David Balfour (Brian McCardie) has just inherited a large sum of money from his uncle. Upon attempting to claim this inheritance, David is “kidnapped” by his uncle, who, after a failed murder attempt, sells his nephew into slavery. When the boat taking him to the colonies hits another vessel, he meets sole survivor Alan Breck (Armand Assante) who is himself attempting to escape the redcoats, and the two become fast friends when David warns Alan of the crew’s plan to murder him once they realize his wealth. After a storm, David ends up on an island and eventually discovers that Alan has also survived. The two continually play parts in each other’s adventures as they attempt to navigate toward safety and success.