The Scarlet Pimpernel (1935)

"That damned elusive Pimpernel" finds a dashing embodiment in Leslie Howard, who has the steel to be an action hero and the wit to hide behind his alter ego: a British fop. Based on Baroness Orczy's novel, the story focuses on the efforts of this British dandy to aid members of the French aristocracy in escaping the guillotines of the French revolution. He also romances Merle Oberon, a beauty forgotten by recent generations, and engages in a wonderfully wicked duel of wits with the humorless enforcer for the French Republicans (Raymond Massey). If somewhat short on swashbuckling, it's long on the kind of costume drama that Hollywood seems to have forgotten how to do. Remade in 1982 for television, in an equally engaging version starring Anthony Andrews. --Marshall Fine Amazon.com

One of the classics

When my son was in junior high, we watched this film together because I'd recently read the book for a college class I was taking. As an adult, he remembered that he had enjoyed it, so I ordered it for him. He loved it once again and has added it to his collection of classic films. It really is a great little story, and I think this version is well done. September 14, 2008

Loving SP

I've always loved this movie! I have the VHS version and wanted the DVD version. One entire scene was missing from the DVD version, and at places it was too dark to see the action going on. I wouldn't buy from this vendor again. July 12, 2008

ONE OF THE BEST!!!!!!

First time I saw this was on a public television station and I fell in love with the movie and had to have it. I had ended up with 2 VHS tape and finally got a DVD. This is a classic black and white movie and is good to keep you on the edge of your seat if your a true fan on Merle Oberon and Leslie Howard you will enjoy this movie. Anybody remember this line from the movie.....
They seek him here, They seek him there,
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven?
--Is he in hell? That dammed, elusive Pimpernel.
By Sir Percy Blakeney
I will always give this movie an A+++++++++++++++++ and have watched it many times!!!!
April 15, 2008

Corny

Not only is this movie corny but I didn't like how it was re-done. It doesn't seem of best quality. April 5, 2008

Poor quality release

This video is so poor quality we couldn't watch more than 5 minutes. They really need to restore the film and sound track! February 27, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...