Scarlet Pimpernel, The (1934)

The Scarlet Pimpernel is among the screen’s most enduring and frequently filmed action/adventure stories, but it is the 1934 version with Leslie Howard in the title role that stands out for most fully re-creating the setting of the French Revolution. Were it not for his role as Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind this would likely be the performance for which Howard is best remembered. He dominates the film, though not so much that there is not space for several of the supporting actors to shine, most notably Merle Oberon and Raymond Massey. Most of the credit for the film should be given to British producer Alexander Korda, who produced low-budget films with a look and feel that approached the best Hollywood efforts of the 1930s. Of particular note is the cinematography of Harold Rosson and the fast-paced editing of William Hornbeck. During World War II, Howard would direct a current-day remake of sorts, Pimpernal Smith, though it did not approach the popularity or critical acclaim of its predecessor.

1934, B&W, 95 minutes