The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934)

The Scarlet Pimpernel
Directed by Harold Young
1934/UK
London Film Productions
Second Viewing

Percy Blakeney: 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!

During the French Reign of Terror, the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel saves French aristocrats from the guillotine and spirits them away to England. Leslie Howard plays the gallant Pimpernel and his alter ego the foppish Sir Percy Blakeley. Merle Oberon is the French-born Lady Blakeley, who adores the Pimpernel but disdains her husband and is easy prey to the evil French Ambassador Chauvelin (Raymond Massey).

Sir Percy shows Chauvelin how to tie his cravat.

This is my favorite ever performance by Howard. He is just wonderful in both the guises he plays.  I especially like him as the fop.  Raymond Massey is always good and the story is suspenseful and romantic. Recommended.

Sir Percy as a fop