The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982 film) The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982 film) The Scarlet Pimpernel is a 1982 British romantic adventure film set during the French Revolution. It is based on the novels "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and "Eldorado" by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, and stars Anthony Andrews as Sir Percy Blakeney/the Scarlet Pimpernel, the protagonist, Jane Seymour as Marguerite St. Just, the love interest, and Ian McKellen as Chauvelin, the antagonist. In 1792 during the Reign of Terror, the Scarlet Pimpernel rescues French aristocrats while posing as the wealthy but foppish and seemingly empty-headed Sir Percival Blakeney. Percy marries the beautiful French actress Marguerite St. Just, but her
William Blakeney, 1st Baron Blakeney William Blakeney, 1st Baron Blakeney Lieutenant-General William Blakeney, 1st Baron Blakeney KB (1671/167210 September 1761) was an Irish soldier known for his unsuccessful defence of the Spanish island of Menorca following the Battle of Menorca in 1756. Blakeney was born at Mount Blakeney, County Limerick, to William Blakeley, a member of the Irish House of Commons for Kilmallock, and Elizabeth (née Bowerman). Destined for politics, he showed a decided preference for a military career. At age 18, he headed the tenants in defending the Blakeney estate against the Rapparees. As a volunteer he fought the war in Flanders, and at