Adventurer Richard Hannay, who claims to be an "ordinary fellow" has just returned from South Africa and is thoroughly bored with his London life. He was warned of an assassination plot that could bring Britain to the brink of war. Just days after, he finds his new friend murdered - in his home. An obvious suspect for the police and an easy target for the killers, Hannay goes on the run to Scotland, his homeland, where he must use all of his wits to stay one step ahead of the game - and warn the government before it is too late.