The Prince and the Pauper 1977

Tom Canty steals to appease his father

In 16th-century London, the pauper Tom Canty is threatened by his brutal father to steal five shillings by suppertime. Tom goes to the city square and lifts a purse from a rich man, but drops it after bumping into another man. The victim and others chase him through the streets, convinced Tom still holds the purse.

Tom escapes into the palace and hides from guards

Tom escapes by climbing a wall and entering the palace window, landing in the royal garden before King Henry VIII. The king orders the guards to seize him, but Tom outruns them by scaling to the castle roof and hiding in a chimney. He ends up in the palace as the chase continues.

Edward and Tom plot to swap identities for the masked ball

In the royal chamber, Edward refuses to wear a costume, while Tom explains his desperate situation. Intrigued by Tom's resemblance, Edward proposes that they swap appearances and clothes to attend the masked ball, with the Prince's Seal staying with the true Prince. The plan is to learn more about life at court while the masquerade unfolds.

Duke of Norfolk orders Edward out after misidentification

Mistaking Edward for Tom, the Duke of Norfolk orders that he be escorted out of the palace. The mistaken action heightens the night's confusion as the swap proceeds under cover of the ball.

Edward is rescued by Miles Hendon; Norfolk is arrested; Tom's dancing draws laughter

Outside the palace, Sir Miles Hendon rescues the boy who has swapped identities. Back inside, the Duke of Norfolk is arrested during the ball, and the guests laugh at Tom's awkward dancing as Edward tries to maintain his disguise.

Edward learns Tom's life; Miles questions the imposture

Miles brings Edward to see John Canty to understand the life Tom leads, while Edward begins to grasp the hardships of Tom's world. A confrontation with John escalates, and Miles is forced to intervene. John pushes Miles off a roof into a stream, and John is then branded a murderer as he flees London with Edward.

Henry VIII's illness deepens and death follows

Back at the castle, Henry VIII has been ill since the morning after the masked ball. He forbids anyone from declaring that Tom is not the Prince, but the king dies during a banquet in his royal chamber. Tom must contend with the void left by the king and the suspicion around the impostor.

Edward and John in forest; Ruffler's gang

In a forest, unfriendly men escort John Canty and Edward to a cavern where Ruffler's gang hides. Word reaches them of Henry VIII's death, fueling their resolve. Edward fights one gang member, but John is killed by another gang member.

Miles helps Edward; Hendon Hall revelations

Edward meets Miles Hendon again, who has survived, and Miles escorts him to Hendon Hall. Miles discovers that his brother Hugh has married Edith and taken Hendon Hall. Edith helps them escape, and Edward convinces Miles that he is the rightful king and should recover his honour as a Knight.

Coronation day arrives; the switch back and reveal

Miles and Edward race to London to reach Westminster Abbey for the coronation. Miles swaps clothes with Hugh and ties him up in a cart, but Hugh breaks free and tries to have Miles arrested. Edward and Tom fight off the guards, reach Westminster Abbey before it closes, and switch back to their true identities. Edward then produces the Prince's Seal and is crowned King.

Tom becomes governor and social reforms begin

After the coronation, Edward grants Tom the role of Governor of Christ's Hospital, and Tom's mother uses resources to set up shelters for the homeless. These acts reflect the new regime's focus on helping the vulnerable and rebuilding society after the upheaval. The characters begin to settle into a more stable order.