I've been a fan of the Anthony Andrews and the Leslie Howard versions of The Scarlet Pimpernel, so was curious to see this version, which I only just discovered existed.
I very much enjoyed Robert E. Grant's interpretation of the Pimpernel - sexy, dashing, just foppish enough to throw off suspicion - a real human being. The script, and likely the director, however doesn't allow for the initial underlying tension of love versus suspicion between Percy & Marguerite, so disdain, anger and anxiousness are primarily seen between them. Additionally, I missed the dashing and clever escapes and disguises that are part of the Pimpernell's story and character.
The makeup, sets, and costumes are basically accurate for the 18th century, but the makeup artist completely ignored enhancing and using the natural beauty of Elizabeth McGovern's eyes & eyebrows by thinning her brows to a pencil li e & slapping makeup on them. I kept noticing this poor makeup job and it was annoying.
McGovern's performance is realistic and passable, but lacks the passion and suffering that Marguerite experiences due to Percy's behavior, and then the excitement and anxiety of discovering his secret. The script doesn't really support this, either.
I enjoyed the Minette & Robespierre characters & performers, & was pleased to see Suzanne Bertish in one episode. Chauvelin's character needed to be directed, performed and/or written with greater tension, especially in scenes with Marguerite, his former love. Percy's SP team are given fairly short shrift as characters, except for a couple of Frenchmen.
Despite the flaws I mentioned, the series was entertaining and original in it's storylines and Grant really holds his own. I could mention other positives and negatives but do not want to add further spoilers.
I still enjoyed the series and would have liked to see several additional episodes beyond what was actually created, for further character & plot development.
I very much enjoyed Robert E. Grant's interpretation of the Pimpernel - sexy, dashing, just foppish enough to throw off suspicion - a real human being. The script, and likely the director, however doesn't allow for the initial underlying tension of love versus suspicion between Percy & Marguerite, so disdain, anger and anxiousness are primarily seen between them. Additionally, I missed the dashing and clever escapes and disguises that are part of the Pimpernell's story and character.
The makeup, sets, and costumes are basically accurate for the 18th century, but the makeup artist completely ignored enhancing and using the natural beauty of Elizabeth McGovern's eyes & eyebrows by thinning her brows to a pencil li e & slapping makeup on them. I kept noticing this poor makeup job and it was annoying.
McGovern's performance is realistic and passable, but lacks the passion and suffering that Marguerite experiences due to Percy's behavior, and then the excitement and anxiety of discovering his secret. The script doesn't really support this, either.
I enjoyed the Minette & Robespierre characters & performers, & was pleased to see Suzanne Bertish in one episode. Chauvelin's character needed to be directed, performed and/or written with greater tension, especially in scenes with Marguerite, his former love. Percy's SP team are given fairly short shrift as characters, except for a couple of Frenchmen.
Despite the flaws I mentioned, the series was entertaining and original in it's storylines and Grant really holds his own. I could mention other positives and negatives but do not want to add further spoilers.
I still enjoyed the series and would have liked to see several additional episodes beyond what was actually created, for further character & plot development.