The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)

 Excellent remake of a classic
I'm not usually a fan of remakes, but I was just plain blown away by this one. I rented it from Netflix figuring it would not compare with the 1934 classic. I loved it so much, I purchased a copy from Amazon.

I can't comment on how this movie compares to the books because I have not read them...yet. However, I have seen the 1934 classic and have always loved it, although it always left me wanting more. I wanted to know more about the characters.

This 1982 remake has what I found lacking in the classic. I like seeing the relationship between Sir Percy and Marguerite develop from first meeting, through courtship, to marriage, estrangement and reconciliation.
The 1934 film just drops you into the midst of the estrangement with very little explanation about what caused it.

I can't seem to stop watching this film; I am so intrigued by Anthony Andrews performance; every time I see it, I find more depth in his portrayal of Sir Percy. I am fascinated by how he can move effortlessly between the several facets of Sir Percy's personality and guises.

I could go on and on...but won't. I now have both the 1934 and 1982 versions in my library and plan to keep watching them both. I think the performances of the actors in both films are wonderful. I highly recommend both films, but overall prefer the 1982 screenplay. I only wish Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon, and Ray Massey could have had such a screenplay in 1934. I would like to have seen what they could do with it. Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, and Ian McKellen got that opportunity
and created a masterpiece. May 4, 2008

 The Scarlet Pimpernel
I am using the novel in my sophomore English class, and have thoroughly enjoyed this video. I have personally gone on to read two more pimpernel books and look forward to reading more. Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour with their smoldering looks are the perfect Percy and Marguerite. April 25, 2008

 Classic rendition of "The Scarlet Pimpernel"
This delightful movie/TV rendition of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is made great by stellar performances by Jane Seymore and Anthony Andrews. Ian McClellan is wonderful as the 'villan'. Anyone interested in historical novels will love it, the humor, action and romance are priceless. Costumes and settings are quite authentic and add glamor to the story. I first saw this on television MANY years ago and I have always remembered it. When I saw I could acquire the DVD from Amazon, I jumped at the chance. Several of my friends have borrowed it and they love it as much as I do. April 5, 2008

 Fashion, Fun, and Fops, Oh My!
Contains Spoilers:

This movie is pretty darn fabulous, in every sense of the word. While it doesn't directly follow the plot of the Baroness D'Orczy's novel, and the historical inaccuracies are fairly hilarious for anyone with a working knowledge of the French Revolution, it all ceases to matter the minute Anthony Andrews, in his role as the foppish Sir Percy, begins to recite his very own poem, enitled The Scarlet Pimpernel. I could listen to him for hours. The sheer contrast between the dashing Pimpernel and the limp-wristed Sir Percival is more pronounced than that between Batman and Bruce, and more believable than that between Superman and Clark Kent (Percy wears lace; the Pimpernel does not).

Okay, so it's really silly. But that's okay. It's supposed to be silly. Silly, and daring, and romantic, and full of escapades, romps, and misunderstandings. Jane Seymour is brilliant as the beautiful and clever Marguerite. Ian McKellan cuts a dastardly figure as the evil Chauvelin. And the whole movie is directed with a good-natured eye for humor that makes even its flaws forgivable.

In conclusion, don't watch this if you want to learn about the French Revolution. Watch it if you need a laugh, a few gasps, and a happy ending. Grab a blanket, some popcorn, and a friend, then sit down and prepare to buckle your swash. March 6, 2008

 A Guilty Pleasure
Anthony Andrews' portrayal of Sir Percy Blakeney is one of the genius performances of all time. As a romantic lead he is handsome and dreamy, and his effortless switch from the highly entertaining fop to an earnest lover is unnerving the first time it happens, largely because it is so seamless that for a moment you think he's out of character. His foppish affectations as Sir Percy are hilarious, particularly his use of the quizzing glass accessory as a prop. The intelligent, tender and sincere manners of the true Percy are equally riveting.

The dialogue sequences between Percy and Ian McKellen as Chauvelin are so much fun. Percy's merciless teasing about Chauvelin's lack of fashion and the undercurrent of jealousy on Chauvelin's part creates a quirky tension between the two that begs for resolution.

Andrews convinces as a character actor as well, for when Percy, as the Scarlet Pimpernel goes undercover, the transformation is so complete that you can't even perceive it to be the same man. The sword fight in the final sequence is brilliant, for its athleticism, tight choreography, timing and the literal "undressing" Percy delivers to Chauvelin. One suddenly realizes how beautifully he fills out a pair of breeches in this scene as well! Touché!

Jane Seymour is breathtaking and produces a solid performance as the lovely French actress, Marguerite St. Just. The supporting actors and actresses were also very well cast, especially Christopher Villiers as Lord Anthony Dewhurst. We liked him so well that he elicits cheers of "Tony!" nearly every time he makes an appearance.

The costuming and sets are stunning. I had originally rented this film, but realizing I could hardly bear to part with the rented copy, I knew that this treasure had to be added to my very selective collection of films that I "must" own. I was particularly delighted to find that Amazon not only carried the DVD, but that it was reasonably priced. February 16, 2008

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