The Scarlet Pimpernel (DVD)

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a 1934 British adventure film starring Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon and Raymond Massey. During the 1792 Reign of Terror in France, vengeful French mobs are outraged when again and again French aristocrats are saved from death by the audacious 'Band of the Scarlet Pimpernel', a secret society of 20 English noblemen. Robespierre (Ernest Milton) meets with Chauvelin, (Raymond Massey), the republic's new ambassador to Britain, to discuss the problem of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Summoning the Count de Tournay (O.B.Clarence), they offer him his life in return for information from his English contacts as to the Pimpernel's true identity. The Scarlet Pimpernel is Sir Percy Blakeney, (Leslie Howard), a wealthy English baronet and friend of the Prince of Wales. Through his network of spies, Chauvelin (Raymond Massey) discovers that Armand St. Just, (Walter Rilla), Marguerite's brother is one of the Scarlet Pimpernel's agents. Chauvelin orders Armand's arrest, then uses the threat of his execution to force Marguerite (Merle Oberon) into helping him discover the identity of the Pimpernel, who will be at an upcoming ball. Plans go awry and as Percy and Marguerite travel to their house in the country, Marguerite breaks down and tells her husband of Armand's arrest and her deal with Chauvelin. Confronting her, Percy learns the truth behind the denunciation of the marquis; he had her imprisoned for consorting with his son. After the revolution freed her, she told her friend Chauvelin, who was the one who denounced them. Promising to use his influence at court on Armand's behalf, Percy leaves for London. Afterward, Marguerite notices a portrait of the first baronet hanging in the library, and on his finger is a ring decorated by a pimpernel. Realizing that she had inadvertently betrayed her own husband, she rushes out of the room, only to be presented a letter from Chauvelin announcing that he had discovered the Pimpernel's true identity as well. Marguerite races back to London realizing that Percy's life is in danger, but will she make it in time to save his life? This is a mesmerizing film with twists and turns throughout a great storied plot and one you will not soon forget! (Black & White)

• action
• adventure
• drama
• history