When the Duke of Burgundy (Alec Clunes) tries to arrange a marriage between Lord Crawford (Ernest Thesiger) of Scotland and the young Countess of Marcroy (Kay Kendall) of France, Crawford sends dashing knight Quentin Durward (Robert Taylor) abroad to see if she is suitable. Quentin finds the countess has no interest in the marriage, and is seeking the protection of King Louis XI (Robert Morley). Undaunted, he takes a job with the king, and soon falls in love with the countess himself.