The classic Twain story "The Prince and the Pauper" gets a modern slant when Prince Edward of Gelfland switches places with Southern California surfer Cash Canty. Both discover a new world of romance, danger, and adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

Detective Rita Veder is assigned to a baffling serial murder case. After examining the crime scene — a corpse-filled ship found adrift at sea — she meets Maximilian, a smooth-talking Caribbean playboy determined to romance her.