A poor 18th century English coastal farming community survives the King's ruinous taxes thanks to a smuggling ring created by its masked leader called the Scarecrow. King George orders the Royal Army's General Pugh to capture and execute the Scarecrow. Dr. Syn, alias The Scarecrow, a country priest, tries to rescue a Dymchurch man who had been captured by the Naval Press-gang and used by General Pugh as bait in a trap.