GORGEOUS. That goes for the production, Anthony Andrews, and especially Jane Seymour, who by the evidence of this movie was the most beautiful woman in the world--or at least in the movies (still is, as far as I'm concerned). Andrews is letter perfect, handles the dual roles far better than Leslie Howard or Richard Grant, both of whom did the Blakeney fine but fell short as the Pimp. But the real star of the movie is Sir Ian as Chauvelin. Twitchy, repressed, jealous, outraged, and with absolutely no sense of humor, a perfect foil for both Sir Percy and the Pimp. And even attractive enough to justify Marguerite's prior interest in him (prior to meeting Sir P, that is). I'd give it a 10 except for the story, which requires acceptance of some serious stretches of the imagination. The script works like hell to justify Percy's keeping his secret identity from his new wife without appearing a bounder, but doesn't quite manage it. I mean, Clark would sure as heck tell Lois. This focuses in a scene that I can NOT accept period: where Percy stands directly behind Marguerite whispering to her, and she doesn't recognize him! Sorry, it just won't float, especially in a script as witty and fleet-footed as this one. One of the best bosh-swucklers of all time. Oh, and watch Julian Fellowes who plays the Prince of Whales--he wrote the screenplay for Altman's "Gosford Park."
The Scarlet Pimpernel
1982
Action / Drama / Romance
The Scarlet Pimpernel
1982
Action / Drama / Romance
Plot summary
During the French Revolution, a mysterious English nobleman known only as The Scarlet Pimpernel (a humble wayside flower), snatches French aristos from the jaws of the guillotine, while posing as the foppish Sir Percy Blakeney in society. Percy falls for and marries the beautiful actress Marguerite St. Just, but she is involved with Chauvelin and Robespierre, and Percy's marriage to her may endanger the Pimpernel's plans to save the little Dauphin
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
July 12, 2024 at 02:21 AM
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
480p.DVDMovie Reviews
Better than the book by a long shot
Excellent rendition of a wonderful tale
I have loved this movie since I was a child, but even more so now having re-watched it after reading the two books it is based upon. Anthony Andrews perfectly captures the dual nature of Sir Percy - the lazy eyelids, drawly voice, and then the flashes of passion when alone with Marguerite. His appearance is always impeccable, and his disguises are always extremely good but still true to what he would have been able to accomplish at that time.
The script manages to flawlessly interweave the plot of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and "Eldorado", the two Orczy books on which it is based (both revolving around the Scarlet Pimpernel). The resulting story allows for wonderful character development, especially between the three main characters. Ian McKellan wonderfully captures Chauvelin's zeal and nervousness, with the added bonus of seeing more of his background with Marguerite and Sir Percy.
I have never seen any of the other version of The Scarlet Pimpernel, but as this one is so good I feel I do not need to even bother. Even without knowing the story or reading the two books, it stands on its own merit as a wonderfully entertaining film, which might just as easily have been made for the big screen as for TV.
Good, concise adaptation + excellent character development
This is a delightful version of Scarlet Pimpernel. Despite being made in the early 1980's, it doesn't show its age the way many older films do. Anthony Andrews makes it perfect with his incredible character development (lacking in other versions). Jane Seymour is pretty to look at, but the show belongs to Andrews. Fun to watch, and may encourage people to look at French history.