In early 19th-century New Hampshire, an impoverished farmer named Jabez Stone struggles to make ends meet on his small farm. Frustrated by a series of misfortunes, he inadvertently cries out that he would sell his soul for just a little luck. Instantly, a mysterious stranger dressed in flamboyant attire, named Mr. Scratch, appears and offers him wealth and prosperity in exchange for his soul, with a seven-year term before the contract comes due. Desperate, Jabez agrees, and soon his fortunes change dramatically. His farm begins to thrive, and he becomes wealthier than he ever dreamed possible.

With newfound wealth, Jabez’s personality starts to change, becoming more arrogant and dismissive of those around him, including his loving wife, Mary. As prosperity permeates his life, so too does trouble, as Jabez finds himself distancing from friends and family. When the contract nears its end, and Scratch demands his due, regret sinks in. In desperation, Jabez turns to Daniel Webster, a famed orator and lawyer known for his eloquence and integrity. Webster accepts the challenge of defending Jabez against Scratch to save his soul. The climactic courtroom confrontation with Scratch tests not only Webster's legal acumen but also his ability to remind everyone involved of the virtues of redemption, faith, and the human spirit.