The Scarlet Pimpernel

"The Scarlet Pimpernel" is one of the classics and the 1934 film is by far the best cinema version. Leslie Howard is perfect for the part of Sir Percy Blakeney. Howard bounces between the foppish, sissy boy aristocrat and the cunning, ingenious hero, who is a master of disguise. You want to kick him in the teeth one minute and you're cheering for him the next.

Merle Oberon, who has never impressed me much as an actress, plays Lady Blakeney. She is painfully and completely oblivious to her husband's true identity. Her performance is strained but Miss Oberon is still one of the most breath-takingly beautiful women to ever grace black and white film. Raymond Massey is excellent as Chauvelin, especially his scenes with Howard where he is having to keep his temper in check when dealing with the impossible antics and behavior of Sir Percy's alias. Excellent cinematography, and good supporting performances. One of my favorite hero movies.