So over the holidays I had myself a bit of a Scarlet Pimpernel marathon. I read the classic novel by Baroness Orczy and then watched the 1999 A&E six-part TV miniseries featuring Richard Grant and Elizabeth McGovern. Notwithstanding, I have watched the original 1934 The Scarlet Pimpernel movie starring Leslie Howard over half a dozen times, my favourite film version.
Simply brilliant. Two words that sum up the novel. I cannot believe it has taken me so long to read this classic novel but it was absolutely wonderful. The only thing wrong with the novel is that it was too darn short! I mourned the ending of the adventure. There are sequels (and prequels) to the original story but I am content to have read just The Scarlet Pimpernel and no farther, which I will explain why in a bit more detail below.
Orczy was brilliant at characterization...contrasting mannerisms and speech of characters from different strata of society in England and in France. The adventure is taut and rollicking and the longings of Percy and Marguerite wrap around your heart. Though short in length, the book has many nuances of emotion and thoughts by the characters, adding dimension to the story that is lacking in the film versions. For instance, in film versions it never comes across that Marguerite is an intellectual, as well as an actress, but that is how she is described by Baroness Orczy.
I think the miniseries is enjoyable in the context of the events of the French Revolution, though I venture the miniseries is not entirely accurate. As to staying true to the plot and relationships in the novel, the miniseries takes many, many liberties, which I think is unfortunate. There are many surprising events happening, many of which I did not agree with, which has decided me not to continue to read any more novels in the series, to preserve my pleasure of The Scarlet Pimpernel novel. Now having read the book, gaining more understanding about the
motivations of all the characters, I appreciate the story even more and
rank it as one of my all time favourite story concepts.
My favourite quote from the 1999 A&E TV miniseries is when Sir William Wetherby says to Percy, "More pimp than Pimpernel, what". I laughed hysterically...In the last episode Sir Percy plays at a bit of matchmaking...
I have watched The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) many times, each time enjoying it as much as the first time. The 1934 version captures the intensity, fraught emotions and sweetness of love renewed imparted in the novel. So I highly recommend the novel by Baroness Orczy and The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) movie but only recommend the A&E TV miniseries (1999) version for those you interested in another perspective of the French Revolution and a bit of adventure.
My Rating - Novel: 4.5
My Rating - A&E Miniseries: 3.0
Novel
ChaptersIndigo
Amazon.com This Amazon edition is enriched with notes and commentary.
A&E Miniseries
ChaptersIndigo
Amazon.com
Although I'm sure most would agree that the films and TV mini-series are usually never as good as the book, that doesn't stop me from eagerly awaiting releases of these adaptations. Recently I watched The Pillars of the Earth miniseries, which was I thought was really good, though I haven't yet read the book even though I own it. I will one day! 
I've noticed two other announcements of upcoming adaptions that I am SUPER excited about. First is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See. This was an amazing novel, one of my all-time favourites actually, which is slated to be released in July 15, 2011 in the United States. Here is article from Shelf Awareness. 
