Favorites: The Scarlet Pimpernel

Thanks to the auspices of some good friends and a well placed birthday present, I have recently been reintroduced to the pleasures of the 1982 Scarlet Pimpernel with Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, and a frighteningly young Ian McKellan.

I loved this version of the Pimpernel as a junior in high school. My younger brother and I wandered around the house reciting the Pimpernel poem and exclaiming “Sink me!” every chance we could get.

A little poking around the Internet led me to The Scarlet Pimpernel: A Man of Mystery, which looks to be as thorough a Pimpernel site as you could want.

This would ultimately lead to a reading of the book. While the Scarlet Pimpernel’s filmic history is illustrious, save yourself some trouble and skip the book.

I know, saying skip the book is a sort of sacrilegious thing for a writer to say. There’s nothing wrong with the Baroness Orczy’s book. But even by my standards (and mind, I’m a Dicken’s fan!), the book is melodramatic and over the top. That’s saying something! It’s not a bad read, but expect, well, expect the standards of the 19th century, played to the hilt.

Not all Pimpernel is created equal either. I adore the 1982 version. I’ve seen the Leslie Howard 1934 version, and it’s okay. The 1998 remake is okay, but flat. The Black Adder Pimpernel parody is a must see.

And then, there’s the dramatic productions. The Broadway musical had pretty good reviews, as did the Takarazuka version in Japan. I found the Takarazuka version a bit…goofy when I saw it last year.

Still, if you like daring escapes, disguise, romance, misunderstood relationships, and intrigue, you should step foot on planet Pimpernel.

To ease in, I’d recommend the 1982 film or the Black Adder episode. Let go of the complicated gray of the 21st century, and enjoy a story where there are definite villains and heroes.

Catherine

Author: Catherine Schaff-Stump

Catherine Schaff-Stump writes fiction for children and young adults. Her most recent book, The Vessel of Ra, is the first book in the Klaereon Scroll series. She is currently working on its sequel, as well as penning the middle grade adventures of Abigail Rath, monster hunter. View all posts by Catherine Schaff-Stump