MovieChat Forums > The Scarlet Pimpernel (1999) Discussion > We seek him here, we seek him there ...

We seek him here, we seek him there ...

posted 19 years ago by Flippitygibbit
3 replies | jump to latest

This is probably a rather redundant question, considering the board - although maybe not - but who is your favourite Scarlet Pimpernel, and why? Or which element of the character do you prefer portrayed by which actor, if you have seen more than one version?

I'd say Douglas Sills (stage version, which I haven't seen, but anyway) - physical appearance

Anthony Andrews - the romantic Sir Percy

Leslie Howard - the foppish Sir Percy (not quite as forced as Andrews, or as energetic as Grant)

Richard E. Grant - the magnetism. And the blue eyes. I don't like the 1998 version because it bears no relation to Orczy's wonderful stories or characters, but there is something about Grant that has that magnetism which Orczy describes Percy as being able to use to command the loyalty of his League, and which drew Marguerite to him. Even if Grant does seem a little too slight to be the Scarlet Pimpernel.

And for Marguerite - Merle Oberon as the 'canon' Marguerite (although a little less screeching might have helped); Jane Seymour as the photogenic Marguerite; Christine Andreas of the stage version, the 'spirit' of Marguerite St Just.

"Tony, if you talk that rubbish, I shall be forced to punch your head" - Lord Tony's Wife, Orczy

[–] Zaneiac06 19 years ago

I'd have to agree with you about Douglas Sills. I'm a HUGE fan of the Broadway show!

[–] lemner 13 years ago

Definitely Grant -- handsome, sexy, commanding, brave, cool and witty, and I love the way he uses slang. If anything, he isn't convincing as being too dumb to be the Pimpernel, which was the way at least one of the earlier ones managed to deflect suspicion.

Semper Contendere Propter Amoram et Formam

[–] [email protected] (1615) 4 months ago

I've only seen 2 versions (82 & 99) and haven't read the book so for me best Scarlet and Percy is Grant while Seymore was a better Marguerite. I've only seen Howard in 2 films and he didn't impress me in either. Imo he was the weakest link of GWTW and his 'good looks' is highly played up and he has no charisma nor presence to make up for his plain looks. So he doesn't exactly encourage me to watch his version. He also looks perpetually 50.