Prince Horace is the spoiled and arrogant heir to the throne whose continual pranks are designed to get his distant father's attention. Young Jemmy is a desperate streetwise orphan trying to survive with his sister. Jemmy is taken from the streets to become the prince's new whipping boy - he must take the place of the prince when punishment is administered. Soon the Prince and the Whipping Boy embark on an adventure which tests their friendship and their loyalty.