THE THREE MUSKETEERS (1948) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - George Sidney

 

Written by - Robert Ardrey (based on a novel by Alexandre Dumas pére)

 

Starring - Lana Turner, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, Van Heflin, Angela Lansbury, Frank Morgan, Vincent Price, Keenan Wynn, John Sutton, Gig Young

 

 

 

"The famous Alexandre Dumas tale of espionage and adventure circling around the characters of D’Artagnan and the three muskateers is perhaps given one of its best cinematic adaptations with this star studded 1948 film. The screenplay is witty, the adventure and plot developments are gripping from start to finish and the swashbuckling sword fighting scenes are sensational; this film is a wonderful product of its time although some may find its leniance towards the romantic comedy and quirky side of the story a little frustrating and untrue to the original novel – though the original novel too did show the stubborn and alienated side of chivalry and pride. The casting of Gene Kelly in the role of D’Artagnan is amazing, as he brings grace and romance to the adventurous character; among the other castings, Vincent Price as the sinister and scheming Richelieu stands out."

 

 

Adventure, USA