Based on a true story set in the late 19th century, Lord Tichborne, one of the richest men in England, is presumed dead after a shipwreck off the coast of South America. Years later rumours emerge that he may still be alive and living in Australia, so his valet, Bogle, is sent to investigate and his suspicions that the claimant is fraudulent soon prove founded. But, with an eye to eventually splitting the vast Tichborne fortune, the two men set about convincing those back in England that the claim is real. The Tichborne Claimant is a highly enjoyable and visually handsome comedy.