L'Homme au masque de fer

A young man (Richard Camberlain) is locked in prison without knowing why. It will take Musketeer D'Artagnan (Louis Jordan) and a lovely from the court of Louis XIV (Jenny Agutter) to solve the problem.

All the TV networks used to do very good (if often eviscerated) novels for television. One network even had the good idea of having one of the actors making a tag to recommend further reading, in the case of classics. For modern novels current-popular TV stars were good enough for their all-star casts, but costume-drama classics could draw bona fide movie stars, as this one did.

Of the superb cast, Chamberlain and Agutter are ernest. The great Ralph Richardson is low-key. Ian Holm might as well be twirling his mustache as a villain. Patrick McGoohan, however, rises above the screenplay and shines with his patented unusual line readings.

The Dumas story is really the last ride of the Three Musketeers, and I love Musketeer movies. Unfortunately, due to budget or time limitations the Musketeers have been reduced to Louis Jordan, who sounds peculiar in a French story with his French accent, as no one else has one.

Still, it's Dumas done with an A-list cast. Enjoy.

I'm not usually drawn to French historical/3 Musketeer films but I switched over to a movie channel today and this had just started so I thought I would give it a go. Within minutes I was captivated by the wonderful acting and the deviously intricate plot.

Richard Chamberlain is, here, a revelation. Nothing less. He excels in both of the very different roles he has to play. His depiction of King Louis XIV is quite mesmerising. The scene in which he arrogantly dances a ballet for his court is extraordinary. And, towards the end (I am trying not to spoil) Chamberlain - this time playing the other twin - is involved in another great dance moment, when he dances at a ball with the Queen and they have a private conversation as they dance, which is so well-written and performed that it will have you grinning with delight.

Patrick McGoohan, Ian Holm, Ralph Richardson and the rest of the cast are also on top form. The sumptuous direction is equally superb. Unfortunately, as it was a TV movie, the quality of the sound and video tape has suffered a little over the years, and I suspect this may be the reason why it has not been shown so often. But the deterioration in the visual quality is overcome by the brilliance of the acting and direction, which really do shine through the primitive technology to make for a truly memorable film experience.

I felt, watching some of this film, as if I was watching an opera. But if you don't like opera - don't let that put you off! It's the grandness of the story and the unashamedness of the acting/direction that I'm talking about. It is very rare that film-makers just throw caution to the winds and allow themselves to 'go for it' like this. Just watch it and you will know what I mean.

This is an epic retelling about the durable Alexandre Dumas's novel and is set in 17th century French court where appears two twins brothers (Richard Chamberlain playing a double role) , separated at birth , one nasty become in Louis XIV of France married to Mª Teresa of Spain (Vivien Merchant) and the other Phillippe who is unjustly imprisoned in the Bastilla . Both of whom are sons of the Queen mother , Anna of Austria (Brenda Bruce) . Later on , Phillippe is jailed in an island and hidden his identity wearing an iron mask but his existence threatens the reigning . But D'Artagnan (Louis Jourdan) and the Prime Minister named Colbert (Ralph Richardson) scheme a plan to free Phillippe clashing against a malicious Fouquet (Patrick McGooham) , the Louis XIV's favorite.

It's an excellent rendition from the immortal novel with quite budget , though is made for television . The picture contains rousing action , intrigue , exciting swordplay , romantic adventure , mayhem and results to be pretty entertaining . Marvelous casting with a magnificent Richard Chamberlain as a suffering inmate turning valiant swashbuckler and a selfish King . He gives a charming acting and manages to use his fists , swords and to do some acrobatics . Exceptional cinematography by the classic cameraman Freddie Young who has a distinguished and long career crowned with three Oscars for David Lean's films . Spectacular and evocative musical score by Allyn Ferguson . Lush production design by John Stoll is well reflected on the luxurious interiors and exteriors filmed in England and French palaces (Fointeneblau , Versalles , among others) . The motion picture was well realized by Mike Newell .

This classy story is previous and subsequently remade in several versions , firstly is shot with Douglas Fairbanks (mute rendition , 1929) and the first sound (1939) retelling was made by James Whale with Louis Hayward and Joan Bennet . A French adaptation (1962) by Henry Decoin with Jean Marais , Jean Rochefort , Claudina Auger , Sylva Koscina . A 1998 recounting by William Richert with Edward Albert , Dana Barron , Timothy Bottoms , Meg Foster , James Gammon . And finally in 1998 , the most recent and lavish adaptation of the classic story by Randall Wallace with Leonardo DiCaprio , Jeremy Irons , Gerard Depardieu , John Malkovich . This is the better adaptation for TV of the classy and will appeal to the costume genre fans

There seems to be an inferiority complex about this version of THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK but why ? Mike Newall is a competent director and he's assembled a fine cast in something that doesn't resemble a made for television movie . The story itself is based upon a Dumas swashbuckling classic but there's a fly in the ointment that is an obvious giveaway that this version lacks confidence .

What am I talking about ? Why the music of course . Whenever the film wants us to feel something Allyn Ferguson's score dictates how the audience should be feeling . Certainly the score for THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK goes with the visuals but did it need to be so obvious ? It's almost like listening to PETER AND THE WOLF where the music itself is the narrative and I'm not sure if that's a good thing in cinema

While watching this film it's hard at times to remember this was only meant to be a TV production. This must be the most lavish and successful television movie made in the 70's that I have seen. I saw it first time as a child and was much fascinated. Now almost two decades later I still love to see it again on DVD. Here Alexandre Dumas' classic story has received an equally classic adaption.

Richard Chamberlain in the double role of the royal twin brothers has often been compared favorable to Errol Flynn and I quite agree. It's not just the mustache but the swashbuckling and charisma also, not forgetting that he is a truly fine actor. Here it shows especially well because the whole cast is absolutely loaded with talent and presence; Ralph Richardson, Ian Holm, Louis Jourdan, Jenny Agutter and one of my favorite British actors, Patrick McGoohan as the most sinister minister. Mike Newell's directing combined with obviously a very healthy budget, handsome shooting and locations has worked wonders. The film does not only look wonderful, it also have a wonderful feeling in it. As a piece of classic romantic adventure stories in film from the last three decades I consider this one of the best.