 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.