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Jane Seymour, Anthony Andrews, Ian McKellen, Daphne Anderson, Nick Brimble ... see more see more... , Tracey Childs , Eleanor David , Derek Deadman , Joanna Dickens , Julian Fellowes , Ann Firbank , David Gant , Barrie Houghton (II) , Malcolm Jamieson , Dominic Jephcott , Dennis Lili , Preston Lockwood , Richard Morant , Geoffrey Toone , Christopher Villiers , James Villiers , Martin Wyldeck , Kate Howard , Richard Charles , Mark Drewry , Gordon Gostelow , Sean Mathias , John Quarmby , Carol MacReady , Timothy Carlton , Tony Caunter

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 c... read more read more...onceited 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

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84% liked it

7,516 ratings

Unrated, 2 hr. 22 min.

Directed by: Clive Donner

Release Date: November 9, 1982

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DVD Release Date: February 24, 2004

Stats: 608 reviews

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The Scarlet pimpernel Scarlet Pimpernel The Duel! The Scarlet Pimpernel The Scarlet Pimpernel The Scarlet Pimpernel Nothing Beats a First Kiss! The Scarlet Pimpernel Perfect Kiss Chauvelin
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Flixster Reviews (608)

  • garyX
    July 14, 2007
    garyX
    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.
  • crazydannielle16
    July 14, 2010
    crazydannielle16
    A delightful, exciting adventure! :-)
  • Doctor0Quinzel
    April 29, 2010
    Doctor0Quinzel
    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... read more great entertainment.
  • Kabibi1437od
    April 5, 2010
    Kabibi1437od
    This is one of my favorite movies of all-time! I totally recommend it for any one who wants to have a good time. It's AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! :-0
  • rachelpinkrox
    November 20, 2009
    rachelpinkrox
    I saw this movie recently, and it actually is quite good. Much better than I thought it would be. :)
  • wettka
    July 29, 2009
    wettka
    i have watched this so many times...i thought percy was so handsome and rouged when he removes his disguise after rescuing the prince...
  • magafroggie
    July 13, 2008
    magafroggie
    It was ok, but I'm mad that the awesome book ending was changed. They completely took out the best parts of the whole book!
  • matricialynnicus
    March 15, 2008
    matricialynnicus
    This is a must see classic (not to be confused with the one from the 30s.) I adore his signet ring. (T)
  • stepupchik
    November 19, 2007
    stepupchik
    i used to watch this all the time in my french class. it is funny! and this year my school did a production of this and it is sooo amazing you would want to watch it over and over again.
  • moviegirl50
    October 27, 2007
    moviegirl50
    Great Period Flick!! Needs some updating in the music department, and the way it was filmed reminded me of a made for TV movie with the pauses for commercials, but other than that it was great! The acting and character played by Anthony Andrews (The Scarlett Pimpernel) was so g... read moreood and funny-he stole the show! Jane Seymour was young, beautiful and perfect for her role as his true love. This is a must see for "Period Piece" fans! On my "In Another Century" list.

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The Scarlet Pimpernel Trivia

  • What movie is this phrase from? 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?  Answer »
  • In what movie does Ian McKellen play the villainous Chief Assistant for the Committee of National Security.  Answer »
  • In the movie the scarlet pimpernel what famous actor plays the villain (hint: He played in the Lord of the rings trilogy)   Answer »
  • Which actor played aas evil Chauvelin in The Scarlet Pimpernel then went on to torment Professor Xavier as Magneto but decided to mend his evil ways by traveling to Hobbiton to help the "little people" and save Middle Earth?  Answer »
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