Original subtitles

[bell tolling]

[music playing]

[music playing]

Old guard, present arms!

[music playing]

New guard, halt!

New guard, left turn.

New guard, slow march.

New guard, halt!

New guard, present arms!

Old guard, shoulder arms!

New guard, shoulder arms!

Old guard, order arms.

New guard, stand at ease.

[music playing]

Look, the prince!

Fine body of men, the guards.

- And no soldiers in - The world like them.

By gad, you're right, sir.

Beer and beef, that's the

stuff that makes soldiers.

Besides, if gives

a man a figure.

[music playing]

- Have you seen - Today's "Times", sir?

No, William.

The news from Paris, yes.

Over 50 people

guillotined in one day.

Damnable, useless cruelty.

- Well, what can you expect - With a lot of foreigners

With no sporting instinct.

- Gad, if it wasn't for our fox - Hunting and pheasant shooting,

I dare say we

should be cruel too.

- Let's hope the - Scarlet Pimpernel

Will save some of the rest.

Do you know who he is, sir?

No, but I confess I feel a

little prouder when I remember

that he is an Englishman.

Whoever he is, he'll have

his work cut out in Paris.

Did you read this sir?

[drumroll]

[cheering]

[drumroll]

[cheering]

[drumroll]

[cheering]

[drumroll]

There they go again,

it's always the same.

The drums roll, the knife falls,

and another aristocrat parts

company with his head.

Very monotonous.

And so clumsy, that

great ugly machine.

When all they need

is a sharp razor,

a quick wrist, and flick.

Here, steady.

Oh, you're all right, father.

But I wish they'd give me

a few aristocrats to shave.

Eh, Jacques?

Then we should see some sport.

You would.

- When you see me dealing - With the Scarlet Pimpernel.

The what?

The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Haven't you heard?

There is a band of Englishmen

helping these cursed aristos

out of the country.

Their chief is the only man who

ever cheated Madame Guillotine.

He's known by the title

of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Who is he?

Oh, that's the mystery.

[drumroll]

[cheering]

[sheep bleating]

So you're a farmer

from Nordesque, are you?

Yes, sir.

[laughing]

And you thought you could fool

me with a disguise like that.

Well, I'll keep

this wig of yours,

because after tomorrow, you

won't have a head to put it on.

[laughing]

I shall be delighted to

visit Madame Guillotine,

- and make the - Acquaintance of the only

Decent person left in France.

Captain, I say death

to the republic,

and long live the King!

Take him away!

[grunting]

Stupid fool.

That makes the third aristocrat

I've caught this week.

Heh heh.

- I can smell them - Through any disguise.

[children playing]

Thank heaven for

the game of chess.

It enables us to forget the more

disagreeable realities of life.

I'm not so sure

it is a good thing.

We've been too detached

from reality all our lives.

- That's what caused - The revolution.

Possibly.

Undoubtedly.

- If we'd only had eyes - To see our own follies,

We shouldn't be here

now, waiting to be

shaved by the national razor.

Which is the Count de Tournay?

I'm the Count de

Tournay's daughter.

My father's over

there, playing chess.

This is my mother.

The Count de Tournay?

[children laughing]

If you look at the

passage I have marked,

your spirits will be uplifted.

We are not afraid

to die, father.

- Even so, it is - Sometimes better to live.

How many, Captain?

64.

- Robespierre gives Madame - Guillotine extra fodder today.

The former Duc de Tours.

The former Abb ye

de Saint Preux.

The former Count and

Countess de Larnai.

The former Madame de Nijon.

The former Count d'Eterais.

The former Marquis de

Jouvence and family.

The former Marquis

de Robeaupier.

Two Countesses Herret.

The former Mademoiselle

de Bournard.

The two former Duchesses

Passy and Boniveaux.

The former Marquise de Marais.

The former Count de

Tournay and family.

The former Countess

de Cherainville.

The former Madame de Piccard.

Come.

- SOLDIER: The former - Count D'Arblai.

[booing]

Are you de Tournay?

I am.

You are remanded.

- Citizen Robespierre - Wants to see you.

Thank God!

The rest of you get on.

Take him inside.

Come on, come on, come on.

[groaning]

[crowd shouting]

Get out of the way!

Get out of here.

You must have

courage, Suzanne.

Remember, the Scarlet Pimpernel

is waiting to save us.

- He's never failed - To keep his promise.

But he's too late.

Long live the King of France!

Long live the King of France!

[crowd shouting]

Look at me whip, me hearties.

Look at it.

Three and twenty

locks of hair in it.

There they are, there's

the Duc de Rouilly.

There's the his handsome

wife, the Duchess.

- And here's the hair of - Her lover, the handsome...

Where's your passport, hag?

He takes me for an aristocrat.

[laughing]

Well, you're right, Captain.

Can't be too careful, can you.

- No, you can't be too... - Here, here's me passport.

This says Citizeness

Renard and grandson.

Where's the grandson?

He's in the car, poor darling?

Eh? What's the matter with him?

He's got the plague.

Oh! Oh!

The horrible black plague.

Plague?

Yes, I don't

think I should get

him alive as far as Chambois.

Give me... give me, a light from

your pipe, will you, Captain?

- Keep away from me - With your plague.

Get out here, quick.

- And when you come back to Paris, - Try another gate, for you won't

Pass through this one again.

- You're right, - Captain, you're right.

But I'll be back, somehow.

Who's in charge here?

I am.

- An old hag of a woman will - Pass this way in a cart.

You're to stop her,

and arrest her.

Did you say an old hag?

You heard me.

But... but she passed

the wheel some time ago.

Her passport was...

You miserable fool.

You blundering idiot!

Did you search the cart?

No.

No, I... her grandson was

inside with a plague.

Would you expect me to expose...

You were expected

to use your brains.

Now I see you haven't any.

That sick grandson was

really three aristocrats

snatched from the guillotine.

Ten thousand hells.

And the old hag, who was she?

The old hag, my clever Captain

was that cursed Englishman,

the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Forward!

We'll catch him this time.

Open the gates!

What's that?

What?

It sounds like a

troop of horsemen.

We're being pursued.

Don't be frightened, ladies.

You're among friends.

But these soldiers.

- My friends, - Mademoiselle, and yours.

Are you the Scarlet Pimpernel?

- I'm only a humble - Instrument in the hands

Of our great leader. How many are you?

20, Madame.

One to command, 19 to obey.

Shall we see your leader?

- I'm sorry, I must - Ask you to hurry.

Where's de Tournay? Taken back into prison.

- Why? - We don't know.

- So we have to come - Back and fetch him.

How are things at Calais?

- Lawson's there. - And Ashurst?

- He hadn't arrived - When we left.

Oh, hadn't he? His time sense is defective.

That's twice.

They may have arrested him.

- They're very careful at - The Channel ports nowadays.

- My orders to you are that - You are not to be arrested,

- And I expect my - Orders to be obeyed.

Yes, Percy.

- You, Wilmot, and - Grant, go back to Paris.

- My brother-in-law - Will follow you there.

- All three of you will get your - Next instructions from Quentin.

Well, goodbye.

And remember, don't get caught.

- Right. - Right.

Good luck. Bye.

Go!

Giddap, now.

Well, why did they

keep de Tournay back?

- Because Robespierre - Wants to see him.

- And Robespierre wants to see - Him because the Ambassador

- Of the Republic has - Come over from London.

Chauvelin?

Why?

All in your honor, Percy.

Your work is becoming even

more dangerous than it was.

Our work, Armand.

You go back to Paris at once.

Find out everything you

can about Chauvelin.

He goes to London, you go too.

Our most dangerous enemy

is Citizen Chauvelin.

[bell ringing]

Citizen Chauvelin.

Citizen Chauvelin.

- My dear Chauvelin, I'm very - Strongly that I had to ask you

To undertake the

journey from London,

- but this matter of - The Scarlet Pimpernel

Has become a national menace.

- How can you expect - Me to detect him

- In a country that hates - Us like the devil,

- And puts every - Obstacle in my way?

We expect you to

overcome obstacles,

like our generals in the field.

They know that to lose the

battle means the guillotine.

Have you any plans?

Naturally.

We may assume that the

Scarlet Pimpernel and his gang

speak perfect French.

- They belong, - Therefore, to a class

- That has been brought - Up by French nurses

And French tutors.

ROBESPIERRE: So far, not bad.

I have a list of

all the likely names.

- I have them watched - Day and night.

- Sooner or later, - I'll draw the net.

Do you think de

Tournay might be useful?

Possibly.

[ringing]

De Tournay.

The former Count de

Tournay, former ambassador

the former King of

France in London.

Citizen Chauvelin, ambassador of

the French Republic in London.

De Tournay, I want

to make you an offer.

We offer you your life.

All we ask in return is

that you merely get in touch

- with your many English - Friends, and soon you

Will be able to tell

us who is the man

known as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

You want me to be a spy.

You've been too long in

politics not to be a realist.

A little piece of information,

we give you your life.

God gave me my life,

and he will take it

away as soon as it pleases him.

But now my family has

come to the guillotine.

My one wish is to follow.

Would it alter your outlook to

hear that your family is alive?

Don't trifle with me.

- I sent them to your team - For the future happiness

Of the human race, but

I do not allow torture.

Where are they?

- I saw them being dragged - Towards the tumbrel.

- On their way to - The guillotine,

- The band of the Scarlet - Pimpernel snatched them away.

Where are they?

- Probably in - England by this time.

To his majesty,

King George III.

God bless him for his

hospitality to us poor exiles.

To King Louis of France.

May God protect him.

And to your husband, madam.

- I hope the Scarlet - Pimpernel and you gentleman

Will rescue him, as you did us.

The Scarlet Pimpernel.

What a droll name.

What does it mean?

- It is a humble wayside - Flower, mademoiselle.

- And it hides the identity - Of the best and bravest

Man in all the world.

- Do you know, Sir Andrew, - My best friend is in London,

Marguerite St. Just.

- Suzanne, how often - Am I to tell you I

- Will not have that woman's - Name mentioned in my presence.

But mother, you can't

believe that dreadful story.

What story?

It's the truth.

- Marguerite St. Just denounced - The Marquis de St. Cyr

And his family to the tribunal.

They all went to guillotine.

Marguerite St. Just?

Yes.

She married an Englishman.

Do you know her?

Know her?

- Everybody in London - Knows Lady Blakeney.

Lady Blakeney, have you

something in your mouth?

Not now, Mr. Romney

I can't do justice

to that lovely face

- when it's all bulged - Up with bonbon.

You may talk if you

like, but no bonbons.

And no gestures, please.

All right Mr. Romney.

- I'll tell you what it - Is about the Pimpernel

That tantalizes me so.

It's his insufferable modesty.

There's no excuse for it.

- It's maddening to - Think that somewhere

- There's a man as marvelous is - That, and we never see him.

He's of no use to us whatever!

Lady Blakeney, I said

no gestures, please!

Ho ho.

- You must remember that - I'm a French woman,

- And when I talk I must - Use these as well as this.

The de Tournay family

arrived in Dover today.

All except the father.

- We shall have to - Go back for him.

- And it's going to be devilish - Awkward after what's happened.

Well I'll go.

- So will Hastings, - If you'll let us.

We'll all go if

it comes to that.

- But even so, - We're only twenty.

- And yesterday, thirty people - Went to the guillotine.

- Are you trying to suggest - There aren't enough of us?

- Percy, there isn't - A decent Englishman

Wouldn't be proud to join us.

We could be 500,

1,000 within a week.

- And within another - Week, every one of us

Would be a marked man.

And we shouldn't be able

to rescue a single soul.

- Mere force is useless - Against people who

Are neither cowards, no fools.

- We must match - Courage with courage,

- And cunning with - Still greater cunning

If we're to do anything at all.

- We're all willing - To give our lives,

But we must do more than that.

We must mask our

identities, suffer

the humiliation of

being taken for fops,

fools, nitwits, cowards.

But so many people die

every day that could be saved.

- Do you think I - Don't feel that?

- Do you think I - Like sitting there

- In the shadow of - The knife, where

One head falls after another...

People I know and love.

Innocent people, kindly

people, herded like sheep,

butchered like cattle by men who

make high-sounding principles

an excuse for the

most bestial cruelty.

Robespierre's liberty,

his equality...

Well, sink me if it

isn't Colonel Ramsbottom.

How are you, Ramsbottom?

Winterbottom, sir!

[laughing]

- Ramsbottom, what a - Ridiculous mistake.

Allow me to explain, Colonel.

Here's that ass, Blakeney.

I'm off.

Odd's blood, this

club wants cheering up.

Sink me, the place

is a mausoleum.

Are you being offensive, sir?

Who, sir? Me, sir?

No, sir.

Stab me, I'm bubbling over

with good humor this morning.

- Would you believe me, I've - Just written a masterpiece.

- Who, sir? - You, sir?

- Me, sir. - No, sir.

Yes, sir.

- All about this mysterious - Pimpernel fellow.

- How it came to me, heaven - Only knows, because it was

The busiest moment of the day.

Damn me, I was tying my cravat.

Oh, well here it is.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Sir

Percival Blakeney, Baronet.

What?

Well, that's the title.

They seek him here,

they seek him there,

those Frenchies

seek him everywhere.

Is he in heaven?

Is he in hell?

That damned elusive Pimpernel.

What?

Not bad.

Not bad, it's damn good.

I'll write it out, sink me,

then you can all learn it.

Yes.

Well, good day, gentlemen.

And good bye, Higgenbottom.

Winterbottom, curse you!

- I beg your pardon, - Didn't I say Winterbottom?

Bunch of young jackanapes.

They're all alike,

these fashionable puppies.

Insufferable.

What that young man needs is a

year or two's hard campaigning,

facing powder and shot,

undergoing privation.

I can't imagine Blakeney

running into much danger.

Not he.

He doesn't belong

to our vintage.

It's not my fault.

- It's a matter of infinitely - Small importance to me

Who's fault it is.

I'm sorry, sir.

- The man who could - Put starch in my jabot

Is equally capable of

putting poison in my coffee.

[laughing]

There, you see?

I'm a laughingstock.

And rightly so.

- Look at the cursed - Thing, sticking

Out like a barber's pole.

- Sink me, the thing - Is a disaster.

[laughing]

Go away, Brinker,

you dreadful fellow.

Ladies, your servant.

Marguerite, your slave.

Ah, Romney.

How are you?

- And how is the - Portrait progressing?

Hm.

The eyes are wrong, aren't they?

And is the nose all right?

Well, I rather think you've

missed the mouth altogether.

Yes, you have.

Otherwise, it's

the image of her.

[laughing]

- I think that will - Be enough for the day.

Poor Mr. Romney.

You're tired and so am I.

Tired?

Zounds, me too.

You know, dear

lady, I've just been

to Bath to be cured

of the fatigue,

and now I'm so fatigued

by the cure that I...

- I really thing I shall - Have to go back to Bath

Again, to be cured

of the fatigue.

[laughing]

It has been a charming party.

Goodbye.

[interposing voices]

Goodbye.

Bye, Lady Blakeney.

Thank you.

Goodbye, Sir Percy.

[interposing voices]

Goodbye, Sir Percy.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Sir Percy.

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

What do you think of it?

It's clever, but

there's something lacking.

What?

I don't know.

There's a look, a

look in the eyes.

He's lost it.

Perhaps I've lost it.

Perhaps it was happiness.

Good gad, my dear.

How you could be

unhappy, I can't imagine.

Can't you?

Percy, can't you?

No, curse if I can.

Why you're the most

courted woman in town.

By whom?

By everybody.

Except you.

Dear me, my dear,

I am your husband.

Months after we were married

we were still happy, and then

came this estrangement.

Which, heaven knows,

is none of my making.

Can you honestly say that?

- Can you honestly deny - That you've changed?

So changed, I scarcely know you.

You're never with me now.

You're always away on

some pretext or other.

I'm always alone.

Then I've mighty good

news for you, my dear.

Your brother's

arriving from Paris.

Armand?

Yes.

When?

At any moment.

And then you won't be alone.

Will you?

- When am I going - To see you again?

Whenever you wish to.

Well then, every day.

WOMAN: Suzanne.

Where's the chief?

- He went straight - Up to town yesterday,

As soon as he arrived here.

Any orders for us?

Yes.

- We're to wait here till - Tonight for a message

From my Armand St. Just.

Right.

Did you follow them?

Yes.

A sailor gave a letter

to Sir Andrew Ffoulkes.

Did you get it?

Wasn't easy, but

we had six men there.

Where are they now?

Gagged and bound on the ship.

And the letter?

You will release them tomorrow.

Watch every move that they make.

Maurier, go to France at once.

The moment St. Just

returns, arrest him.

Armand St. Just.

Marguerite St. Just...

The famous actress.

- She will give a - Great performance

By Republican command,

for her brother's sake.

Percy, I don't want

Armand to go back to France.

If you'll help me, we

can keep him in England.

He'll settle down here,

marry a nice girl,

and have lovely children.

What a dreadful prospect.

What has poor Armand done to

be sentenced to matrimony?

You should know better, my dear.

You're unhappy.

Why?

- Armand, I have - The satisfaction

- Of knowing that the - Biggest fool in England

Has the most complete

contempt for his wife.

Percy?

How did it happen?

I don't know.

I only know that when I

married him, he was a man,

he was my lover.

I was glad to give up

everything for him.

And now... you mustn't

leave me, Armand.

I need you.

I'm all alone.

I can't stay.

You're going back to France?

But it's not safe. For me?

I'm no Aristocrat.

For anyone under the terror.

- I have to look after the - Blakeney estate in France.

Ah, Percy is so rich.

What does it mean to him?

He's not even interested

in his English estates.

- Since the terror, he wouldn't - Go over to France for all

The treasures in the world.

- Why should you risk - Your life for his money?

Oh, I don't risk my life.

Don't worry, darling.

Percy, may I ask you something?

What's happened to

you and Marguerite?

Marriage, I suppose.

Why?

You loved her once, I know.

- Do you remember the first - Family to go to the guillotine?

The St. Cyrs.

- They told me it was - Marguerite who denounced them.

It was a lie.

I wish I could believe that.

Did you ask her?

I did.

And she flashed

back a yes as sharp

as the knife of the guillotine.

I watched that execution...

The Marquis, his wife, his son.

And it was my wife

who put them there.

So that's why you

ceased to love her.

What a tragedy.

Ceased?

I shall love her to I die.

That's the tragedy.

And it's to make up

for what she did to them

that you risk your whole

life week after week

to rescue the others?

[laughing]

Don't be so heroic, Armand.

I got a smack in the eye,

and I took refuge in sport.

And what a sport.

By gad, I think I shall give

up fox hunting this winter.

Now, what do you think of it?

Most refined, sir.

Vastly becoming.

Very good.

- Now, there's a coat that you - Can wear with comfort, sir.

- You know perfectly well I - Can wear nothing with comfort,

Until Sir Percy says so.

Where is that jackanapes?

Who, sir?

You, sir.

Yes, sir.

And now tell Treadle what's...

What's wrong with this coat.

Mm.

The back is admirable.

The front's fair.

The collar is passable.

But the sleeve, Treadle.

The cuff, my poor,

benighted friend.

That Sir Percy, is

the last word in cuffs.

- Oh gad, I should hope - So, for there should

Never be another like it.

[laughing]

Oh come now, it's not so bad.

You see, Sir Percy.

His Royal Highness approves.

- My poor Treadle, - His Royal Highness

Does nothing of the kind.

He said it's not so bad.

And nothing in the world

is so bad as something

which is not so bad.

But Sir Percy...

No, it's a crime, Treadle.

Worse, a blunder.

And quite, quite fatal

to my reputation.

Why to your reputation?

- Because all the world - Knows that His Royal

Highness is guided by my taste.

Yes, yes, yes, Percy

is an expert on coats.

And britches, sir!

- I'm a very wonder with - The inexpressibles.

Isn't that so, Treadle?

Well yes, up to a point.

Zounds, treadle, why must

you be so cursed jealous.

- Look at that puny - Sleeve, that... that

Miserable dish rag of lace.

Odd's fish!

- It looks the lining - Hanging down.

- It was only intended - For plain cut?

Plain?

- It's as ugly as - A parson's widow.

- Open up your sleeve, man, let - Your ruffles take the air.

Let them flow, let them ripple.

So that when His Royal

Highness takes snuff,

it will be a swallow's flight.

That it!

Why, Timmy Percy, you're

brainless, spineless, useless,

but you do know clothes.

Odd's fish, that's

something, isn't it, sir?

Treadle, Treadle.

Yes, Your Highness.

- Don't forget what Sir - Percy says about the sleeve.

A... a swallow's flight.

Yes, Your Highness.

Flight of... of a swallow.

- Come along, come - Along, gentlemen.

Oh by the way, Wilmot.

Chauvelin's arrived in London.

Have him watched.

I'm just off to fight

with the prince.

Report to me there.

Very good.

[shouting]

[cheering]

Mendoza's groggy.

He's done.

- Don't you believe - It sir, he's foxing.

You wait till the 30th round.

- I wager 100 guineas he - Won't last two more rounds.

Done.

Come on, Mendoza.

Come on, Jackson!

You'd better hedge, Percy.

Hedge be damned, I'll double.

Done.

Zounds, Percy must be mad.

Mendoza's finished!

[cheering]

Get up, Mendoza!

Where is he?

Where is he?

He's at your house.

No, I will not.

- You tricked me into - Giving you information

About the Marquis de St. Cyr.

I shall never forgive myself.

- I'm sick of this - Sentimental twaddle

About the poor,

persecuted aristocrats.

- Have you forgotten what they - Did to the defenseless peasantry

For centuries?

What this very St.

Cyr did to you?

No, I have not.

But I'm no spy.

That is your last word?

Absolutely.

I wonder.

Oh by the way, how is

your brother Armand?

Very well, I hope.

I hope so too.

But yesterday he was arrested.

Arrested?

At Boulogne.

What for?

As a traitor to his country.

Traitor?

You're lying, Chauvelin.

Trying to trick me again.

I have the proof of

his guilt in my pocket.

This scrap of paper

will certainly send

your brother to the guillotine.

Unless, of course,

you care to redeem it.

- Bring me the name of the - Pimpernel and this is yours.

But even if I wanted

to, I don't know it.

Find it!

How can I if you can't

with an army of spies?

Because you go everywhere and

know everyone in his circle.

That much I do know.

And this also... that he will be

among the guests tomorrow night

at the Grenville ball.

So will half the world.

The thing is impossible.

To a clever woman whose

brother's life is at stake,

nothing is impossible.

Well?

No, Chauvelin.

I won't.

Very well, madam.

Chauvelin!

Madam.

- Do you swear to - Give me that paper?

The moment I catch

the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Zounds, that name again?

I've heard nothing else all day.

At the club, the

fight, and now here.

- I protest, the fellow's - A public nuisance.

I beg your pardon, my dear.

Do I intrude?

No, no.

This is an old, uh...

Acquaintance.

- Monsieur Chauvelin, - The French ambassador.

My husband.

Charmed, delighted, enchanted.

- Devilish clever - Race, the French.

How they speak that unspeakable

language of theirs defeats me.

You flatter us, Sir Percy.

- No, no, you've got the - Cleverest heads in the world.

The only trouble is, you all

go to pieces round the neck.

Round the neck?

Yes, now look at that thing.

Sink me, what a mess!

Now, if you really like to

know how to tie a cravat,

I'll tell you. But it isn't easy, mind you.

It takes all my brains.

I'm sure it would. Yes.

Well now, look here.

- Well, you see, first - Of all, the thing

Goes twice round the neck.

- And then the front folds - Back to allow the back

To come to the front,

otherwise the front would

be all behind as it was before.

- Percy, what are - You talking about?

You don't follow me, my dear?

That's exactly what I say,

it takes brains, doesn't it?

One can see that.

Yes. of course.

Good day, Lady Blakeney.

Oh, no, no, don't go.

You and my wife must have

so much to say each other.

We have.

- But then I promised myself - A little tete-a-tete

With Lady Blakeney at Lord

Grenville's ball tomorrow

night.

Good.

Tomorrow night, then.

But before you go, you must

hear my verse about that cursed

Pimpernel fellow. You'll love it.

Listen.

They seek him here,

they seek him there,

those Frenchies

seek him everywhere.

Is he in heaven?

If he is in hell?

That damned elusive Pimpernel.

Delightful.

What.

Especially that...

That line, "Those

Frenchies seek him everywhere."

Yes, I like that too.

Because you see, I

hear that they do.

And that gives the line

a sort of something...

Sort that gives it a something,

if I make myself clear.

Clear as crystal.

[laughing]

Good day, my dear Sir Percy.

Bonjour misu, as

the French say, what?

Bonjour!

[laughing]

Magnificent fight

this afternoon, my dear.

Gad, that fellow

Mendoza's got quick ears.

- In the 10th round, when Jackson - Had him down, I shouted,

"Get up, Mendoza!"

And damn it, he did.

And sink me, he won.

Do you think

Andrew Ffoulkes might

be this Scarlet Pimpernel?

Andrew?

Never.

He couldn't hit a ball at Eaton!

Why?

What's your interest in

the Scarlet Pimpernel.

- No more than - Any other woman's.

We'd all like know who he is.

- So would your friend - Chauvelin, I'd wager.

What makes you say that?

Isn't that what he's here for?

Did he tell you?

Why should he? Why not?

Mind you, the man's clever.

But a fellow who can't

even tie his own cravat

- isn't likely to - Put a noose round

The Pimpernel's neck, is he?

Really, Percy.

Can you never rise

above trivialities?

- Can't rise above anything more - Than three syllables, my dear,

Never could.

Nonsense.

You were a man once.

A man a woman could look up

to, could turn to in trouble.

And now, you wouldn't

know where to begin.

Couldn't you begin by

telling me what the trouble is?

What is the use?

We don't even speak

the same language.

[music playing]

Mr. Richard

Brindslay Sheridan.

The Countess de Tournay.

Mademoiselle de Tournay.

The Vicomte de Tournay.

Lord and Lady Elsworthy.

The Earl and Countess of Garrow.

Well, here's

our French friend.

Bon soir, misu, as you say.

Good evening, Sir Percy.

My lady.

My dear, look at that cravat.

You're a monstrous

quick learner, sir.

Permit me.

There. Ha.

Perfect.

- Another week and we won't - Know you from an Englishman.

- From an Englishman, - That is praise indeed.

[laughing]

- Oh, Sir Percy, - What is this poem

Everybody is talking about? Poem?

Yes, yes.

All about the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Do tell it. [interposing voices]

Oh gad, there's no escape.

Forgive me, my dear.

- Take our friend round, and - Tell him who everybody is...

If anybody is anybody.

[laughing]

That's exactly like you, Sir.

I only want to know

who one person is.

And you know the alternative.

The Pimpernel is under

this roof at this moment,

among your friends.

You move, my lady.

And good luck.

Margeurite!

Suzanne.

Suzanne.

The thing rhymes, you

see, in four places.

And if you can get a rhyme to

rhyme, that makes it a poem,

if you follow me. Yes, of course.

But what is it?

The Scarlet Pimpernel, by

Sir Percy Blakeney, Baronet.

[laughing]

Really, that's only the name!

[laughing]

Go on.

"They seek him here,

they see him there.

Those Frenchies

seek him everywhere.

Is he in heaven?

Is he in...

[laughing]

That damned elusive Pimpernel."

[laughing] Marvelous.

It rhymes.

Oh yes, it's a poem!

[laughing]

- "They seek him here, - They seek him there.

Those Frenchies

seek him everywhere.

Is he in heaven?

Is he in... that damned

elusive Pimpernel."

[laughing]

Marvelous.

[music playing]

You liked that?

- Well, I could tell - You another one.

Zounds!

That's a monstrous good collar.

[laughing]

Hastings!

Who made that coat?

Beagle & Beagle.

Odd's blood.

- Sink me if they're better - Than old master Treadle's.

- Ffoulkes and - Dewhurst are free.

- Escaped? - No, released.

- They're coming over - Here immediately.

Of course.

That's why they were released.

To lead a trail

to the rest of us.

I shall be in the

library at midnight.

His Royal Highness,

the Prince of Wales.

Ladies, please.

Ladies, gentlemen, please.

Ah, Grenville.

Good evening, ladies.

Good evening, gentlemen.

Please, please.

Any news from France, Grenville.

The worst, sir. The King?

Doomed.

Can't we do anything?

- We recalled our - Ambassador months ago.

Chauvelin had the impudence

to accept my invitation.

- Will Your Highness - Permit Monsieur

Chauvelin, the

unofficial ambassador

of the French government.

Monsieur, we

will try to forget

- the government who - Sent you, and look

Upon you merely as our guest.

A private gentlemen from France.

As such are you

welcome, Monsieur.

Well, ladies.

I particularly love the whole...

But I didn't want to...

Lady Blakeney with a sad face?

Ah, but sadness is for

mere mortals, my lady.

Never... never for goddesses.

Alas, even a goddess

must have moments

when she's just a plain woman.

Zounds, madam.

- Lady Blakeney could never become - A plain woman at any moment.

Ha ha.

That's better.

Now come and help me through

my... my princely paces.

- I crave your - Permission to present

- Your Royal Highness, - The Countess

De Tournay, her daughter.

This is a pleasure, madam.

Ah, charming, charming.

You and Lady Blakeney must

become great friends, madam.

Her friends are my friends.

And her enemies, the

enemies of England.

- We poor exiles, madam, - Show our gratitude

To England by our devotion

to the wishes of Monseigneur.

- Suzanne. - Suzanne.

Marguerite!

They were schoolfellows

in the convent in Paris.

Ah, charming, madam.

Your Royal Highness, I

accepted Lord Grenville's

gracious invitation solely to

implore Your Highness to do

something to save my husband.

Madam, the government

does everything

- in its power to - Save those who are

Threatened by death in the

prisons of the French Republic.

But if a country

goes mad, it has

the right to commit every

horror within its own walls.

Hastings slipped a note into

Sir Andrew Ffoulkes' cuff.

Thank you, sir.

[interposing voices]

Ah, Lady Blakeney.

Won't you take pity on

a lonely compatriot?

Are you asking me

to dance with you?

Not with me.

- With Sir Andrew Ffoulkes. - Why?

He has a note in his cuff.

Get it.

But listen, Chauvelin.

Get it.

[bells ringing]

Your Royal

Highness, Your Graces.

My lords, ladies, and

gentlemen, pray take

your places for the minuet.

[music playing]

Please, it's nothing.

It's just the heat.

Sir Andrew, would you be kind

enough to see me upstairs?

Of course.

- This way, Lady Blakeney, you'll - Be all right in a moment.

Lady Blakeney, shall I

send for a physician?

No, no.

I'm so sorry.

I'll be all right in a minute.

- Would you rather - Be left alone.

No, please don't leave me.

Just for a second.

I'll be all right.

How clever of you.

Almost as good as a burnt

feather for faintness.

There.

I feel better already.

- Would you be kind enough - To bring me my fan?

It was a love letter, and

you sacrificed it for me.

What a shame.

- But I'll ask her to - Write you another.

Shall I?

Suzanne, are you

feeling better, darling?

I spoiled Sir Andrew's dance.

- Would you make it up to - Him by finishing it for me?

Did you get it?

He burned it.

But I got a glimpse

of what was left.

It began...

Well, go on.

"Start tomorrow myself."

And ended, "Will be in

the library at midnight."

[chuckling]

[clock chiming]

[music playing]

[snoring]

Thank you, Mary.

You can go to bed.

See that Sir Andrew

Ffoulkes gets this.

My dear!

Percy.

All right, Brinker.

Well, my dear.

It's about Armand.

He's in the most

terrible danger.

They've arrested

him at Boulogne!

How do you know?

Chauvelin told me.

When?

Yesterday.

So why didn't you tell

me when I asked you?

I don't know.

I... He threatened me.

Why are you telling me now?

Because I thought you might

do something for Armand.

You have influence at court.

- Couldn't you ask your - Friend Chauvelin for help?

He promised me that...

But I don't trust him.

He promised you the

life of your brother?

- What did you give - Him in exchange?

What has happened

to you, Percy?

You hate me.

Why did you denounce

the Marquis de St. Cyr?

So that's it.

- Why did you never ask - Me what the Marquis

De St. Cyr did to me?

You didn't even know him.

No, I didn't even know him.

Well then.

But I knew his son.

I was only 17 when he

asked me to marry him.

His father heard about

it and had me arrested

and sent to St. Lazare.

Do you know what St. Lazare is?

Do you know the sort of

women that are sent there?

I would have killed

myself, only...

Only what?

Revolution came.

The ever glorious 14th of July.

And I was free.

Why this tardy explanation?

- I asked you once if you sent - The St. Cyrs to the guillotine,

You said yes.

You believed so

easily, didn't you?

And yet, I still ask myself, am

I really guilty of their death?

If not you, who is?

He plotted with

Austria, I told a friend.

A man whom I thought a friend.

He denounced him.

The terror did the rest.

Who was that friend?

Was it Chauvelin?

He promised you

your brother's life.

What price did you pay for it?

What price did you pay for it?

I payed a horrible price.

Well?

- I betrayed the - Scarlet Pimpernel.

How?

Ffoulkes had a scrap

of paper in his cuff.

- I read it, and told Chauvelin - That the Pimpernel would

Be in the library at midnight.

And was he the

library at midnight?

Chauvelin says he wasn't,

but I think he's lying.

And through my betrayal,

a noble and generous man

might lose his life.

What am I to do Percy?

How can I warn him?

Warn him?

Against what?

- Against the danger - That threatens

Him if he goes back to France.

My dear, if he's the kind

of lunatic I take him to be,

your warning wouldn't stop him.

But he might be

going to his death!

Well, that's all

the fellow lives for.

Besides, he doesn't know

you're in love with him.

I'm not in love with him.

I admire his heroism,

but I don't love him.

Oh, but you do, only

you don't know it.

- I didn't know it myself - Until a moment ago.

Percy, please

don't joke about it.

It's no joke, believe me.

Dangerous game, falling in

love with a phantom, my dear.

For all you know, he may

be a married man who's

deeply in love with his wife.

Never.

Why not?

- Would any man was - In love with his wife

Leave her continually

to face death?

Would you?

Me?

Zounds, I'm much more

romantic than you think.

In a case like that,

I wouldn't leave you,

not even to go to my tailor.

The horses are ready, sir.

Thank you, Brinker.

Are you going away?

Oh yes, didn't I tell you?

Important business in town.

Goodbye, my dear.

Your tailor's, I suppose.

Not only my tailor's,

but also my boot maker's.

And incidentally,

I want to see what

my influence is worth at court.

That little matter

of your brother's.

Perhaps I can help.

Oh, Percy, if you could,

I'd love you all my life.

Gad, I...

I must remember that, my dear.

Goodbye.

[chiming]

What is it, Brinker?

It's six o'clock, my lady.

I suppose you want

me leave this room.

I've never been here

quite alone, have I?

No, my lady.

All right, Brinker.

Thank you.

[clock chiming]

Percy!

Brinker, Brinker!

My lady.

- A letter to be delivered - Into your ladyship's hands.

From Sir Percy?

No, madam.

- From His Excellency, - The French ambassador.

Where is Monsieur Chauvelin.

He left this morning

for France, madam.

All right, thank you.

Brinker, the carriage.

Very good, my lady.

Sir Andrew Ffoulkes, sir.

Yes, my lady.

- Lady Blakeney, - What's happened?

- Sir Andrew, there's no - Time to waste in talking,

Just listen to me.

- Your leader and friend, the - Scarlet Pimpernel, my husband...

How do you know that, my lady?

- Don't ask me - Any questions now.

He's in deadly peril.

- Chauvelin knows that Percy - Blakeney and the Scarlet

Pimpernel are one and the same.

- How did Chauvelin - Come to know?

Through me.

- Do you mean to say - That you betrayed him?

- Yes, yes, yes, I betrayed - Him, never mind how.

Just tell me this...

Has Percy left for Boulogne.

Yes. To save my brother?

And de Tournay.

What is their meeting

place in Boulogne?

Why?

Do you want to...

Oh, look at me, man.

- Do I look like a woman - Who wants to send

Her husband to his death?

- I want to find Percy, to - Warn him, to save him,

Or to die with him.

I'll go with you.

Can you bring your friends?

10 of them.

The rest are in France.

Percy has forbidden

us to go over.

- It'll be the first time - We've ever disobeyed him.

I'll save Percy even if

I have to kill Chauvelin.

And if he goes to the

guillotine, I'll go after him.

[interposing voices]

There you are, Citizens!

Boulogne has a guillotine

of it's own, now.

Same as Paris!

That's nothing!

Half the towns in

France have got them.

Let her go, Francois!

[laughing]

It's good, eh?

So much for the bait.

Now for the trap.

- We can't afford to make - Any mistakes this time.

- Remember, it's either the - Pimpernel or ourselves

For the guillotine.

Robespierre knows he's here.

Yes.

- The net must be spread - With more than cunning.

Blakeney's no fool.

Besides, he's a master

of makeup and disguise.

- He may turn up as an old - Woman, a peddler with a pack,

A peasant with a

beard, anything.

They've got the

Scarlet Pimpernel.

[laughing]

Quiet!

Quiet, everybody!

Quiet!

Listen my friend,

the next time you

want to put on a false

beard, choose a good one.

Not a bird's nest that

wouldn't deceive a child.

[grunting]

[laughing]

Clumsy idiot!

Let go, will you?

I'll teach him to pull the

best beard in Boulogne!

[laughing]

I've never been so

insulted in my life,

you disgusting,

gibbering monkeys, you.

You will hear more of this.

Honest woman, I am.

One of the few in our street!

Stripped naked by

soldiers, and then

searched to see if I was a man.

[drumroll]

["la marseillase" playing]

Listen, Captain.

If I were 20 years younger,

that's what I should be.

Bravo, uncle.

That's the spirit.

Where are you

boys serving now?

Oh, we're on leave.

Stealing away the hearts of

the girls of Boulogne, huh?

No sir, I'm in love.

Ah, you rascal.

It's the wife of another man.

No, it's my own.

[laughing]

Splendid.

Captain, I'll tell you a secret.

You and I are the

only men in France

who are in love with our wives.

Hooray, let's drink to it.

Here.

Well, here's to it.

Here's to it.

But it'll be hard

for you to leave

her for this war with England?

- Oh, you think - That's coming, do you?

Surely.

We shall have to teach

perfidious Albion a lesson!

- Well, it won't take us long - To get across the Channel,

Will it, boys?

No, no!

Well, gentlemen, good

luck, and good night.

Good night.

Good night.

- De Tournay was brought - Here from Paris yesterday.

The same prison as Armand.

I thought so.

Chauvelin's using them as bait.

We must search

every incoming ship,

even the small fishing boat.

And you...

- De Tournay and St. - Just have escaped!

Escaped?

How?

God knows.

The Pimpernel knows.

Someone will pay for this.

Where are the jailers?

Missing.

Citizen Chauvelin!

- How dare you - Burst in like this.

- Who are you? - Jailer from the prison.

So you're the one that...

No fault of mine, Citizen!

- The head jailer and the - Others would killed me

- If I haven't taken - The money to free

Those accursed aristocrats!

What?

- The Pimpernel is - Taking the to England.

Promised us all jobs there.

I'm a good patriot

citizen, Chauvelin.

I'm not losing my head.

- Because I've got - Some information

That will save yours.

What is it worth?

What do you know?

Where you can find

the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Out with it.

Where?

He told us to meet him at

10 o'clock at the Lion d'Or.

Take him away.

10 o'clock at the Lion d'Or.

Let fly foresheet!

Let fly foresheet!

There's the Lion d'Or.

- Tell the men to get the - Boats ready to row me ashore.

We must wait for the signal.

- Brogard waves the - Lantern across the window

For safe, up and

down for danger.

Look, there's the signal.

Safe.

- You've got all - The roads watched?

Every corner, and the beach.

And a troop of dragoons

to surround the place?

Waiting outside.

Come on, then.

The Lion d'Or.

[knocking]

Good evening.

What do you want here?

This is no place for

one of your sort.

I'm the sort that pays

well, Citizen Brogard.

For what?

For a seat by the fire.

I'll wait here for a

friend of mine, and yours.

What should I know

of your friends?

You signaled to him just now.

You must be expecting him.

What time?

What time?

10 o'clock.

[rustling]

Where can I hide?

Quick, to the attic!

Citizen Brogard?

Yes.

Under arrest.

What for?

Betraying the Republic,

helping the enemies of France,

harboring a gang of

dangerous criminals,

- smuggling aristocrats - Out of the country.

That's a lie.

You've got one chance.

Take it, or I'll hang you

now from your own sign.

The leader of your gang is

coming here tonight, isn't he?

Isn't he?

Yes.

What time?

He ordered his boat to be

off the point at 10 o'clock.

Ah, but he'll call here first

for his passengers, won't he?

He might.

Might?

You'd look pretty

swinging in the wind.

How does he know it's safe?

What is the signal?

A lantern in the attic window.

Waved up and down for

danger, across the window

when all is clear.

Come on, Sergeant.

- That is the wrong - Signal, Lady Blakeney.

That will keep Sir Percy away.

This is the right one.

This will bring him here.

And I can see you are longing

to see him, as I am myself.

What a great actor Sir Percy is.

1,000 ways to cheat the

poor, stupid officials

of the Republic.

Look, costumes, wigs, paint.

What will he be next?

- In what disguise - Guys really arrive

When the clock strikes 10?

- I must arrange a reassuring - Atmosphere for him.

An old woman?

He has overdone that.

A priest.

What could be more harmless?

And so useful when it

comes to the last offices.

Sergeant, you shall have the

privilege of watching over

the Republic's most

charming prisoner

for the rest of the evening.

My lady.

Duroc, Citizen,

everything ready?

The dragoons should

be here at any moment.

- Arrange for a firing squad - As soon as they arrive.

Are you so certain

you'll get him?

Quite.

Thanks to a charming

friend I found in there.

What time is it?

Quarter to 10.

- Remember, he hast to - Think his way is clear.

He must not suspect anything

until he's in the trap.

[clock ringing 10]

[whistling "god save the queen"]

Da da da dee da da.

Da da da dee da da

da da da da ah da da.

[vocalizing]

- Good evening Monsieur - Chauvelin, how nice of you

To wait up for me.

Well, I had no idea

you were in holy order.

- This is only an innocent - Masquerade like so

Many of your own, Sir Percy.

Ah, but mine were successful.

Mine might proved

successful yet.

You walked in here

quite freely, but you

won't walk out a free man.

[laughing]

- A prophet now, - Monsieur Chauvelin.

The time for laughing

has passed, Sir Percy.

I sought you for a year.

Your energy, your

ingenuity, your audacity

have been quite admirable.

But now, the game is up.

Because all the trumps

are in your hand, eh?

Precisely.

- This house is surrounded - By my soldiers.

- And I have only need - To raise my voice.

Yes, yes, I see your point.

I see your point.

But suppose... suppose

I could reach a door?

The night is black.

The sea is mine.

I make a dash!

I don't make a dash.

I don't need to.

Because one of my

friends might shoot you.

From behind, hidden

in that clock!

[laughing]

Oh come now.

No one really hides in a clock.

Besides, I still have one more

avenue of escape open to me.

Don't move!

Gunpowder!

If I drop this in here,

I fly straight to heaven.

And you know where you fly to.

[laughing]

Don't be alarmed,

Monsieur Chauvelin.

It's not gunpowder.

Thank you, Wilmot.

You've just arrived in time.

I've had five delightful

minutes with Mrs. Chauvelin.

- I trust it was time - Enough to get Armand

And de Tournay to safety.

Yes, Percy, they're safe.

Good.

Now we need five minutes.

Then I shan't trouble you

any more, for the moment.

We must have the

password, Percy.

The password.

Do we have to use force?

Not at all, Sir Percy.

The password is "the

Channel is free."

Splendid.

Wilmot, you get

them onto the ship.

- I'll take care of our friend - Here, and join you in a minute.

That was quite sensible of

you, Monsieur Chauvelin.

Not at all, Sir Percy.

- You may go because - I know you'll come

Back of your own free will.

You overestimate the

charm of your society.

I told you once, the

time for jesting was over.

I have all the

trumps in my hand.

In that room upstairs, there

is a woman under arrest

- who has forfeited - Her life by aiding

The enemies of the Republic.

What woman?

Lady Blakeney.

Is the game up, Sir Percy?

Is this the last adventure?

I give up, Chauvelin.

What next?

- There is a firing - Squad outside.

And my wife?

The Revolutionary tribunal.

That means death.

- It would have meant my - Death if I had not caught you.

Don't be alarmed, Sir Percy.

I don't want your wife's life.

She's free the moment you die.

I offer you a pact.

If you promise to say nothing

to her, if you'll send her

on to my ship

immediately, I'll walk up

in front of your firing squad.

I accept.

Sergeant!

Bring the lady down.

Percy!

I wanted to give my

life to save you.

Forgive me, Percy. Oh my dear, it's nothing.

I'm in no danger.

I want to die with you.

Don't move, Chauvelin.

Our parting would be

too cruel, even for you.

Just take her out while

she's still unconscious.

My boat should be

the point by now.

Goodbye, my sweet.

It's good to know that

you loved me a little.

Duroc!

- Send this lady to the English - Ship around the point.

If anybody attempts

to land, shoot!

Yes, Citizen.

You two go with him.

You like poetry,

Monsiur Chauvelin?

"That damned

elusive Pimpernel."

No.

No, I mean poetry.

"This other Eden,

demiparadise, this fortress

built by nature for

herself against infection

and the hand of war.

This happy breed of

men, this little world.

This precious stone

set in the silver sea.

This blessed plot, this earth,

this realm, this England."

Oh damn me, I forget the rest.

Firing party, halt!

Left turn!

Ground muskets!

Duroc!

Zounds, now it appears I

shan't have time to remember.

Shoulder muskets!

Left turn!

Quick march!

Ready!

Present!

DUROC: Present!

Fire!

DUROC: Fire!

[gunshots]

CHAUVELIN: Finished?

- I'm so sorry, - Monsieur Chauvelin,

I had to come back for my hat.

It's such a cursed

good hat, you know.

Now, now, don't look

at me like that.

Sink me if you don't

think I'm my own ghost.

Duroc!

Captain Duroc?

- I'm afraid it'll - Be an hour or so

Before poor Captain Duroc will

be able to resume his duty.

I admit that I struck

him rather violently.

Seize him!

Always so impulsive, my

dear Monsieur Chauvelin.

This, ah... is my firing squad.

Allow me to present

Ffoulkes, Dewhurst, Hastings,

Belville, and the rest.

But of course, you

know all about them.

You look rather

excited, Chauvelin.

I think you need cooling down.

So... Just a peaceful

little nap, like we

had in the Grenville library.

Come on.

Are we really free, Percy?

Not you, darling.

- Chauvelin said you'd be - Free the moment I died.

It won't be a moment sooner.

Land ahead!

Look Marguerite, England.

[music playing]