The Man in the Iron Mask (TV 1977)

The story of Louis XIV of France and his attempts to keep his identical twin brother Philippe imprisoned away from sight and knowledge of the public, and Philippe's rescue by the aging ... See full summary »

Director:

Mike Newell

Writers:

William Bast (screenplay), Alexandre Dumas père (novel)

Stars:

Richard Chamberlain, Patrick McGoohan, Louis Jourdan

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Richard Chamberlain	...	Phillipe / Louis
Patrick McGoohan	...	Fouquet
Louis Jourdan	...	D'Artagnan
Jenny Agutter	...	Louise de la Valliere
Ian Holm	...	Duval
Ralph Richardson	...	Colbert
Vivien Merchant	...	Maria Theresa
Brenda Bruce	...	Anne of Austria
Esmond Knight	...	Armand
Godfrey Quigley	...	Baisemeaux
Emrys James	...	Percerin
Denis Lawson	...	Claude
Ann Zelda	...	Henriette (as Anne Zelda)
Hugh Fraser	...	Montfleury
Stacy Davis	...	Blacksmith

Storyline

The story of Louis XIV of France and his attempts to keep his identical twin brother Philippe imprisoned away from sight and knowledge of the public, and Philippe's rescue by the aging Musketeers, led by D'Artagnan.

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Plot Keywords:

musketeer | france | identical twins | prison | bastille | 

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Genres:

Adventure

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Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

A vasálarcos férfi

Filming Locations:

Cháteau de La Houssaye, France

Company Credits

Production Co:

Norman Rosemont Productions, ITC Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First film of Denis Lawson.

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Goofs

At about 35:50 min, when Colbert is at the tailor's to check the dress for the king, in the moment when the dress is brought into the room, you can see an electrical switch near the door frame as well as a cable running along the frame.

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Quotes

Fouquet: But please, don't let me interrupt your exercise.
D'Artagnan: Nonsense, it's a welcome intrusion for an aging swordsman.

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Connections

Version of The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

User Reviews

First rate

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.