The Scarlet Pimpernel

Historical adventure series from the novel (1952 - 53)

Produced in London, and first appearing as the summer replacement for The Cavalcade of America, this radio drama is a wonderful recreation of the novel. The role of the Pimpernel is played by the actor Marius Goring, best known as composer Julian Craster in the movie classic, "The Red Shoes."

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The Scarlett Pimpernel is set in England and France, 1792. The French Revolutionary Government precipitates the awful September massacres, and news of the Reign of Terror and political and social anarchy in France is just beginning to filter across the Channel. Sir Percey Blakeney, an English aristocrat, takes up the challenge of working in the heart of France for his country. He adopts a foppish, effete demeanor to allow him to work the circles of power. Meanwhile his real efforts are shadowy, and his identity is only known under a solemn oath of secrecy to his immediate followers, the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. They save the falsely accused, often aristocrats, from 'Mam'zelle Guillotine,' while evading detection by those who would gladly give them the good doctor's swift blade.

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Producer Harry A. Towers fine cast and rousing orchestral scoring and excellent sound effects make for excellent old time radio entertainment. As is standard for British radio drama, the acting is exemplary. The script is tightly written, and stays very close to the dialogue of the original Baroness Emmuska Orczy novel of 1905.

This show will be a delight for devotees of the Scarlet Pimpernel movies, lovers of history and listeners to books on tape who have found that single solitary reader concept somewhat uninspired.