The Elusive Pimpernel
The Elusive Pimpernel

The Elusive Pimpernel

1950Movie109 minEnglish

Foppish Sir Percy Blakeney, who secretly leads a double life as the daring rescuer of French aristocrats from the guillotine during the French Revolution, fights to save his brother-in-law while his wife is manipulated by the villainous Chauvelin into helping capture him, unaware of her husband's true identity.

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IMDb7.1/10
Director: Terence YoungGenres: Action, Adventure, Romance, Historical

Plot Summary

In the midst of the French Revolution, Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English baronet, leads a double life. By day, he is a foppish and unassuming aristocrat, but by night, he transforms into the daring "Scarlet Pimpernel," a mysterious hero who secretly rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. His efforts are complicated by the suspicions of a determined French agent and the growing doubts of his own wife.

Critical Reception

The 1950 adaptation of "The Elusive Pimpernel" was generally well-received for its adventurous spirit and David Niven's performance. While not considered a cinematic masterpiece, it was appreciated as an entertaining swashbuckler that captured the essence of Baroness Orczy's beloved character. Audiences enjoyed the blend of action, romance, and historical drama.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its swashbuckling action and historical adventure.
  • David Niven's portrayal of Sir Percy Blakeney and the Scarlet Pimpernel was a highlight.
  • A solid, if somewhat conventional, adaptation of the classic tale.

Google audience: No specific Google user review data is readily available for this film.

Fun Fact

This film was the directorial debut of Terence Young, who would later go on to direct acclaimed films such as "Dr. No" and "From Russia with Love" in the James Bond series.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

David Niven takes on the mantle of Baroness Orczy's hero in this classy but a little lightweight take on the escapades of the "Scarlet Pimpernel". Hugely successful at smuggling doomed artisto's from under the nose of the Reign of Terror, t...