The Elusive Pimpernel is an idiosyncratic manifestation of a period piece, set during the French Revolution, in which ironic humor plays a key role establishing the film’s tone. Based on the 1905 novel The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, the film was originally intended to be a musical showcasing magnificent musical scores. This sensibility remains in the revised, completed film which adds dimension to the lavish production design and whimsical dialogue executed by brilliant performances from stars David Niven, Jack Hawkins, and Margaret Leighton.