The Scarlet Pimpernel (TV Series)

The Sword of Justice (1955)

Stanley Van Beers: Chauvelin

Photos 

Quotes 

• Sir Percy Blakeney : Ah, my dear Shovealong! How fortunate to find you.

  Chauvelin : I am always here at this hour, Sir Percy. I am a very busy man.

  Sir Percy Blakeney : Exactly, and that is why I have a lot to talk to you about. But, first of all, an apology.

  Chauvelin : Indeed!

  Sir Percy Blakeney : Yes, I always thought you were exaggerating about this Scarlet Pimpernel fellow. Now, I see I was wrong. He is an even baser character than you imagined.

  Chauvelin : That, coming from an intelligence such as yours, Sir Percy, is very gratifying.

  Sir Percy Blakeney : And it is also most gratifying to know that you appreciate my intelligence. Because I have come to help you.

  Chauvelin : To help me?

  Sir Percy Blakeney : Yes, yes. The Prince of Wales has decreed that we English must work together with you French to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel. And, so I hasten to offer my services. Now, first of all, point number one - identification. What is the very latest clue you have about the Scarlet Pimpernel?

  Chauvelin : There is nothing new, Sir Percy, but I fail to see how you...

  Sir Percy Blakeney : My dear fellow, you mean to say you know nothing about him? Nothing of where he works, his friends, his accomplices?

  Chauvelin : I know that he is a wealthy nobleman at the court of the Prince of Wales. Moreover, he is a brilliant swordsman, a crack shot and a master of disguise.

  Sir Percy Blakeney : Aha, perhaps an actor fellow. David Garrick! No, he's dead. Mrs Siddons! Ah, perhaps not. But, I know several members of Boodles who might fit the description exactly.

  Chauvelin : Then, Sir Percy, perhaps you will be so very kind as to send me a list.

  Sir Percy Blakeney : But my dear Mr Shovealong, if I didn't know you better, I might almost think you were trying to get rid of me. Point number two - we set a trap. Now, what is all this I've been reading in The Moniteur about the Duc de Cigalle? Perhaps the Scarlet Pimpernel might attempt to rescue him.

  Chauvelin : To the best of my knowledge the Duc de Cigalle escaped into Switzerland a week ago. The news sheets were misinformed.

  Sir Percy Blakeney : Misinformed or not, the press is very powerful, my dear Shovealong. It can spread very, very ugly rumours. That is the trouble with you, my dear Shovealong, you use old fashioned methods. Set a thief to catch a thief! Now, you have got to become a master shot, you have got to become a master of disguises.

  Chauvelin : Sir Percy, I am a very busy man!

  Sir Percy Blakeney : But, my dear fellow, that's why I've come to help you! Believe me, you must become a master of disguises. That is the only way to capture the Scarlet Pimpernel! The only way. Now.

  [Puts a false beard on Chauvelin's face] 

  Sir Percy Blakeney : Wonderful! Marvellous! Your own mother wouldn't know you, even if she wanted to. Now, my dear fellow, in this disguise I'm going to introduce you to the Prince of Wales as my cousin and...

  Chauvelin : I am much too busy to go to England, Sir Percy, especially in disguise.

  [Opens the door to his office. A soldier is outside staring at him] 

  Chauvelin : Well, what are you goggling at?

  Sir Percy Blakeney : My dear Shovealong, I am perfectly capable of taking a hint. If you don't wish to accept my very generous offer of cooperation. Very well, I will leave.