During World War II, American POW Learoyd escapes a Japanese firing squad. Hiding
himself in the wilds of Borneo, Learoyd is adopted by a head-hunting tribe of Nyak Indians, who consider him "divine" because of his elaborate tattoos. Before long, Learoyd is the reigning king of the Nyaks.
Two years later, British army captain Fairbourne and his sergeant, Tenga, parachute into Borneo to enlist the help of Learoyd, to rejoin the war against the Japanese. At first Learoyd resists but when his own tribe is threatened by the invaders, the "king" deigns to fight for their rights.