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Action drama

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982): Cast & Plot

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982) movie poster

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a 1982 action drama directed by Clive Donner, starring Anthony Andrews as Sir Percy Blakeney/The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jane Seymour and Ian McKellen. It runs 2 hours 22 minutes.

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The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 22m (142 min)
Director
Clive Donner
Genres
Action , Romance , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Scarlet Pimpernel About?

The premise of The Scarlet Pimpernel without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

During the French Revolution, an English nobleman assumes the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel—a name from a flower to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine while posing as Sir Percy Blakeney. He marries actress Marguerite St. Just, but discovers she is linked to Chauvelin and Robespierre, jeopardizing his plan to save the Dauphin.

The Scarlet Pimpernel Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • character name as title
  • the scarlet pimpernel character
  • period drama
  • the dauphin character
  • robespierre character
  • swashbuckler adventure
  • guillotine
  • flower
  • aristocrat
  • french revolution
  • firing squad
  • death sentence
+38 more
  • courier
  • sealing wax
  • letter
  • fortress
  • island
  • library
  • portrait
  • dance
  • groom
  • bride
  • wedding gown
  • wedding
  • marriage proposal
  • sword
  • river
  • horse racing
  • dandy
  • fop
  • minuet
  • formal dance
  • english country dance
  • 1790s
  • historical fiction
  • paris france
  • yacht
  • spy
  • ring
  • map
  • manor
  • king george iv
  • gentleman
  • french soldier
  • france
  • estate
  • england
  • disguise
  • dancing
  • swashbuckler
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Cast & crew

The Scarlet Pimpernel Cast & Characters

Anthony Andrews leads the cast as Sir Percy Blakeney/The Scarlet Pimpernel, with Jane Seymour as Marguerite St. Just and Ian McKellen as Chauvelin. Directed by Clive Donner; 38 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Scarlet Pimpernel

· 34 more
Show all 38 cast members
Plot

The Scarlet Pimpernel Plot Summary

What happens in The Scarlet Pimpernel from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1792, amid the brutal chaos of the Reign of Terror, a clandestine league of brave Englishmen operates beyond the reach of the guillotine, quietly rescuing French aristocrats from certain death. At the heart of this movement is the Scarlet Pimpernel, a mysterious English nobleman whose daring rescues are carried out under the sign of a humble red flower. The leader of the operation is the suave Sir Percy Blakeney, brilliantly portrayed by Anthony Andrews, whose outward guise as a polished, but seemingly empty-headed, socialite hides a razor-sharp resolve and a fearless willingness to risk everything for the cause.

Full summary

The whole story of The Scarlet Pimpernel, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Scarlet Pimpernel?

9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 9

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered

Who plays the role of Sir Percy Blakeney, the Scarlet Pimpernel?

Details

The Scarlet Pimpernel Also Known As

10 alternative titles, including “La pimpinela escarlata” and “Das scharlachrote Siegel”.

Also known as
  • La pimpinela escarlata
  • Das scharlachrote Siegel
  • Röda Nejlikan
  • A vörös Pimpernel: A Skarlátvirág
  • סקרלט פימפרנל
  • Алый первоцвет
  • 紅はこべ
  • 진홍의 길로틴
  • 紅花俠
  • O Pimpinela Escarlate

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FAQ

The Scarlet Pimpernel FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Scarlet Pimpernel, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Scarlet Pimpernel?

The Scarlet Pimpernel runs 2 hours 22 minutes (142 minutes).

When was The Scarlet Pimpernel released?

The Scarlet Pimpernel was released on November 9, 1982.

Who directed The Scarlet Pimpernel?

The Scarlet Pimpernel was directed by Clive Donner.

More films by Clive Donner

Who is in the cast of The Scarlet Pimpernel?

The Scarlet Pimpernel stars Anthony Andrews as Sir Percy Blakeney/The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jane Seymour as Marguerite St. Just and Ian McKellen as Chauvelin, among 38 credited actors.

Does The Scarlet Pimpernel have a post-credit scene?

No. The Scarlet Pimpernel has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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