Monday, April 18, 2011

Movie review – “The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel” (1937) **

Unnecessary sequel, presumably made to make some easy cash and launch some new talent for Alex Korda, which it didn’t – unless you count a young James Mason, who plays a revolutionary. Some guy called Hans Schwartz directed and some actors called Barry Barnes and Sophie Stewart co-star. 
 
The plot has the Pimpernel’s pregnant wife get enticed to France, forcing the Pimpernel to go after him.
The whole story feels tired. None of the key actors have any charisma – Sir Percy, Chauvelin, or Lady Blakeney – and the supporting cast don’t come to the rescue. Lady Blakeney knows about her husband’s deception, so a massive source of tension from the first film is missing, there isn’t enough action and some of the escapes are downright silly (eg at the ending when Sir Percy is saved by a French mob). Chavelin is more of a joke than a genuine threat, too. 
 
There are some bright spots, such as a cricket game at the beginning and cameos from actors playing the Prince of Wales and Sheridan the playwright.

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