Rating: 
Summary: Sink me! But it's demmed brilliant!
Review: Hopefully "The Scarlet Pimpernel" will someday make its way back to the big screen, but in the meantime this television version holds the place as probably the best one to date. First and foremost, the script never has a dull moment, as it's jam-packed full of romance, intrigue, suspense, and adventure. The action continuously bounces back and forth between England and revolutionary France, where the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel is saving innocent lives from the cruel blade of Madame Guillotine. Anthony Andrews, as foppish Sir Percy Blakeney, an English aristocrat with a big secret, never fails to deliver. His droll, dry delivery of Percy's lines contrasts brilliantly with his dashing Pimpernel persona. Jane Seymour is a perfectly lovely Marguerite, entirely believeable as a spirited French actress caught between her loyalties. And Sir Ian McKellen is delightfully menacing as Citizen Paul Chauvelin, an agent of the French Republic and Marguerite's spurned lover. The plot is fast-paced, and every scene is as well done as the one before. It is truly a classic to be treasured. Unfortunately, the DVD is only a basic transfer and has no bonus material, but at least it's finally getting its due!
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Adventure
Review: I remember watching this as a little girl with my mom and enjoying the romance and the silly man with the accent. Years later I mentioned what I remembered of the story to mom and she told me what the title was so I picked it up out of nostalgia. And what a great idea that was!
This has become one of my absolute favorite movies off all time. What could possibly ever beat a movie with the great catch phrase "They seek him here, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere..."? Anthony Andrews is perfect as the Pimpernel, saving aristocrats condemned to the guillotine by the Republic during the French revolution. He is so convincing in his role as a foppish aristocrat that you are actually disgusted by him at times. And he's also great in the swashbuckling half of his persona - serious, intelligent, handsome and mysterious - the best romantic hero! Jane Seymour also gives a great performance as Margeurite. She manages to portray the naivete of her character as well as her total devotion to her husband that soon turns to disappointment and the desperation that leads to her mistakes.
One thing, though, is that this isn't true to the novels originally written by Baroness Orczy. I watched the movie first so didn't mind, but if you only want to see it because the book grabbed your attention, make sure you are prepared for creative licence!
Rating: 
Summary: Very Disappointing
Review: I bought this on the basis of the glowing reviews. The novel is one of my favorites, a classic of its kind, and a rousing adventure story. I had high hopes.The two leads are not bad, Andrews in particular, and the production values are okay (despite the rather murky transfer). But the script is ludicrous, possibly because this is a combination of two novels, instead of one. This is not the story I remember. There's more than a little soap opera about this production. Ian McKellen does the best he can with the words they put in his mouth, but even he can't stop the silliness of some scenes. Jane Seymour is lovely, and her costumes are exquisite. Maybe they all just had a bad day. All involved have done much better elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Movie & great Actors
Review: The Scarlet Pimpernel has been played by many actors. But Anthony Andrews is the best. His perfect act of being stupid Sir Percy Blankney at one part and on another a rescuing hero. The costumes are wonderful there is nothing better then that. Margirite played by Jane Seymour also went perfectly with Anthony Andrews. When they act together you can really see there emotions fly. The story is in France in 1792. Although Percy does save the King's son. What really happened is that the Kings son dead at the Guilltine. I suggest this movie for all ages. A romantic exciting movie that keeps you at the end of your seat the tentire movie.
Rating:
Summary: This beats all!
Review: I've been in love with this movie ever since I borrowed it from the local library. Thus far I have been disappointed to find that it's out of print and now It's on DVD!!! Jane Seymour epitomises that role of Marguerite St Just. Ahh It's just totally fabulous. Anthony Andrews plays the most brilliant Percy Blakney that I have ever seen (and I've seen most versions of the Pimpernel). It's very weird to see Ian McKellen as Chauvlin when we've all become to him being Gandalf, but it's worth it. If you love or even just like The Scarlet Pimpernel, then this movie is a must have. It has action, drama, suspense, romance and gorgeous costumes!
Rating: 
Summary: Is the DVD worth buying?
Review: In short, NO. The show itself is WONDERFUL -- fine acting, costumes, storyline, directing etc.....but the DVD itself has NO extras. The picture quality is only marginally better than that on VHS. So if you already own the tape, you may want to consider holding off buying the DVD for the moment.
Rating:
Summary: BEST MOVIE EVER!
Review: The Scarlet Pimpernel is the best movie I have ever watched. It is a must see for everyone and I am so shocked that hardly anyone has ever seen it becuase it is so great! It has everything from action to romance to mystery! I fall in love with this movie again and again every time I see it! If you haven't seen it, you're missing out on the best movie of all time! :)
Rating:
Summary: Oh, What Fun!
Review: If you need your swash buckled or your derring done, there's just no better place to go than this version of the Pimpernel's adventures. The speed and fluidity with which Anthony Andrews morphs from prissy fop to deadly serious hero and back again will leave you reaching for your fan. And he's a hero with a twist. Where other heroes of the genre are almost cartoonish in the laudability of their motives, Andrews conveys a deep, sober humanity that encompasses all social classes in his concerns for truth, justice, and fair play. Equally well cast is the dazzling Jane Seymour. Not called upon to deliver the schizophrenic hijinks of Andrews, she instead delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman who joined a revolution for the values upon which it was founded, hewed to those values as the revolution veered into chaos and hideous extremism, and had the courage to stand her ground even as her own neck fell into the noose. When she finally forsakes her stand, it is only to keep those she loves from harm. It's high melodrama, but played with such subtlety that true grand drama emerges. And so it goes with the other cast members -- all well-chosen, all utterly convincing in telling a tale that is inherently unbelievable . . . and all dressed fit to kill. I prefer my costume dramas a bit more anchored in historical accuracy than this one so, even though I had bent my principles to accept the premise of the Pimpernal himself, I still expected to be annoyed that the dauphin was rescued. In fact, this film is just too much of a rollicking good time to care about such quibbles. You'll laugh. You'll cry. And you'll play it over and over as the years wear on.
Rating:
Summary: I wish this the movie was WIDESCREEN
Review: I just got my copy today. The movie is in full screen format. The quality of the transfer is not exactly the best - it looks a lot like VHS on a high definition TV. I had to turn up the sound much more than usual. But the story is still great and very entertaining - even years after first seeing the movie on TV.
Rating:
Summary: It's finally out on DVD!!!
Review: I have waited forever for this film to come to DVD. My VHS copy was getting worn out from so many repeated viewings! I saw this when it was first broadcast many years ago (I was just a youngster then) and fell in love with Anthony Andrews! He is absolutely superb as this character. No one else even comes close to his portrayal. Since then, I have watched it more times than I can count. The story is wonderful (it is a combination of several of the Scarlet Pimpernel books), the acting is superb, the locations and costumes are awe-inspiring, Jane Seymour and Ian McKellan are fantastic, and of course, Anthony Andrews steals the show! I can't say enough good about this production. Buy this DVD and find out for yourself how good it really is!
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