The Scarlet Pimpernel, filled with daring rescues and flashy swordfights, is set against the backdrop of the French revolution and the 'reign of terror,' 1794. Sir Percy Blakeney and his league of gentlemen deliberately play the fop so as to hide their true activity of saving would-be victims of the guillotine. However, Chauvelin, the French government's most formidable devotee, is out to stop all who try to save the victims of the guillotine - especially the mysterious hero, the Scarlet Pimpernel. The show ends with Percy revealing himself as the Pimpernel and having a duel with Chauvelin.