While fleeing an Indian War Party that is tracking him, John Carter seeks refuge in a dark cave in the Arizona foot-hills. He is then transported via unknown means through the void to the red planet Mars. Carter is taken by the nomadic Tharks, a ruthless, humorless people, who have captured the beautiful Princess of Helium, Dejah Thoris, and hopefully rescues her, winning her hand in the bargain. Tragedy strikes however, and all life on the dying planet is in jeopardy.