P is for — Sir Percy Blakeney, from Baroness Orczy’s The Scarlet Pimpernel
I’m sure it’s obvious by now that I love adventure stories. The Scarlet Pimpernel is another exciting adventure set in England and France during the French Revolution. Many, many aristocrats — men, women, and children — have been sent to the guillotine, regardless of whether or not they’ve personally oppressed the poor. All French aristocrats are guilty in the eyes of the lower classes and must pay the price. Sir Percy Blakeney, an English nobleman and master of disguise, daringly rescues innocent people bound for the guillotine and smuggles them to safety in England. His calling card — the seal of a small, star-shaped, red flower: a scarlet pimpernel. Acting the brainless fop in public, he engages in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the leaders of the Revolution who are determined to catch him.
I love the 1982 movie version with Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, and Ian McKellen (pre-Gandalf). Even though it’s a made-for-TV-movie, it’s a great swashbuckler with sword fights and daring escapes, beautiful costumes, and first-rate performances by the lead actors. I haven’t yet seen the 1934 movie with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon, but I’ve read good things about it and have it high up on my to-be-watched list.
Writing, Reading, and the Pursuit of Dreams 
The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of my favourite books of all time. I first read it when I was 12, and our teacher asked us to select a book to read from a few choices. Most people avoided this one because it was the longest read, so of course I had to pick it up. 🙂 Then it turned out to be a fantastic adventure story. This one has a special place on my shelf. I just love how Sir Percy plays the fop! Lori, have you ever read Mara, Daughter of the Nile? If you like adventure stories you probably would enjoy this one a lot – romance and intrigue set in Ancient Egypt.
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Sounds like a great story! I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks!
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When I read The Scarlet Pimpernel, I wondered what took me so long to pick up that book. I guess I didn’t expect to love it, but I did.
Visiting from A to Z ~
Wendy at Jollett Etc.
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It’s a great story!
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I loved that movie too! I’ve not read the book, but it’s on my never ending TBR list! LOL
Jamie Dement (LadyJai)
My A to Z
Caring for My Veteran
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Yes, that list never seems to get any shorter, does it? 🙂
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I’ve not read the book or seen the movie-actually I didn’t Know there was a movie, but I’ve heard of the book.
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It’s a great read. I really enjoyed it!
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Kekeke and hehehe, and all the other giggly noises. That’s how Sir Percy Blackeney makes me feel. :3
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Yes, be still my heart….
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