The Scarlet Pimpernel

Synopsis

A series of television drama programmes loosely based on Baroness Emmuska Orczy's series of novels, set in 1793 during the French Revolution. It stars Richard E. Grant as the hero, Sir Percy Blakeney, and his eponymous alter ego. The first series also starred Elizabeth McGovern as his wife Marguerite and Martin Shaw as the Pimpernel's archrival, Paul Chauvelin. Robespierre was played by Ronan Vibert. It was filmed in the Czech Republic and scored by a Czech composer, Michal Pavlíček.

First Air Date: 1999-01-24

Last Air Date: 2000-11-01

Number of Seasons: 2

Number of Episodes: 6

Networks: BBC One

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Richard E. Grant as Percy Blakeney/The Scarlet Pimpernel
Elizabeth McGovern as Marguerite Blakeney
Martin Shaw as Citizen Chauvelin
Anthony Green as Sir Andrew Ffoulks
Ronan Vibert as Robespierre
Christopher Fairbank as Fumier
Jamie Bamber as Lord Anthony Dewhurst
Beth Goddard as Lady Suzanne Foulkes
Gerard Murphy as Planchet
Emilia Fox as Minette Roland

Seasons

Season 1 (1999)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: The Scarlet Pimpernel aka The Scarlet Pimpernel (Book 1) (1999-01-24)

In 1793, the terror of the French Revolution is at its height, and the guillotines are busy. But a mysterious figure is staging daring rescues, and Citizen Chauvelin, the head of the Central Committee of Surveillance, is determined to discover his true identity, and uses a number of informants, including the popular actress Minette Roland.
Ep. 2: Valentine Gautier (aka The Scarlet Pimpernel Meets Madame Guillotine) (1999-01-31)

The Pimpernel is called upon to track down Helene, the daughter of the Marquis de Rochambeau. However, Chauvelin is also looking for her, and so is Gabrielle Damiens, the head of the local revolutionary regime. Sooner or later, their paths are bound to cross.
Ep. 3: The King's Ransom (aka The Scarlet Pimpernel and the Kidnapped King) (1999-02-07)

The Dauphin is being held prisoner by the Republicans. When he is captured by a masked intruder, Robespierre orders Chauvelin to find the boy before news gets out.