L'Homme au masque de fer

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.

I had never read Dumas' novel, or made it through any filmed versions before, so only had the vaguest notion of what the story was about. What a sumptuous production it is. The scenes of the Sun Kings' soirées at his châteaux were splendidly staged and, one can only hope, historically accurate. Could he really have been so rude to his wife in public? It was so outrageous that 'you couldn't make it up'! So it must be true! The main attraction was of course McGoohan and he did not disappoint. I knew things were going to be good when he made no attempt at one of those dodgy accents he is prone to. His clipped, calculating tones were brilliant as the scheming Fouquet. For me, the first half of the production was by far superior. The scene between Richard Chamberlain and McGoohan in the coach was superb and only topped by the sequence of Chamberlain being fitted with his mask as McGoohan regards him like a cat does, its victimised mouse.

I'm probably wrong but I also felt McGoohan must have had a hand in the terrific sequence of Chamberlain thrashing about in his cell, trying to reason why he was being picked on. The anguish of his Kafkaesque imprisonment was superbly executed and that shot of the departing boat through the squares of the barred window…..I expected to see McGoohan's stern face approaching at light speed with a clanging crash at any second!

Lew Grade and Patrick McGoohan – funny how good they were together. It would be nice to think they did meet during the course of the filming process, even if Mr. McGoohan had to get out of bed at 5am to get to Lord Grade's office in time for his 6am appointment!

On my school days I had read some novels from the French creative genius Alexandre Dumas, what a time immersed in those pages, revisiting this fine movie on DVD with the same leading actor of Count of Monte Cristo, Richard Chamberlain on dual role of Phillip and Louis XIV of France, nevertheless who really shines is Patrick McGooran as the greedy Fouquet, embodying the evil character optimally, cold, smirking and manipulative.

The angelical beauty of Jenny Agutter as Louise is another high point, adorning the picture, also Louis Jourdan as D'Artagnan who doesn't stay clear if was one of Three Musketeers, but very possible, shot on several palaces on France provide a natural authenticity to improve the movie, as expect the Dumas's wit the changing of Louis for Phillip is cunning, good portrait of seventeen century, compressed Dumas's novel, however overall an enjoyable TV picture!!

Resume:

First watch: 1987 / How many: 4 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.25.

Pure excellence. Wonderful script. Production, directing and acting was superb. Great ensemble cast. What more can one ask from a made for t.v. movie? This one had all the qualities of a big budget film. Highly recommended.

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