Last Call (1958)

The action starts in the office of General Zaguerro, the President ("near dictator") of a fictitious South American republic, Estragan, which is under attack by forces of neighbouring Torrin over minerals found within Estragan. Zaguerro has ruled the country for over a decade. Zaguerro is in the office with his vice president, Villadiego, and the Minister of the Interior, Pelmazo. They receive a report from Captain Delmonico that the war is going badly. Zaguerro has an aide, Lt Jiminez, and a batman, Trampas. Zaguerro wants to join the front to rejuvenate the troops. He has been reluctant to do so because of his protective feelings of his 20 year old niece, Camelia. Pelmago starts whispering Iago-style thoughts into the ear of Villadiego, the vice president who used to be an economist. Pelmago knows Villadiego loves Camelia. A shipment of weapons arrives, having been delivered by soldier of fortune Captain Rockett. Rockett admits he stole the weapons from the Torrils so they do not trust him. The general takes a liking to Rockett and asks him to look after Camelia if anything goes wrong on his trip, saying he has access to money. Rockett likes the general and agrees. Pelmago persuades Villadiego and Jiminez to turn against the General and get rid of Rockett. Villadiego declares his love for Camelia but she rejects him. She has developed feelings for Rockett and they kiss. Pelmago tells Rockett that he must leave the country without Camelia. He puts Rockett under guard from Jiminez. Rockett persuades Jiminez to let Camelia and Rockett leave. He also gives Rockett the location of where the general might have gone so that Rockett can leave a message warning of Pelmago's coup attempt. Camelia tells Rockett she loves him and leaves, to go wait for Rockett. Rockett gets through on the phone, leaving a message asking for the general to get back at once, but before he can complete it Pelmago mortally wounds him with a gun. Before he dies, Rockett mortally shoots Pelmago.