A revolutionary leader romances a French aristocrat in Louisiana.

In 1789, the Duke de Vidier, a young French aristocrat, renounces his claim of nobility to further the cause of the revolution by freeing the bond servants in New Orleans. Then while posing as a deported servant named Charles Michon, the duke sails on a ship bound for New Orleans, where he meets the spoiled Marianne de Beaumanoir, who mistakes him for a ship's officer. At the family plantation in New Orleans, Marianne is shocked when she discovers that Charles is her new footman. The town gossips are enthralled by the charming and sophisticated footman, who claims he worked for a dashing duke, and Marianne falls in love with him. Consequently, when the Vicomte Ribaud appears at the plantation to arrest the duke, who he claims is impersonating a servant, Marianne orders Charles to leave. Learning that his plot has been uncovered, Charles rallies the bond servants to seize a ship named the New Moon , and they sail off to freedom. A lonely Marianne decides to sail back to France on the next available ship, and hence, she and her aunt board the Fleur de Lys , a vessel bearing a cargo of brides bound for Martinique. At sea, the New Moon attacks the Fleur de Lys , and in the ensuing battle, the New Moon is sunk and her men take command of the Fleur de Lys and her cargo. During a severe storm, the ship is thrown off course and wrecked on the reef of an unchartered island. After settling on the island, Charles announces that the men and women should pair off to establish a new society based on liberty and equality. This presents problems for Marianne, who is pursued by a pack of suitors, and out of desperation, she reluctantly agrees to marry Charles, who she has decided is an incorrigible womanizer. On their wedding night, the roar of cannons draw the men to shore in defense of their new home, and a terrified Marianne realizes that she really loves Charles. When Charles returns with the news that the French fleet has arrived with news that France is free, he and Marianne declare their love for each other.