An 18th-century French nobleman is publicly humiliated for refusing to fight when challenged to a duel because he never learned to fence. He is forced to flee for his life, but finds refuge with a theatre troupe and patiently hones his swordsmanship - biding his time until he is ready to avenge a friend's death at the hands of an aristocratic villain. Swashbuckling adventure, with Stewart Granger, Mel Ferrer, Eleanor Parker and Janet Leigh.

In 18th-century France, a young man masquerades as an actor to avenge his friend's murder.