Aboard Virginian, a passenger ship, at the turn of the century, a baby boy is found. He is called 1900 and is brought up by the ship's coal room worker. When his adoptive father is killed in an accident the rest of the ship becomes aware of the boys presence. 1900 starts to play the piano aboard ship and entertains the guests. 30 years later, the Virginian is due for demolition and 1900 has gone missing - is he aboard the rusted ship and can he be saved in time?