The Scarlet Pimpernel

In 1792, a covert group of 20 English nobles known as the Band of the Scarlet Pimpernel stages daring rescues of French aristocrats from the guillotine. The enigmatic leader, Sir Percy Blakeney, masks his true anti-tyranny work behind a foppish, carefree persona. The Band operates quietly across France, saving lives while avoiding detection.

Percy Blakeney cultivates the image of a dashing but vacuous nobleman, concealing his heroic exploits from the world. Marguerite, his wife and former French actress, remains unaware of his double life. Their marriage carries tension, as Percy has cooled toward her after a past betrayal.

Citizen Chauvelin, newly appointed French ambassador to England, learns that Armand St. Just, Marguerite's brother, is a Scarlet Pimpernel agent and orders his arrest. He uses the threat of execution to pressure Marguerite into helping uncover the Pimpernel's identity. Marguerite becomes entangled as she navigates between loyalty to family and her deal with Chauvelin.

At a forthcoming ball, Marguerite intercepts a message stating that the Pimpernel will be in the library at midnight. She passes the information to Chauvelin, who goes to the library to confront Blakeney. Blakeney appears asleep, but wakes to find a taunting missive from the Pimpernel mocking Chauvelin.

The Blakeneys travel to their country house. Marguerite confesses Armand's arrest and her deal with Chauvelin. Percy, still loving her, reveals that he has cooled toward her after learning of her denunciation of a French marquis, and her confession prompts him to decide what to do next.

While at the country house, Marguerite notices a ring decorated with a pimpernel on a portrait, realizing that Percy is the Scarlet Pimpernel. The revelation shatters her sense of betrayal and drives her to act. She rushes to warn Percy before it is too late.

Realizing Percy’s identity is also known to Chauvelin, Marguerite receives a letter from him confirming the Pimpernel's true identity. This deepens her fear for Percy's life and convinces her to travel to London to warn him.

Marguerite races to London to warn Percy, while Ffoulkes mobilizes Sir Percy’s network to anticipate Chauvelin's trap. They coordinate through messengers and covert signals to keep the Pimpernel's daring missions alive. The goal is to protect Percy's identity and safeguard those he has saved from the Revolution.

Chauvelin has Armand and Count de Tournay transferred to Boulogne-sur-Mer to lure the Pimpernel into a trap. The Pimpernel covertly frees them from captivity by bribing guards and slipping them away. Chauvelin loses his leverage as his plan is foiled.

A prison guard reveals that the Pimpernel will be at a particular tavern that evening. Marguerite hastens there to warn Percy, but Chauvelin arrests her before she can reach him. Percy arrives and distracts Chauvelin just long enough for Armand and Count to board the ship.

Chauvelin informs Percy that Marguerite is in custody, prompting Percy to surrender on the condition that she be freed. He is taken toward a firing squad, and Chauvelin revels in what seems to be a victory. Percy's ruse, however, hides a plan that will soon overturn the trap.

Despite the firing squad, Percy returns to the tavern alive; his men, disguised as soldiers, help him seize Chauvelin. With Chauvelin captured, Percy frees Marguerite and they escape by sea back to England. The couple sails away together, leaving Chauvelin's schemes behind.