The Scarlet Pimpernel

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.

Adventures based on Baroness Orczy's famous novels about wealthy Chamaleon aristocrat who is not the fool he seems and confounds the French revolutionaries ; indeed , he masquerades as the daring adventurer , the soldier of fortune and rescuer of those persecuted by the French Revolution and the guillotines . Exciting exploits set on the Reign of Terror with Sir Percy Blackeney against a sinister Chauvelin , while the French Republicans seek him , there and everywhere . This is one of the innumerable versions of the much-filmed adventure classic with the immortal hero named Scarlet pimpernel ( Anthony Andrews), 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 ( 1792 ) . This time the terrible Committee of Public Safety assigns to Chauvelin the mission to track down Pimpernel in England . As Chauvelin ( ideal baddie cast Ian McKellen ) travels towards England where resides Percy and his wife ( Jane Seymour ) who was once involved with Chauvelin . The astute Chauvelin attempts to discover the rogue's identity and involve Percy's French wife Marguerite in his scheme , furthermore is plotting to win back his previous love . Pimpernel returns to Paris and then Sir Percy hides his activities under various guises . Pimpernel and wife head to France to save the son of the king from the clutches of Saint Just . Then Scarlet gets trapped , so quite a lot of rescuing needs to be freed . 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.

Anthony Andrews plays it to perfection , fitting the role like elegant glove , he does a dashing hero leading several characters and posing as an officer , pauper old woman or revolutionary . Andrews match up efficiently to the popular conception of the Pimpernel who remains the archetypal acting , catching exactly the false foppishness as well as the mythical qualities which make the personage seem so invincible .In the film appears historical characters as Saint Just , Fouche and Robespierre and is developed an intrigue about the little boy prince Louis XVII , guillotined king Louis XVI's son . This lavish production results to be a good TV adaptation with spectacular production design , 18th Century costumes , intrigue , damsels in disgrace , nice scenarios and the impressive sets , too , are superb . Stellar cast plenty of known actors with Jane Seymour ,Ian McKellen and James Villiers. This is almost as good as the classic rendition and being stunningly directed by Clive Donner .

Other versions about the supposed dandy of the English court who assumes the identity of foppish Sir Percy in order to outwit the French republicans and aid innocent aristocrats and based on classic novels by Baroness Orczy are the following : First and the best swashbuckling vintage (1939) produced by London Films and directed by Harold Young with Leslie Howard and Leslie Caron ; The Elusive Pimpernel (1950) by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger with David Niven , Cryl Cusack and Margaret Leighton and TV series( 1999 ) by Patrick Lau with Richard E Grant and Elizabeth McGovern and another series (1955) starred by Marius Goring as Sir Percy , the Scarlet Pimpernel .

I saw the film and then read the book (the first book, anyway), and I must say that Anthony Andrews is even more impressive when you have read Orczy's version. I initially thought that Sir Percy's accent was grating, and his facial expressions ridiculous, but it's really almost as if the character has sprung to life from the pages of the book. Andrews perfects Orczy's description of Sir Percy's 'lazy eyes' and 'drawly, sleepy tone' - he even has the height correct! The film then improves on the book by allowing Percy to step out of his foppish mask with Marguerite, and to reveal his true persona without that truly irritating accent. Jane Seymour has the necessary 'classic beauty', but she manages to smuggle the 1980s into the production with her bronze lipstick! Her character's innocence is also boosted onscreen - you feel as though Chauvelin has merely pinned the blame on her, whereas Orczy's Marguerite blabs about the family's whereabouts out of spite, although she doesn't intend for her words to be intercepted. The chemistry between Andrews and Seymour adds to the romantic tension between Sir Percy and Marguerite, and you can hardly wait until she discovers her husband's true identity (although you have to wonder which element of his personality she actually loves, and whether she would have stayed with him had she never figured it out).

This is a stylish and adorable making that leaves behind it's 1930's original. The period stays intact, you have to pity Chauvelin played by Ian McKellan, the man born to play the role, you believe every step he takes. Jane Seymour, one time Bond Girl does not come off as great but she has a unique beauty and adds strength to the piece. Much of the credit should go to Anthony Andrews, the likeable Brittish actor who turns in a mocking and delightfull performance, an instant great. You can never tell that this movie was made for TV, production values are optimal and much time was spent expanding the story to reach entertainment max.

You never for a second do not believe that sir Percival Blakne is "an utter fool", classic fop, and useless drop kick and then you never for a second do not believe he is 100% competent, a reliable saviour but at the same time vulnerable in his loyalty to his cause. This movie is the definitive proof that you do not need action to have an enduring and entertaining flick, but at the same time they could not resist the numerous enjoyabole sword fights not to mention the redefinition of fun with the climactic duel. The whole 1st rate quality of entertainment in this movie makes it an instant classic as he wrestles with his damned cravat or takes on three roughians as though in rehearsal for competition.

A 10/10 delight.

I first saw this when it debuted. Although I was 17 at the time and a guy (FYI--I'm still a guy but I'm aged a bit since), I LOVED the movie/miniseries. It was way beyond a simple "chick flick" or costume drama. Instead, exceptional acting, music and direction took this far beyond my expectations. In fact, I think it was better than Leslie Howard's movie overall--and that's saying a lot because his is also an excellent film. I was so impressed, I then showed a tape I'd made of the series to my best friend and my girlfriend (now she is my lovely wife) and they both fell in love with the series. And why not? It was exciting, engaging, historically accurate with an interesting guess as to what REALLY happened to Louis XVII and just plain fun! FYI--It's also fun to watch the performance of Ian McKellen--he is so slimy and awful as the bad guy!