Question 1

What controversial element did censors repeatedly note in 'The Scarlet Pimpernel'?

Accepted Answer

The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America admonished the film for having "cleavage" in multiple reels, calling some "gross cleavage" and stating it was the last film they'd pass with such scenes.

Question 2

Which historical boxer does Percy Blakeney reference in the film?

Accepted Answer

Percy Blakeney refers to a boxer as "Mendoza," a reference to Daniel Mendoza, the 18th-century British Jew who revolutionized boxing and was heavyweight champion of England from 1792-95 despite being a middleweight.

Question 3

Why was the word "demmed" allowed in the film despite being potentially profane in the US?

Accepted Answer

When Sir Percy recites his poem containing "demmed," it was allowed because the film was produced in England, where it was acceptable, unlike in the US in 1934 where it would have been construed as profanity.

Question 4

What radio adaptation featured Leslie Howard reprising his role as Sir Percy Blakeney?

Accepted Answer

"Lux Radio Theater" broadcast a 60-minute radio adaptation on 12/12/1938 with Leslie Howard reprising his film role, and Olivia de Havilland performed with him after they had just filmed "Gone with the Wind" together.

Question 5

Who is credited as director, and what controversy surrounds the film's actual direction?

Accepted Answer

Harold Young is credited as director, but it's likely producer Alexander Korda directed most of the film himself after disagreements with the original director, Rowland Brown, who was dismissed early.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

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