Anthony Quinn stars in this adaptation of Joseph Conrad's novel as Peyrol, a former pirate wanted by the police in every port in Europe who gave up his life of crime to become part of the counterrevolutionary force during the French Revolution. While carrying a message for the Port Commander one night, Peyrol is apprehended by the police and nearly caught. During his escape, he saves a young woman named Arlette from a mob of revolutionaries and ends up taking a room in her house along with her Aunt Catharine (Rita Hayworth) and a French naval officer named Real. Soon, Real has figured out who Peyrol is, forcing Peyrol to choose between his growing affection for Arlette and his duties with the counterrevolutionaries.