Joe Bronson, a young boy who lives in San Francisco, has trouble at home and at school. The never ending arguments with his father lead him to run away and join the crew of the Dazzler. Joe dreams of an sailor's life full of freedom and excitement but he soon realizes that he signed on a pirate ship. The only new friend he finds is the young ship boy Frisco Kid. The two kids face many adventures and finally plan to escape and start a new life...