The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel

This is a sequel which instead sets its own terms. Lacking a star name, it is not a vehicle for a star to lift and be given entertaining scenes (and mask weaknesses), instead it is a very well crafted artistic production. Completely unremarked is the quality of the cinematography there is a still photographer's eye at work not to mention the sets and the handling of action. Instead of a star and their schtick which a production is obliged to both labour and indulge, there is point and purpose throughout in the screenplay which reflects the mixture of brutality, passion, paranoia, scheming and insecurity of the times. The pimpernel is more subtly acted than the sign-posted performance of a big star. His ruses, being the centre piece of the character, have to be and are more impressive including the disguises than in the case of a star who probably wishes to be recognisable at all times. Lacking any stars, it must rely on pure merit - and succeeds. It is after all a Korda production so would one expect less?

This is the second version of the much-filmed adventure classic with the immortal hero named Scarlet Pimpinel ( Barry Barnes), and again the English aristocrat engaged in the underground effort to snatch out from under the blade of the guillotine Frenchmen caught in the Reign of Terror ( 1794 ) . This time Robespierre assigns the mission to track down Pimpinel in England . As Spanish Teresa Cabarrus , Tellien's lover , and Chauvelin (Francis Lister ) travel towards Brighton where abduct his wife ( Sophie Stewart ). Pimpinel returns to Paris and then Sir Percy hides his activities under various guises . His ruse may throw off the French authorities but the elusive pimpernel is also attempting to free his wife , though he is suddenly caught by Chauvelin.

Barnes does a dashing hero leading several characters and posing as an officer , pauper or revolutionary . This lavish production results to be a good sequel with spectacular production design , impressive sets and nice scenarios . Less than stellar cast plenty of unknown actors with exception a young James Mason as Tallien. The motion picture is professionally directed by Hans Swartz , a Hungarian filmmaker in his last movie .

In the film appears historical characters as Tallien , Theresa Cabarrus (Margarett Scott ) and is developed an intrigue about downfall's Robespierre ( Henry Oscar ). The actual events are the followings : Robespierre appeared at the Convention and delivered a two-hour-long speech. He defended himself against charges of dictatorship and tyranny, and then proceeded to warn of a conspiracy against the Republic. Robespierre implied that members of the Convention were a part of this conspiracy, though when pressed he refused to provide any names. The speech however alarmed members particularly given Fouché's warnings. These members who felt that Robespierre was alluding to them tried to prevent the speech from being printed . The next day, Saint-Just began to give a speech in support of Robespierre. However, those who saw him working on his speech the night before expected accusations to arise from it. He only had time to give a small part of his speech before Jean-Lambert Tallien ( James Mason ) interrupted him . Robespierre then attempted to secure the tribune to speak but his voice was shouted down. Robespierre soon found himself at a loss for words after one deputy called for his arrest . The Convention ordered the arrest of Robespierre, his brother Augustin, Couthon, Saint-Just, François Hanriot and Le Bas. Troops from the Commune arrived to free the prisoners and then marched against the Convention itself. The Convention responded by ordering troops of its own under Barras to be called out. When the Commune's troops heard the news of this, order began to break down, and Hanriot ordered his remaining troops to withdraw to the Hôtel de Ville, where Robespierre and his supporters also gathered. The Convention declared them to be outlaws, meaning that upon verification the fugitives could be executed within twenty-four hours without a trial. As the night went on, the forces of the Commune deserted the Hôtel of Ville and, at around two in the morning, those of the Convention under the command of Barras arrived there . Robespierre tried to kill himself with a pistol but only managed to shatter his jaw.For the remainder of the night, Robespierre was moved to a table in the room of the Committee of Public Safety where he awaited execution. He lay on the table bleeding abundantly until a doctor was brought in to fix up his jaw. The next day, 28 July 1794, Robespierre was guillotined without trial in the Place of the Révolution. His brother Augustin, Couthon, Saint-Just, Hanriot and twelve other followers . Only Robespierre was guillotined face-up.

Other versions about this classic novel by Baroness Orczy are the following : First and the best in 1939 by Harold Young with Leslie Howard and Leslie Caron ; The Elusive Pimpernel , 1950, by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger with David Niven and Margaret Leighton and made for TV in 1982 by Clive Donner with Anthony Edwards and Jane Seymour and in 1999 with Richard E Grant and Elizabeth McGovern .

Hanns Schwarz is known to most cinephiles as the director of the miraculous 'Incredible Lies of Nina Petrovna'. Hardly surprising that with the surname of Schwarz he felt obliged to leave Germany pretty smartish in 1933. He directs this sequel to the successful 'Scarlet Pimpernel' of 1934. This is lame, mediocre stuff and is saddled with the curse of twee, 'teddibly, teddibly' acting. Notable exceptions are Henry Oscar as Robespierre although a little mature for the role, the appealing Margaretta Scott and James Mason. Huddersfield born Mason is really the only feature of interest in this and impresses with his earthy presence and modern delivery. He is not yet the finished article but has ingredient 'X' in spades. The title character is played by someone named Barry K. Barnes. The screen empties whenever he is on it. Such a pity that the directorial career of Schwarz finished so disappointingly. Following this he went off the radar and died in California in 1945. At least we have Nina Petrovna to remember him by.

Hollywood is hardly the only one to crank out unnecessary sequels. Britain was also guilty of it, and early on, too. "Return" is essentially a rehash of the first movie, made a couple of years earlier. It even reuses footage and sets from that classic. The leads have changed, but not the basic plot, which has Sir Percy forced to go back to France one last time, in this case to rescue his wife from the clutches of the sinister Robespierre. It clearly is a trap, but nothing will keep the good old Pimpernel from carrying out his mission. He is up against the usual clods and dolts, after all. A young James Mason has a small role. This is no worse, I suppose, than "Son of Monte Cristo" or "Son of Robin Hood." Mercifully, there was to be no third Pimpernel film.

Or should I say: more of the same? Nevertheless, this is a decent if somewhat unremarkable follow-up to THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. This time, the Pimpernel's wife is being kidnapped in order to set the trap for him, forcing Sir Percy to go to France to save her. What follows is an amusing film, nothing more, but certainly nothing less. The sequel has to do it without the leads of the first film, but the cast here generally does a pretty good job as well. They all make very likeable characters, what surely makes up for the quite far-fetched story.

This obviously is a little-known film, but if you have the chance to see it, you might want to check it out. It's not a masterpiece and not as good as the first "Pimpernel", but rather good fun. 6/10