The Scarlet Pimpernel [Region 2] dvd movie.|
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![The Scarlet Pimpernel [Region 2]](/pictures/Scarlet-Pimpernel-i.jpg) |
Features • Full Screen • NTSC In Theaters : 09 November, 1982 |
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The Scarlet Pimpernel [Region 2] description It's tough trying to beat the 1934 version of the popular adventure-romance story, starring Leslie Howard as the 18th-century British hero who poses as a fop in London society but runs a secret mission to rescue the doomed in Robespierre's Paris. But this 1982 television version, starring Anthony Andrews (Under the Volcano) as the Pimpernel and Jane Seymour as his beloved but estranged wife, is quite a treat. Andrews and Seymour expertly capture the essence of a relationship suffering from misunderstandings and elusive passion, and there is plenty of crackle to the action sequences. Clive Donner (What's New, Pussycat?) brings some strong cinematic qualities to this television presentation. --Tom Keogh |
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| ♥♥♥♥♥ | A Guilty Pleasure |
| Anthony Andrews' portrayal of Sir Percy Blakeney is one of the genius performances of all time. As a romantic lead he is handsome and dreamy, and his effortless switch from the highly entertaining fop to an earnest lover is unnerving the first time it happens, largely because it is so seamless that for a moment you think he's out of character. His foppish affectations as Sir Percy are hilarious, particularly his use of the quizzing glass accessory as a prop. The intelligent, tender and sincere manners of the true Percy are equally riveting.
The dialogue sequences between Percy and Ian McKellen as Chauvelin are so much fun. Percy's merciless teasing about Chauvelin's lack of fashion and the undercurrent of jealousy on Chauvelin's part creates a quirky tension between the two that begs for resolution. Andrews convinces as a character actor as well, for when Percy, as the Scarlet Pimpernel goes undercover, the transformation is so complete that you can't even perceive it to be the same man. The sword fight in the final sequence is brilliant, for its athleticism, tight choreography, timing and the literal "undressing" Percy delivers to Chauvelin. One suddenly realizes how beautifully he fills out a pair of breeches in this scene as well! TouchA ! Jane Seymour is breathtaking and produces a solid performance as the lovely French actress, Marguerite St. Just. The supporting actors and actresses were also very well cast, especially Christopher Villiers as Lord Anthony Dewhurst. We liked him so well that he elicits cheers of "Tony!" nearly every time he makes an appearance. The costuming and sets are stunning. I had originally rented this film, but realizing I could hardly bear to part with the rented copy, I knew that this treasure had to be added to my very selective collection of films that I "must" own. I was particularly delighted to find that Amazon not only carried the DVD, but that it was reasonably priced. |
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