The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)

84% of users liked it
(7,516 ratings)

Swordplay, secret messages, and the rustle of ballroom finery make this 1982 adaptation of The Scarlet Pimpernel a gala bash. Anthony Andrews heads the cast as English nobleman Sir Percy Blakeney, a conceited but amusing fop in the drawing rooms of British high society. But beneath his veneer of… More Swordplay, secret messages, and the rustle of ballroom finery make this 1982 adaptation of The Scarlet Pimpernel a gala bash. Anthony Andrews heads the cast as English nobleman Sir Percy Blakeney, a conceited but amusing fop in the drawing rooms of British high society. But beneath his veneer of lacy impertinence is a man of bravado and derring-do. In disguise, he becomes the Pimpernel -- ta-da! -- and steals into France to rescue aristocrats condemned to the guillotine during the French Revolution. After each rescue, he leaves behind a scarlet pimpernel, a flower whose petals close at the approach of stormy weather. He also uses a signet ring engraved with a scarlet pimpernel to identify himself on the sealing wax of letters to compatriots. It is all jolly-good intrigue. Because he cloaks his schemes in great secrecy, not even his new wife Marguerite (Jane Seymour) realizes he is anything more than an innocuous dandy. Frustrated, the French send the ruthless Chauvelin (Ian McKellen) to England to serve as ambassador and ferret out the elusive Pimpernel. In a plot that ensnares Marguerite and closes the Pimpernel's petals, Chauvelin finally confronts his clever adversary, and it's en garde -- parry and thrust! ~ Mike Cummings, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Clive Donner
Genres: Action & Adventure, Television, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Nov 9, 1982 Wide
On DVD: Feb 24, 2004

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Featured Audience Ratings

xGary X

A campy adaptation of the classic story of derring do that has some nice period detail, a decent cast and Jane Seymour at her most stunning. Hardly a classic, but reasonably good fun.
Dannielle A

A delightful, exciting adventure! :-)
Marion R

When I rented this movie it was under the swashbuckling section, I really had no idea what to expect. What I got was a really entertaining film. This film is a mix between Zorro and The Three Musketeers. The sets and costumes were great. Ian McKellen was so evil. This movie was… More
When I rented this movie it was under the swashbuckling section, I really had no idea what to expect. What I got was a really entertaining film. This film is a mix between Zorro and The Three Musketeers. The sets and costumes were great. Ian McKellen was so evil. This movie was great entertainment.

Cast

            Jane Seymour as Marguerite

            Anthony Andrews as Scarlet Pimpernel/Sir Percy Blakeney

            Ian McKellen as Chauvelin

            Daphne Anderson as Lady Grenville

            Nick Brimble as Bibot

            Tracey Childs as Suzanne

            Eleanor David as Louise

            Derek Deadman as Handler

            Joanna Dickens as Aunt Lulu

            Julian Fellowes as The Prince Regent

            Ann Firbank as Countess de Tournay

            David Gant as Fouquet

            Barrie Houghton (II) as Executioner

            Malcolm Jamieson as Armand

            Dominic Jephcott as Sir Andrew Ffoulkes

            Dennis Lili as Count de Tournay

            Preston Lockwood as Duke

            Richard Morant as Robespierre

            Geoffrey Toone as Marquis de St. Cyr

            Christopher Villiers as Lord Anthony Dewhurst

            James Villiers as Baron de Baats

            Martin Wyldeck as Marquess

            Kate Howard as Countess de Beaulieu

            Richard Charles as The Dauphin

            Mark Drewry as Lord Timothy Hastings

            Gordon Gostelow as Duval

            Sean Mathias as Dispatcher

            John Quarmby as Ponceau

            Carol MacReady as Mme. Duval

            Timothy Carlton as Count de Beaulieu

            Tony Caunter as Pochard
See full cast