The Man in the Iron Mask (1977 TV Movie) User Reviews

Hugely under-rated

[tohu · 8/10 · 2 September 2006]

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.

New version of the Dumas's novel with a handsome Richard Chamberlain in a dual role

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 12 March 2007]

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

McGoohan is Number 2 to Chamberlain's Number 6

[Moor-Larkin · 8/10 · 15 September 2005]

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!

First rate

[trpdean · 30 March 2004]

Dumas' classic wonderful vivid novel sucks you in with its intrigue at the highest levels, the moral contrasts, the cleverness, the adventure.

I was very surprised at just how fine this was - the cast is of the highest caliber - Ian Holm, Patrick McGoohan, Ralph Richardson, Louis Jourdan - an extraordinary Richard Chamberlin and a very pretty Jenny Agutter (though her character is rather one note).

Note the movie is directed by Mike Newell - who would go on to direct Enchanted April, Four Weddings and a Funeral and many other fine movies.

I was also floored by the producers' settings: four chateaus, the real island referenced in the novel, Fontainebleau - this movie (though made for television) must have cost a fortune to produce!

I think the Frenchman's comment below is a bit sniffy.

First, this was not an American production - but an English one.

Second, this was not a distortion of French history -- Alexandre Dumas pere himself took many (wonderfully imagined) liberties in his novel - does anyone REALLY think Louis XIV was one of identical twins? Come on -this is a novel!

Thus, the complaint that Louis XIV did not after all remain faithful to this mistress (as one would expect from the movie) is an objection to the historical truth of the novel, not its faithful adaptation to the screen. This movie well captures the flavor and spirit of the novel (except, as one reviewer notes, for the character of Philippe, made far more sympathetic here - but then most viewers (myself included) want a sympathetic central character).

I also find the reviewer who says this was poor except for the wonderful acting of all the actors - to be a bit strange. They ARE the movie.

This was very well done, so engrossing and so much fun. Patrick McGoohan is particularly wonderful, as is Chamberlin. Well worth your time - it's efficient, clear, amusing, horrifying, romantic, and gives plenty for those interested in history.

It's also the perfect exciting family movie (well, except having to explain mistresses serving at the royal pleasure - that could be tricky) with something for everyone.

Okay, but not Dumas

[karlpov · 6/10 · 28 March 2006]

I'm a big fan of Patrick McGoohan so I don't like to find fault in a piece boasting one of his customarily excellent performances. But it should really be noted that this is, like some other movie versions of the same story, a great mutilation of the Dumas version. Dumas's story, actually just one thread of a gigantic novel titled The Viscount of Bragelonnne, has a secret twin of Louis XIV who is hidden away in the Bastille unknown even to the King himself. Through the machinations of Aramis, with the unwitting help of Porthos, an overnight coup is affected and the King sent to the Bastille in his twin's place. The King is, however, freed from the Bastille and reclaims his throne when d'Artagnan identifies him as the authentic monarch. The twin, who is disavowed by his mother, is only then condemned to imprisonment in the quasi-eponymous mask. The King is presented not as a black-hearted villain, but as a King who is sometimes ruthless and even cruel because his office requires such qualities.

Hollywood invariably twists the story into one of a virtuous twin imprisoned in an iron mask who is led by one or more of the one-time musketeers to take the place of the evil king. This is simplistic claptrap, nothing to do with Dumas.

Compressed Dumas's novel, but fully enjoyable!!!

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 10 March 2020]

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 don'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, but overall an enjoyable picture!!

Resume:

First watch: 1986 / How many: 3 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 7.25

Musical Dictator

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 26 September 2005]

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

Good Fun, but not Dumas

[treeroland · 7/10 · 13 November 2021]

The 1977 version of The Man in the Iron Mask is a totally delightful romp in almost every way. But one must, however, make the attempt to appreciate this cinematic spectacle without assuming that Alexandre Dumas had anything to do with the plot. Dumas would be turning over in his grave with chagrin to see his hero D'Artagnan plotting against his king! It was Aramis, the oily churchman (who by this time has been elected General of the Jesuits), not Colbert, who fomented the conspiracy. Aramis persuaded the honest but simple Porthos to help in the plot, but D'Artagnan was the most loyal servant of the king, and could never be a part of any such plot.

The secret of the second twin was a very closely held secret, with the mother, Anne of Austria, and D'Artagnan about the only surviving persons to know of the second twin. Somehow Aramis got wind of the brother's existence and began conniving his conspiracy. But in this version of the story, "everyone and his brother" (literally) seems to know all about the plot to replace the king. I say "second twin" because, of course, Louis was the first born, not, as suggested in this version of the story, the second. In this version of the story, the king is effectively replaced by his brother Philippe, and the movie ends with the true king of France gnashing his teeth in prison, his face covered in the iron mask. In the story by Dumas, the true king is restored, by the aid of D'Artagnan and Athos, while Aramis slinks away in disgrace.

It is bad enough that American movies portray kings as slapstick comedy, figuratively stumbling around with their foot in a paint bucket, but to a loyal Frenchman (and Dumas was always a staunch royalist) it would be appalling to see Louis XIV of France hauled off to end his days in a dungeon so that a "more suitable" king could take his place. But - forget about Dumas! The creators of this tale have produced a highly entertaining story, full of plenty of color and amusing incident.

By the way, the silent version of 1929 with Douglas Fairbanks (The Iron Mask) is much more faithful to Dumas, and is an excellent production in every way.

Richard Chamberlain is excellent

[amidalasky · 9/10 · 3 May 2005]

Richard Chamberlain had already proved himself a fine actor before starring in this TV production of "The Man in the Iron Mask," but here he truly gives the performance of a lifetime. Performances, I should say, because he plays two different (VERY different) roles: King Louis XIV and his long lost twin brother, Phillippe.

Louis is a spoiled, infantile (his courtiers know perfectly well to deliberately lose at croquet lest they "risk another tantrum") and often cruel man, who lives in splendor while his subjects starve. He treats his long-suffering wife like garbage, openly flirting with and carrying on other women, and at one point he even viciously rips her wig off in public after calling her a "mountain of sallow flesh." Not surprisingly, no one likes Louis all that much; even his mother is hard pressed to say anything nice about him.

Meanwhile, Phillippe, totally unaware of his relation to Louis, is mysteriously kidnapped from his cozy home and thrown into the Bastille. But it's not what you think -- his kidnappers are the ageing Three Musketeers, who, fed up with their "water lily" of a ruler, have a plan to oust him and replace him with his identical twin, Phillippe. (Though Phillippe was born first and is therefore the rightful king, they insist that he rule as Louis XIV because of France's instability.) The Bastille was a "safe place" to stash Phillippe, or so they thought; at least two people, upon accidentally seeing Phillippe, are struck by his resemblance to Louis. One of them reports to Fouquet, the king's closest adviser. Upon verifying Phillippe's identity, Fouquet breaks the news to Louis, who, quite rightly fearing usurpation, hatches a cruel plan: imprisoning Phillippe for life in a run down castle in a distant part of France. But even that isn't enough: "No one must look upon his face," Louis tells Fouquet. Hence the iron mask, which is locked upon poor Phillippe in a gut-wrenching sequence.

The rest of the movie is about the Three Musketeers rescuing Phillippe, telling him the truth, and proceeding ahead with their plans. Meanwhile, Phillippe falls in love with Louise, a pretty lady of the court who the king is also unsuccessfully trying to romance (and as it turns out, Fouquet likewise tried to romance, and when she spurned his advances, he had her father thrown in the Bastille), and there's plenty of wonderfully intricate plotting.

While the performances are strong all around (except for maybe Jenny Agutter as Louise), it's Richard Chamberlain who carries the entire movie. Phillippe starts out an ordinary person, but his grotesque mistreatment starts to make him almost savage. Not surprisingly, the desire for revenge burns white-hot inside him, and he finally gets to realize it at the end. He also has a remarkable moment when, after having assumed Louis XIV's identity, he meets his mother for the first time: he is so emotional that he can barely get the words out, yet manages to cover it by telling her how beautiful she looks. The queen mother, who of course doesn't know his true identity, beams and says, "My Louis?" as if wondering that maybe now she can finally truly love her son.

Meanwhile, his turn as Louis is admirably restrained. Most actors would not be able to resist chewing the scenery while playing such a vile, decadent character, but Chamberlain instead gives a nuanced, surprisingly subtle performance. Louis is thoroughly despicable, and Chamberlain is clearly having fun playing such a juicy villain, but he doesn't go over the top.

Patrick McGoohan also shines as the clever, vain, heartless Fouquet. He often speaks in a type of growl that reminds me of Jeremy Irons, and his refined sadism is chilling to watch. It makes it all the more satisfying that, in the end, Fouquet is deceived by a simple seamster -- and that he himself is the one who seals his own fate by incorrectly naming Louis as the pretender.

Definitely worth watching

[tinabugvi · 7/10 · 29 January 2022]

Way better than I expected. It was incredibly well done, especially considering it was a made for TV movie in the 70s. Top notch acting, sets, wardrobe.

Well acted but not enough action and drags in places it shouldn't

[Hayden-86055 · 5/10 · 2 January 2021]

The man in the iron mask is a nice film with good costumes and acting, but fails miserably with the script. Louis Jourdan's character is good but has a lack of overall direction and there's barely any action in the film at all. Furthermore, there's no real emotion when it comes to being put in the mask, we have about two scenes with Richard Chamberlain wearing the horrible mask and that's about it. Cinematography is okay but a bit basic and the ending feels rushed and somehow unsatisfactory. Richard Chamberlain and Louis Jourdan are the best actors in this but I feel like they weren't given enough interesting moments, although Chamberlain can play both kings with confidence and different personalities.

5/10: A decent television film, but it lacks majesty, action sequences and brushes over too much of the plot whilst focusing too heavily on other parts that don't need detail

Wonderful but what happened to this film?

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 11 June 2005]

This and The Count of Monte Cristo were both made for television in the late 1970s and starred the talented Richard Chamberlain. Yet, because they were originally made for TV, they seem to have vanished and I haven't seen either on TV since the early 1980s (though I did copy them to now worn out videotapes). It's a real shame, as they were first-rate and every bit as good as any Hollywood production--maybe better.

The Man in the Iron Mask was the better of the two stories, but both are about as good Alexander Dumas stories as you can find. This is due to the overall package--exceptional music, acting, writing and pacing. I simply don't know how you could have made them much better.

Entertaining enough period adventure.

[poolandrews · 5/10 · 19 December 2011]

The Man in the Iron Mask is set in 17th Century France & starts in Burgundy where musketeer D'Artagnan (Louis Jourdan) captures a man named Philipe (Richard Chamberlain) & sends him to be imprisoned in the Bastille prison in Paris with orders no-one else sees or speaks with him. While at the prison visiting her father a young woman named Louise (Jenny Agutter) is accompanied by a high ranking minister named Fouquet (Patrick McGoohan) who recognises the man Philipe as an exact double for King Louis XIV (Richard Chamberlain), visiting Philipe later Fouquet sees a birth mark exactly the same as one on King Louis & is convinced that Philipe is in fact the identical twin brother of King Louis who was meant to have died at birth but somehow lives unaware of who he is, reporting back to King Louis a plan is hatched to send Philipe to an island fortress prison Pignerol & encase him in an iron mask so no-one ever sees his face but D'Artagnan & minister Duval (Ian Holm) plan to rescue Philipe & use him to overthrow King Louis & save France...

This British & American co-production was directed by the prolific Mike Newell who has gone to direct recent Hollywood fare such as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) & Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010) & is a fairly lavishly produced & colourful adaptation of Alexandre Dumas père novel The Man in the Iron Mask which was his final book to feature the Three Muskateers. I must admit right now that I have never read the book so cannot compare the two although I am sure they are fairly similar & share the same basic plot, The man in the Iron mask isn't usually the type of film that I watch but it was shown on afternoon telly over here so I decided to give it a go. I must admit that I was expecting a bit more action here, a few more sword fights & chases & was a bit surprised at how talky this is. That's not to say it's a bad film by any means, it held my interest & I liked the story which is told efficiently & effectively enough but I was sat there waiting for The Man in the Iron Mask to spring into life & it never did. The switch at the end as Philipe takes the place of his brother is nothing more than a con trick while Philipe being released from his iron masked imprisonment is also very straight forward apart from a brief horse chase & sword fight. The plot is solid enough, there's the expected treason, lies, political skulduggery, mistrust, the odd plot twist, love triangles & romance as the future of France is on the line & I enjoyed the story but there have been various adaptations of the novel & it's a well known story so maybe there won't be many surprises here. I did like the rather ironic & downbeat ending as King Louis gets his comeuppance in a rather unpleasant way, the only problem is I wasn't totally convinced by the reasons given by King Louis in the first place as to not just kill Philipe outright but if he had there wouldn't have been a story, would there? Also, if Philipe was living in France in Burgundy why had no-one ever recognised him before as looking exactly like King Louis? Not my type of film really but I still enjoyed it for what it was although it probably helps that I have never seen any other adaptation of the novel before, not even the Leonardo DiCaprio one from 1998.

Although apparently made for telly by the British production company ITC this actually looks very nice & I am surprised it never got a theatrical release in either the UK or US. The sets, locations & costumes are all very impressive & colourful & give a real air of authenticity to the film, the iron mask itself is a fearsome looking prop with it being soldered onto Philipe's head a particularly good moment. Like I said earlier there's really not that much action in this which is surprising, I would have though there would have been more sword fights & shoot-outs & stunt work but I was obviously wrong. Just don't expect much action that's all I am saying, this is more of a plot driven adaptation than elaborate stunt work.

I would have thought The Man in the Iron Mask had a reasonable budget as it's actually filmed in France including Fouquet's actual Cháteau Vaux-le-Vicomte, the Palace of Fontainebleau and the Cháteau de La Houssaye & it show's with some great location work. There's a top cast here including Richard Chamberlain in dual roles, Jenny Agutter, Ian Holm, Patrick McGoohan, Ralph Richardson & Louis Jourdan who is the only French actor here despite the entire film taking place in France with French character's.

The Man in the Iron Mask has been adapted to the silver screen no less than a dozen times & this is the only one I have seen thus far so cannot really compare it to any other version but I liked it for what it was, a solid historic political thriller with a hint of adventure. Perfect to waste a couple of hours one lazy afternoon but not really any sort of classic in my eyes.

Excellent

[vampyrz-2 · 10/10 · 25 October 2000]

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.

Lush, well-drawn and colourful

[YohjiArmstrong · 22 October 2011]

Plot: In the 17th century various factions intrigue over the fate of the missing brother of the King of France, who is the rightful heir.

The Man in the Iron Mask is one of those books that gets filmed over and over, often with no respect to the original work. This is one of the better adaptations. It's a TV movie but a high-class one, with an excellent lead in Richard Chamberlain, fresh from another Dumas adaptation - Richard Lester's Three Musketeers (and some of the costumes, notably in the dance scene, came with him).

Clever camera-work makes the best use of the fabulous real life locations, with plenty of palaces, fortresses and beach side chases. There is a naturalism and a spontaneity in the film-making, making this very enjoyable. The cast is quite excellent and manage to take the film beyond its limited budget. The only real negative is the score, which is pounding and manipulative, straight-forwardly ordering the audience what they ought to be feeling.

Of course ultimate credit must go to Dumas pere, whose varied characters, vivid imagination and knack for adventure are the foundations of the whole film. If you like adventure then this is a minor (and family friendly) treat.

McGoohan - at his menacing Best!

[davyd-02237 · 4/10 · 27 April 2019]

I struggled 2nd time around with this one. The acting honours definitely belong to Patrick McGoohan. Nowadays the idea of Richard Chamberlain playing a womanising "King" is something of a "put me off". If it does the same for you, don't bother. Theres a better version around these days with DiCaprio in the lead. This one is looking a bit dated and not a great film, over time. How the "good guys" beat the "bad guys" makes it worthy to watch in that respect as it differs from the later film.

"What price a crown?"

[bygard · 10/10 · 24 April 2007]

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.

(Plot Description/Spoiler) LouisXIV was PERFECT! Philippe was lacking....

[ParagonFreedly · 5/10 · 27 December 2000]

Chamberlain's LouisXIV was utterly amazing, perfect in every aspect! Chamberlain's Philippe on the other hand could not have been more opposite to the Dumas's literary figure. Philippe seemed spoiled, self-centred, and egotistical. The Iron Mask itself stayed on the "unfortunate Prince" for what seemed like the insignificant period of two weeks -if that- and D'Artagnan (Jordan) wore the mask for more scenes than Philippe. Another fact that irked me was the fact that the movie played upon romantic interest between Philippe and Louise de La Valliere which if any reader knows the true history of LouisXIV knows La Valliere is the FIRST mistress. (spoiler part) When Philippe permanently takes the throne, he and La Valliere are happily united... but wait... it ends that way yet later in life Louis takes Marquis Athenais Montespan then Mme. Maintenon... where's that "undying love?" The plot for Philippe to take the throne is sufficeintly elaborate and LouisXIV in this version was PERFECT; I cannot reiterate it enough!

Richard Chamberlain the better King Louis XIV

[seanmallory-1 · 9/10 · 24 August 2010]

A fantastic sword-fight TV-movie from the famous Alexander Dumas's novel. This great movie remind me to four years before Richard Lester Three Musketeers pictures not only for the presence of Richard Chamberalin. Lester movies had a more ironic and unconventional tone but the same cure for the customs and locations, here the director is talented Mike Newell (Dance with a Stranger, Donnie Brasco) that it was more careful not to betray the spirit of the novel. Together with fidelity to the novel, another aspect that make the movie truly agreeable and he approaches again to Lester movies was the rich cast. After the co-starring role as Aramis in The Three and The Four Musketeers, now brilliant Richard Chamberlain was the main character and he proved himself to be a fine actor because he plays very well two different roles: King Louis XIV and his long lost twin brother, Phillippe. It's Richard Chamberlain who carries the entire movie and he was astoundingly charming in his screen costume, oh my God that unbelievably handsome man....I confess not hardly I saw fine Richard to enter in scenes I fell in love lost of he, He was more sexy and seductive than Musketeers protagonist Michael York and also than Leo Di Caprio that impersonates the same character in the movie of 1998. There are others connections with Lester movies in the central characters and in the actors...Patrick McGoohan (Escape from Alcatraz) was delicious as villain Fouquet and remind me to Charlton Heston Richelieu for the same elegance. The wonderful Jenny Agutter as the movie heroine Louise de la Vallière was simply most beautiful; she formed with Richard a beautifulst couple on the screen; Agutter remind me to Musketeers heroine beyond compare Raquel Welch as Constance for her fine physiognomy, fabulous hair natural but amazing in both, for the simple but elegant costume and because both have been partners on screen of Michael York (Agutter in Logan's Run, Welch in The Three Musketters). Vivine Merchant in her last apparition as Queen Maria Theresa remand me to wicked Faye Dunaway as Milady in The Four Muscketeers in spite of the diversity of the two personages: Merchant was older but was and elegant queen while Dunaway under the gorgeous courtesan dress was a coarse whore, thief and murderess; watching the movie it's not possible not think to she because Merchant wears the same costume dressed from Dunaway in the final dance in The Three Musketeers and both have the same blonde wigs and similar make-up. Others the performances are strong all around (Holm, Jourdan, Richardson, Bruce as in The Musketeers are Reed, Lee, Chaplin and Finlay).

Slow start, but a brilliant version

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 15 December 2013]

This may be a very loose adaptation in detail- though not in spirit, there is a real feel of what makes the story so good in the first place- of the classic Dumas tale, but adaptations deserve to be judged on their own terms(fidelity to the source material has never been an issue to me, there may be some poor adaptations around but if they are of such good quality elsewhere it would be very unfair to completely dismiss them) and this adaptation of Man in the Iron Mask is not an exception. And yes it is a very good example of being brilliant on its own regardless. It may start off rather slow and a little poorly staged in the first 10 minutes but it picks up very quickly and is near faultless after that. It may be a TV film but one of great quality, the locations and scenery are colourful and very authentic and the same can be said for the costumes. The photography is also fluid and skillful, not cinematic but hardly amateurish or too studio-bound. The music is rousing and enhances the action very well, while the script is witty and successful in the comic and dramatic moments, what there is of the action is very exciting and not clumsy-looking at all and the direction doesn't allow the film to rush or drag beyond the first 10 minutes. The story is still the thrilling, suspenseful, fun and ceaselessly compelling one that we know with scenes that prove to be quite memorable. Especially when the iron mask is fitted onto Phillippe, quite cruelly harrowing in a way, Phillippe and Louise dancing the minuet which was beautiful to watch and more than satisfying dramatically and the touching scene where Phillippe meets his mother for the first time. If there was an asset that fared best it was the acting. The standout is Richard Chamberlain, in one of his best films and roles he is amazing as both Phillippe and Louis, completely believable in roles that couldn't be more different. You'd be hard pressed to find a crueller and more egotistical Louis than Chamberlain and his Phillippe is subtle and sympathetic. Patrick McGoohan is also wonderful, literally seething with villainy while having a touch of charm, and his intense scheming chemistry with Chamberlain's Louis is equally good. Ian Holm is wonderfully shrewd and intelligent and Louis Jourdan is a sly and dignified D'Artagnan. Ralph Richardson doesn't disappoint either and Jenny Agutter visually has never been more lovely and still brings believability and enchantment to a somewhat one-note character. All in all, a brilliant version, adaptation-wise the 1939 may be a little better but this is my personal favourite, both trump the Leonardo DiCaprio version though that has its merits too. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Patrick McGoohan plays too well !!

[lionel.willoquet · 29 April 2002]

Conspirators try to replace Louis XIV, king de France, by a double. This page of the French history, re-examined by our American friends has only little interest. The actors Richard Chamberlain, Patrick McGoohan, Louis Jourdan, Ian Holm and Ralph Richardson save film.

Fictional history is fascinating... If it is fictional.

[mark.waltz · 10/10 · 19 April 2022]

Just like he did with "The Count of Monte Cristo" and later "Casanova" on TV and the "Three" and "Four" Musketeers, Richard Chamberlain looked fantastic in historical dress, playing both King Louis XIV of France and the older brother that was separated from him atbiirth, with the later unknowingly part of a plot to rid France of a horribly audacious king, ending up and imprisoned on an island, finally freed and brought back to Versailles to take his rightful place as king. But there is a catch. As king, he would have to maintain the name of Louis XIV, remain in a marriage to Queen Maria Therese (a loveless one anyway with the real king, filled with contempt and cruelty), and thus give up the true love of Versailles servant girl Jenny Agutter.

A chilling version of the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas, this is beautifully filmed and terrifically acted. Outside of his voice at times as both characters, there were points where I did not even recognize Richard Chamberlain. As King Louis, he is unrecognizable., a crude man who surely would have been executed had he been around during the French Revolution. Vivien Merchant as the queen is excellent as the sadly abused Marie, publicly humiliated by her husband. Brenda Bruce gives authority as the mother of both the king and the prince whom she believes had died as a child. Ian Holm, Ralph Richardson and Louis Jourdan offer very strong support as members of the court who have differing feelings on the presence of the rightful heir. Classic easy movies rarely get better than this.

A good movie to watch with friends

[paxor-09368 · 9/10 · 19 January 2022]

I am disappointed in the critics who gave this movie terrible reviews and disappointed in RT for its low rating. I adore this movie! It captures the ideas of honor, loyalty, and respect, as well as a wonderful story of corruption, salvation, redemption, and restoration. Leonardo DiCaprio should have won an Oscar for his double act; and John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons, Gabriel Byrne and Gerard Depardieu stole every scene they starred in. I've never seen D'Artagnan played the way Byrne did, and Malkovich portrayed the disgruntled veteran to perfection. This movie deserves more praise than the one it received. If you haven't seen this movie yet, make sure you do.

A marvelous story of royalty and subterfuge

[jephrey-27690 · 9/10 · 29 February 2024]

I was never a great fan of Richard Chamberlain, but he is perfect in this role, or two roles, or even three if you count Philippe the forgotten and Philippe the imposter as two characters, which I suspect Chamberlain did. He seems born to portray the characters of Dumas.

The supporting cast is first-rate, with special mention for the villanous Fouquet, whose voice, costume, and manner are all impeccable.

It is easy enough to accuse the film of various flaws, due to it's being made in the 70's. But that is a waste of your grand enjoyment. Let yourself be carried back to Alexandre Dumas' age of aristocratic glory and witness D'Artagnan's combined fencing and genealogy lessons, as he seeks to forge a new king. You won't regret it.

The Man In The Iron Mask (1939,1977)---A Cast/Credit Comparison

[malvernp · 8/10 · 16 July 2021]

Philippe//Louis--(Louis Hayward v. Richard Chamberlain). Hayward had more acting experience but Chamberlain as the younger looking man seemed to bring more vitality and athleticism to the role. His film was one of a series of swashbuckler made-for-TV movies that firmly established Chamberlain as a worthy successor to Errol Flynn in this genre. Hayward occasionally ventured again in this type of part (see e.g. The Son Of Monte Cristo). Strangely, the split image trick photography device was employed to greater advantage in the earlier film. Both Hayward and Chamberlain were fully up to the demands of the role, with a nod given to Chamberlain because of his more realistic and natural performance in the dual part.

Female Lead--(Joan Bennett as Maria Theresa v. Jenny Agutter as Louise). By this time, Bennett (a natural blond) had morphed into a Hedy Lamarr-type brunette clone. And like Lamarr, Bennett was not known to be a particularly gifted actress. On the other hand, Agutter (a natural blond) seemed to be the more accessible leading lady and created a more youthful appearing image than Bennett was capable of projecting. Agutter had already established herself as a desirable beautiful young woman (see e.g. Walkabout) and was most attractively costumed in her film. Bennett as the less animated of the two delivered a serviceable but otherwise undistinguished performance.

Fouquet--(Joseph Schildkraut v. Patrick McGoohan). These two actors had perhaps the most "meaty" role in each's respective film, and their veteran acting experience helped them to present a colorful somewhat eccentric over the top character who added dimension and interest when he was on camera--which was often. Both actors created a rather florid but quite believable villain.

D'Artagnan--(Warren William v. Louis Jourdan). William was one of the most busy leading men of the 1930s, and already had several significant such roles under his belt. See e.g. Cleopatra, Lady For A Day and Imitation Of Life. Jourdan was also established as a popular leading man in such vehicles as Letter From An Unknown Woman, Gigi and The Paradine Case. Each made a convincing D'Artagnan, with Jourdan the more animated of the two.

Colbert--(Walter Kingsford v. Ralph Richardson). Richardson was one of England's most prominent and gifted actors, and he conveyed gravity and dimension to every line he spoke. Kingsford was a relatively minor character actor who may be best known as the humane hospital administrator in the MGM Dr. Kildare series. Richardson's wit and humor are fully evident in his few brief but highly effective scenes.

Director--(James Whale v. Mike Newell). Whale was the greatly talented creative force behind such varied projects as Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and Show Boat. Newell later directed Four Weddings And A Funeral, Enchanted April and Great Expectations (2012). Their ability to manage a large and complex film and bring out great work from the actors they directed is well established.

The Newell version of TMITIM is less well known than Whale's--which was the first sound presentation of the venerable classic. However, Newell's version is the first one in glorious color. Your pick!