When the four Stanley kids learn that the whole family is going to Italy for a year, they couldn't be more excited. Even grumpy Amanda, their stepsister, admits that they're bound to have quite an adventure.

But adventure turns into trouble when Amanda brags about having a rich father, and her news falls into the hands of the wrong peopl-kidnappers. When they strike, Red Mask and his gang find they can't take Amanda without nabbing all the Stanley kids.

Locked in a cellar and held for ransom, the children know they must plan an escape. Nothing short of a miracle will help the Stanleys now. Can they find some way to outfox the gang?