Set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, this swashbuckling adventure follows the daring English aristocrat Sir Percy Blakeney, who leads a double life. By day, he is a foppish nobleman; by night, he is the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel, rescuing condemned French aristocrats from the guillotine. His exploits put him at odds with the ruthless revolutionary agent Chauvelin, all while his wife, Marguerite, struggles to uncover his secret identity.
Genre: Historical Adventure, Romance
Director: Harold Young
Harold Young (1897–1972) was an American film editor and director who began his career cutting silent films before moving to the director’s chair in the 1930s. Known for his work in adventure and mystery genres, Young brought a lively pace and romantic flair to The Scarlet Pimpernel, which became his most enduring and celebrated work.
Star cast:
- Leslie Howard as Sir Percy Blakeney / The Scarlet Pimpernel
- Merle Oberon as Lady Marguerite Blakeney
- Raymond Massey as Chauvelin
- Nigel Bruce as Prince of Wales
- Anthony Bushell as Sir Andrew Ffoulkes
- Joan Gardner as Suzanne de Tournay
- Melville Cooper as Lord Anthony Dewhurst
The film was widely praised for its witty dialogue, lavish period costumes, and charismatic performances, especially Leslie Howard’s blend of comic elegance and heroic resolve. It became the definitive screen version of Baroness Orczy’s classic novel for many decades and helped cement the Scarlet Pimpernel as a cultural icon.
Fun Facts:
- Merle Oberon’s costumes were designed to reflect both her status and the French fashion of the 1790s, adding authenticity to the production.
- Leslie Howard personally lobbied to play Sir Percy, believing the role perfectly suited his style.
- The character’s foppish public persona and secret heroic identity influenced later fictional heroes, including Zorro and Batman.
- The phrase “They seek him here, they seek him there…” from the novel is immortalized in the film’s script.
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