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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
An Old Story Revisited with Style and Class, 19 Oct 2000
By A Customer
The return of the Scarlet Pimpernel, this time in the guise of Richard E. Grant, has not suffered through the waiting. This production of the tales of the British aristocratic spy in the time of the French revolution (late 18th century) is filled with a quality of acting and production that has been amiss of late in British television.Grant presents us with a character defined by both his very British-ness, and by his determination to combat the corruption and manipulation that beset the higher ideals of the French uprising against the monarchy. His Pimpernel is suave, eloquent and sophisticated while also cunning, imaginative and self-depracating. He manages to play the part of an uncaring aristocrat while concealing the adventurous and humanitarian side of Sir Percy with ease, only revealing his true nature when the circumstances require it. The quality of the production also deserves some comment. Nowhere to be seen are the overly-colourful costumes and exaggerated tapestry that was all to often portrayed in previous films set in the period. The extravagance of the rich is contrasted effectively with the lives of the poor. Much care appears to have been taken to ensure the historical accuracy of the way this piece of fiction has been presented. An in the end, this is still a swash-buckler of a story. Adventure doesn't require the presence of special effects and this film admirably presents a good yarn, well told, and well acted. Throughly recommended.
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