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If you don't know the tale of The Scarlet Pimpernel
then you should be horsewhipped! Failing that - here's a little
precis.
Some interfering English aristocrat (Anthony Andrews) is
playing fast and loose with the French Revolution's insatiable
desire to chop heads off its ruling class.
The cunning swine is rescuing so many would-be victims the
nasty Max Robespierre sends out Chauvelin (McKellen), his
most loyal secret policeman to trap and kill the Pimpernel.
Things get interesting when both men are in love with the
same gel, Margueritte St Just, a gorgeous actress in the shape
of Ms Seymour and all of society are gobsmacked when she falls
for the super dandy Sir Percy Blakeney, little knowing that
he is the Pimpernel.
But the horrid Chauvelin has revenge on his mind and while
he has no idea of Blakeney's secret identity, he wants to
poison him against his love by framing her for the execution
of an entire family.
His plan works and though just-married, Sir Percy is distraught
his bride could have been so heartless and shuns her.
Next Chauvelin travels to England to catch the Pimpernel
in his own lair and things just keep getting more exciting
from there.
Andrews is without peer as the dandy Sir Percy, although
he lacks the dark side that Richard Grant has brought to the
character in his TV series.
Seymour is stunning as Margueritte and it would be worth
crossing swords with any chap for her attentions.
McKellen is vindictively jealous and cunning and is quite
the opponent for Andrews.
This made-for-TV movie has fade-outs (for stations to put
ads in) but the video quality is pretty good. The action and
story make up for these slight annoyances.
They seek him here,
They seek him there,
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in heaven?
Or is he in hell?
That damned elusive Pimpernel!
Conclusion: Movie 85% Extras 20%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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