The Scarlet Pimpernel- A 1934 British Film produced by Alexander Korda - Directed by Leslie Howard - Starring Merle Oberon, Leslie Howard and Raymond Massey - 132 Minutes - B & W - Set in Paris during the rule of Robespierre and in London
This film maybe watched on Youtube
This is part of my Participation in
Paris in July 2023
https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/30/paris-in-july-2023/
"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!"
- Percy Blakeney
Soon after the start 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.
I loved Leslie Howard as the Scarlet Pimpernel. The scenes among English aristocrats, including the Prince of Wales, were delightful. Robespierre was suitable evil. The French mobs cheering as aristocrats were guillotined depicted a very ugly aspect of the era. The ending is very gratifying.
Alexander Korda (September 16,1893 Turkeve, Hungary- January 23, 1953) founded London Films and is an important figure in British Cinematic History
I will next post on his 1937 Film Return of The Scarlet Pimpernel
Mel Ulm
Read the book, didn't see the movie. But it is hard not to think of Daffy Duck saying, "Perhaps I am the Scarlet Pumpernickel." )https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rFrDw_WJ58)
ReplyDeleteI always think of that "they seek him here, they seek him there" phrase whenever I hear anything about the Scarlet Pimpernel
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