 In a small New England town during the American War of Independence, Dick Dudgeon (Kirk Douglas), a revolutionary American Puritan, is mistaken for local minister Rev. Anthony Anderson (Burt Lancaster) and arrested by the British. Dick discovers himself incapable of accusing another human to suffer and continues to masquerade as the reverend. The minister s wife, Judith (Janette Scott), is moved by Dick s actions and mistakenly interprets them as an expression of love for her. In spite of his protestations she finds herself romantically attracted to him. Brought before British commander General Burgoyne (Laurence Olivier), Dudgeon displays his willingness to die for his principles. At the last minute Dick is saved from ministerial pursuits to become a revolutionary leader.