear snippets of their conversations, piecing together the dangerous plot against the fleet. They realize the "missing apes" are part of a larger, more sinister scheme.
Despite their attempts to alert the seemingly obtuse adults around them, Jimmy and Pilar struggle to be taken seriously. Undeterred, they decide to take matters into their own hands. A series of thrilling chase sequences ensues across the unique terrain of Gibraltar. The children cleverly use their knowledge of the Rock, navigating its steep gradients, fortified areas, and even drifting across the bay in a small boat, to evade the spies. Pilar often acts as a decoy, using her local knowledge to outsmart the pursuing adults.
In a crucial moment, Jimmy and Pilar manage to obtain a bottle of poison intended for the apes, providing concrete evidence of the sabotage. However, during one of their daring escapes, the bottle is accidentally lost overboard, making it even harder to convince the authorities.
Undeterred, Jimmy spots Palmer and Gobo amongst the local fishing fleet and realizes that the attack on the warships is imminent. He devises a plan, using Pilar as bait to lure the spies ashore while he stealthily boards their fishing boat.
After a series of close calls and daring maneuvers, Jimmy and Pilar finally manage to convey the truth of their findings to the naval authorities. The Royal Navy swiftly mobilizes, their frogmen diving into the harbor to locate and disarm the limpet mines attached to the warships. Tense moments follow as one particularly stubborn mine proves difficult to detach.
As the Navy foils the attack on the fleet, Jimmy and Pilar also play a crucial role in the capture of Palmer and his accomplices after a final exciting chase and struggle.
The film concludes with Rear Admiral Vinson personally thanking Jimmy and Pilar for their bravery and quick thinking, acknowledging that their actions saved the Royal Navy in Gibraltar. The closing credits roll to the patriotic tune of "Rule Britannia," celebrating the triumph of the young heroes and the security of the British naval base.
