The Scarlet Pimpernel
The Scarlet Pimpernel

Movie spotlight

The Scarlet Pimpernel

1982
Movie
142 min
English

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

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Clare NaylorGenres: Adventure, Drama, Romance, War

Plot Summary

In the midst of the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, a seemingly foppish English aristocrat, Sir Percy Blakeney, leads a double life. By day, he is the effete leader of a fashionable London society; by night, he dons a disguise to become the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel, a heroic figure who daringly rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. His clandestine activities become increasingly perilous as the ruthless Citizen Chauvelin closes in, determined to unmask and capture the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Critical Reception

The 1982 television film adaptation of 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' was generally well-received for its faithful adaptation of the classic novel, strong performances, and lavish production values. It captured the adventure and romantic elements that made the story enduring, making it a popular and memorable adaptation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its faithful adherence to the source material.

  • Anthony Andrews' dual performance as the foppish Sir Percy and the heroic Pimpernel was a highlight.

  • The film successfully balances swashbuckling adventure with romantic intrigue.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this specific 1982 television film is not readily available through generalized Google reviews.

Fun Fact

The role of the Scarlet Pimpernel was famously played by Leslie Howard in the iconic 1938 film version, a performance that significantly shaped the character's popular image.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is adapted from two of the Baroness Orczy's books as we head to an 18th century Paris where the terror is in full swing and the newly empowered citizenry are beheading aristocrats left, right and centre. Even Louis XVI and his Queen Ma...