The Scarlet Pimpernel (TV 1982)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Clive Donner

Writers:

William Bast (teleplay), Baroness Emmuska Orczy (novels)

Stars:

Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, Ian McKellen

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anthony Andrews	...	Sir Percy Blakeney / The Scarlet Pimpernel
Jane Seymour	...	Marguerite St. Just
Ian McKellen	...	Chauvelin
James Villiers	...	Baron de Batz
Eleanor David	...	Louise
Malcolm Jamieson	...	Armand St. Just
Denis Lill	...	Count de Tournay
Ann Firbank	...	Countess de Tournay
Richard Morant	...	Robespierre
Julian Fellowes	...	The Prince Regent
Timothy Carlton	...	Count de Beaulieu
David Gant	...	Fouquet
John Quarmby	...	Ponceau
Gordon Gostelow	...	Duval
Carol MacReady	...	Mme. Duval

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

scarlet pimpernel | aristocrat | english | french revolution | robespierre | 

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Genres:

Romance | Drama | Action

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

A skarlát virág

Filming Locations:

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Edgar J. Scherick Associates, London Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

142 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Quarmby worked two weeks.

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Goofs

During the ride to the picnic, tracks from mowing equipment can be seen in the neatly cut grass.

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Quotes

Sir Percy: They seek him here. They seek him there. Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in Heaven? Or is he in Hell? That damned, elusive, pimpernel.

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Connections

Version of The Fighting Pimpernel (1950)

User Reviews

Action, Adventure, History, Romance--truly an incredible film

This is my favorite movie of all-time. The film is set during the French Revolution and makes the horror of the guillotine, along with the triumph of the secret band of the Scarlet Pimpernel very believable. The key strength I feel the film has is an excellent storyline and developing plot. The viewer is always kept on edge wondering what will happen next in the adventure. There are beautiful yet modest romance scenes. The orchestral score fits the mood of each scene perfectly. The acting is excellent, especially on the part of the three leading actors, Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymor, and Ian McKellen.

The movie also has excellent replay value--it seems almost every time you watch it you pick up on something new about the plot.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates a full plot, a great story, and interesting twists that prove in the end good triumphs over evil.