About

Sir Percy Blakeney (David Niven) – the master of fashion and masquerade – is also ‘the Scarlet Pimpernel’ who, during the French Revolution, helps the aristocrats escape the guillotine, and arranges safe passage to England. Cunning and resourceful, the Pimpernel amuses himself in mocking the attempts to catch him by Chauvelin (Cyril Cusack), the French ambassador to England. A remake of the 1934 film adaptation of Baroness Orczy’s novel, which mythologises the fantastical figure, The Archers’ second attempt to work with Hollywood saw their creative freedom tempered by Samuel Goldwyn’s interference; nonetheless, the film has enchanting moments of surprise and ingenuity, and is bolstered by Niven’s buoyant presence. As Ian Christie put it, this fantasy adventure “revels in its own delirious eccentricity”.

The Elusive Pimpernel will screen from an imported 35mm print.

PG | Low level violence