Given that "The Elusive Pimpernel" was a Powell-Pressburger production, I expected the film to be top-notch. Instead, sadly, it's just okay...and I really think the made for TV version with Anthony Andrews from 1982 is a much more enjoyable film. Why? Well, I think a lot of the fault is casting David Niven in the lead. While an amazingly good actor, here he just seems way too subdued and his character should have been more foppish and effete.
The story is set during the worst days of the French Revolution. It's the so-called 'Reign of Terror' and the country's bloodlust seems unquenchable. Again and again, aristocrats and their entire families are being beheaded all in the name of justice! The Scarlet Pimpernel and his small group of friends are doing their best to save a few families here and there...and they are as a result, among the country's most wanted men...though their actual identities are unknown.
The story covers most of the basic elements of the book but just feels flat. I think part of it is that the TV film works better because it's longer...and can take a more leisurely pace in covering the material. This and Niven's performance really harm this film...which is watchable but lacking. The same can be said when comparing it to the 1934 Alexander Korda version...one that isn't quite as good as the miniseries but nonetheless is an exceptional film. The leads were better and the story seemed much cleverer and lighthearted.
