In 18th-century Bristol, young Jim Hawkins lives in his parents' old inn. Even at the age of 17, the lad has little education, unaware that the large port city is Bristol.

A crash between landlord Trelawney, who has decided to equip a ship for a treasure hunt, and captain Smollett, who was hired for the trip, leads to a chance for adventure.

Smollett gives the team shore leave. When he casts off, Jim jumps into a boat and is taken to the island, where he meets overgrown islander Ben Gunn.

When Jim returns to the ship, he's horrified to find that it has been overtaken by Silver and his crew.