Scarlet Pimpernel

In the current climate the only types of costumne drama that are being made are adaptations of Dicken's or Jane Austins, so it was a relatively brave move for the BBC to look at The Scarlet Pimpernel. The costume element is there of course, but the decision was made not to follow the series of Baroness Orczy books. The Scarlet Pimpernel was overhauled by Richard Carpenter - an excellent tv Writer who had previously charmed us with his adaptations of Balck Beauty, Dick Turpin and Robin of Sherwood. Richard E Grant was cast as the Scarlet Pimpernel, Elizabeth McGovern as his wife Margaurite and Martin Shaw as their arch enemy Chauvelin. ...  Read the complete review

In this wonderful action packed costume drama Richard E. Grant plays Sir Percy Blakney, a decadent English gentleman, whose secret life sees him transformed into the Pimpernel, who spends his time in revolution stricken France rescuing English aristocrats from the guillotine. He may at first appear to be over acting the part but he is in fact taking on the role of the typical, decadent, extravagant, somewhat indulgent English gentleman of the 17th century. In the last series, shown in February 1999, Elizabeth McGovern played Percy’s feisty French wife, Marguerite, and Martin Shaw took on the part of his main rival. In this new series (which started ...  Read the complete review