The Four Musketeers (1975)

Richard Lester's adaptation of Dumas' literary masterpiece is simply terrific, and for me the definitive version. This sequel while not quite as good is still excellent and one of the better follow-ups out there. The film is not as efficiently paced as its predecessor, but so much compensates. The cinematography, costumes and scenery are all very lavish and beautiful and there is also a rousing and energetic score to compliment. The script is witty, the story is compelling and maintains the 1973 film's spirit and the sword-play and action while slightly more slapsticky is exciting. Plus the direction is great. The cast also give it their all- Michael York is spirited and likable, Oliver Reed once again comes very close to stealing the film, Fay Dunnaway is still beautiful and haunting, Charlton Heston is calculated and imposing and Christopher Lee is simply brilliant as Rochefort. All in all, very good and if you watch this and The Three Muskerteers head to head, you're in for a great time I assure you. 8/10 Bethany Cox

"The Three Musketeers" continues in this cobbled sequel, created as a cost measure for garnishing more profits from a single shoot.And this is the film's only real drawback. A distinct lack of coverage cuts into this film's otherwise fine pedigree, and instead of a fun, adventurous and humorous swashbuckler with dramatic overtones, we're given a film that, in spite of its great technical achievements, feels like it came out of the oven too soon.Most of us know the story of why, so I won't repeat it here in this review, but it's regrettable that the short sighted economics dictated the final cut of a film. A lack of cutaways, a new music director whose style is distinctly different from the original score, and some uncorrected shots, leaves "The Four Musketeers" falling a notch or two below its older brother.But, even so, the film is still entertaining. For all of its flaws and checkered history, the cinematic qualities that were achieved in this film's predecessor, are still found here for the most part. Dramatically the actors are left without a route to create something knew for the characters, and the plot plods somewhat from event-first to event-final. But the actors are able to sell it otherwise.The action scenes are fine, but again the epic scenes are truncated, leaving the audience only a taste of what might have been. And that's probably how best to describe the impromptu sequel to "The Three Muketeers". The action scenes are what they are; good in some areas, adequate in others.Anchor Bay's DVD, for some reason, doesn't include the French opening credits, but the extras and color corrected and digitally mastered DVD for both musketeer films is a welcome addition to anyone's library.In short, the second film is not quite as good as the first film, but is still very entertaining, and, in this way, still a very magnificent piece of cinema. Enjoy!p.s. the Anchor Bay edition DVD corrects the washed out copy I saw in the theatre 30 years ago. Thanks Anchor Bay.

THE FOUR MUSKETEERS, the second half of Richard Lester's brilliant adaptation of Dumas' THE THREE MUSKETEERS, carries on the manic adventures of D'Artagnan (Michael York), and his comrades (Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain, and Frank Finley), and offers deliriously comic moments (a picnic in the midst of a siege is a comic highlight), but in being faithful to the novel, a necessary but tragic thread runs through the plot, with the deaths of key characters tempering the joy of the ultimate resolution.Because the film wasn't intended to 'stand on it's own', certain elements had to be added, to make the story more cohesive. The most obvious addition is a voice-over introduction by Porthos (Frank Finley), who reminisces about the events on screen. The choice of Finley is a wise one, as he was the most accessible of the characters in the first film, and his "blissfully ignorant" attitude keeps his opening and closing monologues a 'tongue-in-cheek' joy.Politics and intrigue are the order of the day, as Cardinal Richelieu (Charlton Heston, still sleekly villainous) continues his machinations to eliminate French Protestants, and his major opponent, England's Prime Minister, the Duke of Buckingham (Simon Ward). A key player in 'the game' is Milady de Winter (Faye Dunaway, in one of her best roles), who agrees to eliminate Buckingham, if Richelieu will pardon 'in advance' her plans to murder D'Artagnan and his ladylove, Constance (Raquel Welch). The note he signs would become a key element of the story.Hoping to protect Constance, D'Artagnan sends her to an Abbey, then impetuously begins an affair with de Winter, not realizing the woman's ultimate goal. Only the discovery of a 'Fleur-de-Lis' tattoo on her arm, branding her a 'harlot', saves the boy, as it unbalances the woman long enough for him to temporarily subdue her, and escape. The news of de Winter's brand exposes Athos' aristocratic past, and reason for his alcoholism.Just as Van Heflin's interpretation of Athos during this key scene in the 1948 THREE MUSKETEERS was the film highlight, the flashback to a younger, clean-shaven, and dashing Oliver Reed, and his betrayal by Faye Dunaway, who would be branded for her crime, is a high point in the 1974 production. Milady is a calculating, insensitive monster, and as the depth of her potential for evil becomes known, the darkness that is introduced nearly overcomes the film. With a cunning almost feral, she ruthlessly arranges the death of Buckingham, then takes care of Constance personally. Finally captured by the four Musketeers, her doom, while justified, is a jarring counterpoint to the earlier adventures of the happy-go-lucky quartet.Yet the four comrades survive, and with the possession of Richelieu's note to Milady, are not punished for their actions, but granted extraordinary rewards by King Louis. Richelieu himself is impressed by D'Artagnan's amazing talent and luck, and arranges a promotion for the young Gascon.As the four friends leave the Palace, facing far different futures, Porthos reflects on the camaraderie of the friends, and through flashbacks, we are reminded of the glorious adventure we've shared with them. THE THREE and FOUR MUSKETEERS are a crowning achievement in Richard Lester's remarkable career, capturing a 'feel' that no other Dumas' adaptation has ever come close to. While the sequel may lack the unrestrained 'joy' of the first film, when seen together, the overall impact of the saga is unforgettable.They don't come any better than this!

One of the opening scenes depicts the musketeers having a pic-nic in the middle of a battlefield and under fire for the sheer bravado of the act. This is taken straight from the novel and is one of my favorite scenes from Dumas. It shows the frivolous attitude that men at this time had towards the likelyhood of their death. The only chance of advancement, fortune and glory most younger sons had was to hang it all out and prove their worthiness in battle.Please note that this is the only Musketeer film that ever showed Athos, Aramis, D'Artagnan and Porthos exercising their trade as soldiers. These are not superheroes. They are men serving their country, caught up in politically charged situations.