The Scarlet Pimpernel

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The Scarlet Pimpernel

1935

1h 35m

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

10 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

At the heart of the French Revolution, effete aristocrat Sir Percy Blakeney (Leslie Howard) is secretly the Scarlet Pimpernel, leading an underground group dedicated to freeing nobles from the brutal Robespierre. Blakeney plays his part so well that even his own wife, Marguerite (Merle Oberon), doesn't suspect him. Robespierre's agent, Chauvelin (Raymond Massey), learns that Marguerite's brother is one of the Pimpernel's group, and she begins working unknowingly to destroy her own husband.

Forsyth Hardy

Cinema Quarterly

Were it not for the polished acting, particularly of Leslie Howard, fallow patches, occasionally apparent, would be more plainly revealed; but Howard is studied, resourceful and charming, his timing perfect as always.

Feb 4, 2021

Full Review

Meyer Levin (Patterson Murphy)

Esquire Magazine

British-made, with Leslie Howard in one of his very best performances as the nobleman who risks his neck...

Apr 17, 2020

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Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

British pictures continue to put their best foot forward.

Aug 6, 2019

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Charles Davy

The Spectator

The acting, too, is an effective blend of easy polish and truculent vigour; and Leslie Howard gives a quite excellent rendering of the Pimpernel, particularly in his scenes with Lady Blakeney.

Oct 4, 2018

Full Review

MFB Critics

Monthly Film Bulletin

Those who want a story of romance and adventure will not be disappointed. The Scarlet Pimpernel lives, the life in England and France are convincingly represented, and the suspense is maintained through-out.

Feb 22, 2017

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Robust as an action packed hero tale and love story.

Rated: B

Feb 4, 2010

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Nadine H

Maybe the best swashbuckler ever made. Leslie Howard is about as perfect as an actor can be. Rollickingly enjoyable from start to finish. A masterpiece.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/24

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Audience Member

One of my favorite films filled with adventure, romance, history, and heart. Excellent performances, especially by Leslie Howard, and the sets couldn't be better. Some say the Scarlet Pimpernel is the character that Zorro and Batman were later based on.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

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Audience Member

A classic film, shot in England with an all-English cast. Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon carry this one well. Both actors became Hollywood stars.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is a charming cheeky film about the infamous Scarlet Pimpernel who is an Englishman who was smuggling aristocrats who where up the guillotine. This film is glued together by a great script & a delicious performance by Leslie Howard who does a great job wit the wit of the great script. This film has a bit of everything: romance, gun & treason. It's a fun light film that's a key classic before the many remakes.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

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Audience Member

Leslie Howard done such a GREAT job bringing his character to life well done Sir :)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I LOVED the book and I think that Leslie Howard did a fine job of playing the Scarlet Pimpernel and his silly foppish alter ego Sir Percy Blakeney. His best acting can be seen when those two characters collide.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

Full Review

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Harold Young

Director

Leslie Howard

Sir Percy Blakeney

Merle Oberon

Lady Blakeney

Raymond Massey

Chauvelin

Nigel Bruce

The Prince of Wales

Bramwell Fletcher

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Synopsis

At the heart of the French Revolution, effete aristocrat Sir Percy Blakeney (Leslie Howard) is secretly the Scarlet Pimpernel, leading an underground group dedicated to freeing nobles from the brutal Robespierre. Blakeney plays his part so well that even his own wife, Marguerite (Merle Oberon), doesn't suspect him. Robespierre's agent, Chauvelin (Raymond Massey), learns that Marguerite's brother is one of the Pimpernel's group, and she begins working unknowingly to destroy her own husband.

Director: Harold Young
Producer: Alexander Korda
Screenwriter: Baroness Emmuska Orczy
Production Co: London Film Productions
Genre: Adventure
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 25, 2018
Runtime: 1h 35m

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