Sir Percy Blakeney, Chauvelin, and heoism...

[fajrdrako]

I love The Scarlet Pimpernel. One of the most romantic books ever written; one of the most romantic movies ever made. I like the Anthony Andrews version (with Ian McKellen as Chauvelin) best, which tends to horrify the Leslie Howard fans - which is okay, since Leslie Howard is wonderful and I like that version too. I hated the Richard E. Grant Pimpernel, but can't completely discount that version because Martin Shaw, Elizabeth McGovern, Denise Black and Jamie Bamber were all so good that it compensated for having a dead-loss Pimpernel.

Sir Percy Blakeney is one of the literary progenitors of Francis Crawford of Lymond, which would appeal even if he had nothing else going for him. But he does. All that muted heroism, all that deception and being misjudged... Ahhh. He's yet another heroic con man of the style I love so much.

So why am I happy that when I do the "Which character are you in The Scarlet Pimpernel meme, I get the villain? Well, maybe because Chauvelin is such a wonderful villain, so beautifully charismatic when done by McKellen or Shaw, such a Grey Eminence powerhouse....




This test brought to you by Blakeney Manor.

Find out:Which Scarlet Pimpernel character are you?

Cool beans!

(Later, you become Magneto and square off in a really big chess game against Patrick Stewart, which leads to some serious re-grouping and you decide to mend your evil ways and travel back to the time of Middle Earth where you become Gandalf the Grey and help all the little people.)

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And, I add, earlier you were a curly-haired Professional who got to shoot big guns and run a lot and hang out with Bodie, the best partner ever.

Comments

[catalenamara.livejournal.com]

I hated the Richard E. Grant Pimpernel, but can't completely discount that version because Martin Shaw, Elizabeth McGovern, Denise Black and Jamie Bamber were all so good that it compensated for having a dead-loss Pimpernel.

Isn't *that* the truth! But I was so happy with Martin and the rest of the cast that I was able to overlook Grant.

I *loved* the musical - I wish they would film stage plays; I'd love to have a copy of this.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't go so far as I say I could overlook Grant - quite frankly, he made me cringe - but I loved everything else about the show so I enjoyed it anyway.

I'm hoping the stage musical version will come to Ottawa one day - or I'll find myself in a city that plays it.

Re: The Scarlet Pimpernel

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

I liked Richard E Grant.

Re: The Scarlet Pimpernel

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I liked him in "Withnail and I", if that counts!

Re: The Scarlet Pimpernel

[catalenamara.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't go so far as I say I could overlook Grant - quite frankly, he made me cringe

Me, too. But Martin Shaw was so damn good that he definitely made up for it. Still, I can't help mentally casting a better actor into Percy's role....

I'm hoping the stage musical version will come to Ottawa one day - or I'll find myself in a city that plays it.

It's tremendous fun. I've seen it twice and would go again in a minute.

Re: The Scarlet Pimpernel

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

So who would you cast as Sir Percy Blakeney?

I'm going to have to think about this.

David Tennant might be fun in the role.

Re: The Scarlet Pimpernel

[catalenamara.livejournal.com]

I'm terrible at names, but if I could have the actor from the musical in the movies with Martin Shaw, I'd be a happy camper.

David Tennant - oh yes! I'm beginning to think he'd be perfect for almost anything...!

Re: The Scarlet Pimpernel

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

David Tennant - oh yes! I'm beginning to think he'd be perfect for almost anything...!

Well, not anything, but he'd be rather good in many kinds of roles that involve dual identities and intensity overlaid by flippancy. And he's good at anger and suicidal angst.