Dr. Syn, a country priest leads a rebel band against the King's naval press gangs. Press gangs (impressment) roam the country side 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.

Dr. Syn, alias The Scarecrow, must find a way to protect his smuggling band not only from the King's forces but also from a would-be traitor within his own gang.

Under pressure from King George III to capture The Scarecrow or lose his command, General Pugh plans to use two prisoners, an escapee from the Royal Navy and an American colonist, to trap The Scarecrow.