Dr. Syn, a country priest leads a rebel band against the King's naval press gangs. Press gangs (impressment) roam the countryside beating young men into submission or unconsciousness, usually at local inns and pubs, in order to enslave them in the Royal British Navy. Dr. Syn conceals his secret identity behind a sackcloth mask, and carries on activities ala Scarlet Pimpernel and Zorro from his parish base.

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. The ring's success leads King George to order the Royal Army's General Pugh to capture and execute the ringleaders. It is a battle both of wits and action that the Scarecrow must win to save not only his own life but those of the men he leads while keeping the vital smuggling operation running.