Violet Venable (Katharine Hepburn), a prominent, rich and elegant Southern belle widow, matriarch, dowager and harridan in the community.When one of his gang members asks if they are going o stay around town or leave ("Are we gonna get out of this dump?"), Johnny tells them that they will remain a while longer - and then looks up at Kathie, obviously attracted to her and interested in spending more time to get to know her better.Both commanding officers feared what could potentially happen as everyone reported o battle stations and all weapons were readied." His match ignites in front of her and he accepts her dare: "Is that a dare?...All right.I""ll take it.You know, I like good stuff.Maybe his is my lucky day."Wally drives both of them to the beach house - at the door, he pauses nervously: "How about your husband? Is he, uh, being broad-minded all of a sudden?" She confidently recognizes his smooth-talking demeanor: "You can talk your way out of anything, can""t you?" As they enter the dimly-lit interior and proceed down a spiral staircase to the den/bar area, Mildred turns on a few of the lights and avoids the living room where her husband Monte Beragon""s body is sprawled on the floor.His father is aghast.The first mate suggests that Bill, Sr.clunk his son over the head with a heavy wrench, adding: "No jury would convict you." On his way up to the prow of the steamboat, Willie stumbles into a deckhand, and ineptly sends a life preserver overboard.