Swallows and Amazons

Roger Walker is seen playing with toys in a bathtub, despite not actually taking a bath. Meanwhile, his family is bustling around and preparing to leave for their journey.

In 1935, the Walker family boards a train in Portsmouth, England. Their father is serving abroad in the South China Sea while the mother stays behind to care for their five children, highlighting the family's separation during wartime.

Before boarding, Roger accidentally drops a stuffed animal, which is picked up by a sinister-looking man who warns him to be more careful. This encounter foreshadows the trouble that lies ahead for the children.

On the train, the children open gifts from their father. John receives a knife, which Roger isn't old enough to possess, while Roger is excited to get a spyglass, igniting their sense of adventure.

A rude man bumps into their mother on the train and threatens the children if they tell anyone he was there. Tatty, with her imagination, sees him as a pirate and names him Captain Flint.

Upon arriving, Mr. Jackson greets the Walker family with kindness and takes them to the place where they will stay. However, Mrs. Jackson is far less amiable and criticizes her husband, setting a tense atmosphere.

The kids enthusiastically explore a nearby hill that overlooks a lake, where they see an abandoned houseboat. John accidentally breaks a porthole by throwing rocks, sparking a confrontation with its angry occupant.

After permission is granted, the kids venture out to an island they name Walker Island. They set up camp but realize they have no fire for cooking as the matches became soaked, leading them to search for help.

Jim Turner, a travel writer, arrives to inform the Walkers about their troubles. Although their mother denies any wrongdoing, the incident with John's rock leads to an obligation to pay for damages.

John and the children meet Nancy and Peggy Blackett, who claim ownership of the island. A rivalry begins as they agree to a 'war' where both groups strive to capture each other's boats.

Realizing their chance, the Walker children strategically decide to travel at night to gain the upper hand. Tatty, despite her age, is allowed to light a lantern to help guide them, showcasing trust within the group.

In a twist of events, the Walker kids successfully capture the Blackett girls' boat, and honestly celebrate their victory. This leads them to decide to become friends instead of foes.

Jim faces danger as he discovers that items from his boat have been stolen. This incident draws the attention of the children's mother, leading to serious consequences for John's previous actions.

The kids stumble upon Jim being pursued by menacing figures seeking to harm him for reasons unclear. A tense encounter unfolds, with John attempting to rescue Jim despite his own fears.

As the men prepare to escape by plane, the children ingeniously tie ropes around it to delay its takeoff. This allows Jim to confront and overpower his captors, resulting in their arrest and a triumphant end to the day's adventures.