Search - The Scarlet Pimpernel on DVD

6 out of 5 stars

Djinn | 02/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This must be Leslie Howard's best performance, the best film version of Scarlet Pimpernel and one of the best screen adaptions of a classic book. The 'cravat' scene must be one of the most amusing episodes in film history.

The plot has been changed somewhat, especially the end, but the film creates such a sense of unity and rightness that I sometimes forget that 'that's not how it goes in the book'. Of course, if you didn't read the book, or don't remeber it or don't mind when movies deviate from the novels they were inspired by, there's nothing at all to worry about.

Merle Oberon is a suitably beautiful but disenchanted French wife to Leslie Howard, who is a master at his changes of personality from 'Sir Percival Blackeney' to 'The Scarlet Pimpernel'. The film sticks to the spirit of The Scarlet Pimpernel even when it deviates from the letter."

The seek him here they seek him there

bernie | Arlington, Texas | 01/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Them Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in Heaven?
Is he in Hell?
That damned elusive pimpernel.

By Sir Percy Blakeney/The Scarlet Pimpernel (Leslie Howard)

It is the French revolution and everone is losing their heads. Sir Percy Blakeney must fake being ridicules and may even lose the love of his life Lady Marguerite Blakeney (Merle Oberon.) This is necessary to save their friends from the guillotine.

How long can he pull this off while right next to hem is Citizen Chauvelin (Raymond Massey) who is trying to track down The Scarlet Pimpernel. He even threatens Marguerite's with the life of her brother to find the pimpernel.

The story, originally a play then a novel has been remade and in some ways improved through the years. However, this version will always be the classic that others are measured by.
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