I first saw this version in the early 1970's on late night TV and recently in the 1990's can't wait for it to come out on DVD! Georges Marchal does a fantastic acting job as D'Artagnan. A gorgeous man for sure physically though he doesn't resemble the D'Artagnan character in the book Jean-Paul Belmondo in the 1959 and Gerard Barray in Bernard Borderie's 1961 2 part TV production did resemble the character. This story followed the book and thankfully did not omit too many characters or streamline characters. The Musketeers are well cast and defined. The Constance and Kitty are well cast. They are just like the characters written in the book.Cardinal Richelieu and Count de Rochefort excellent. Yvonne Sanson was a beautiful Mediterranean dark haired Milady de Winter and against physical type (Milady as everyone knows was a blonde)turned in a wonderful performance. Her performance was very much like Lana Turner's 1948 and Mylene Demongeot's 1961 and in my opinion she was just as good. Pia Douwes in the Dutch 2003 made a stunning auburn haired Milady de Winter.Acting and looks make the difference not hair color or physical type. Bourvil did a great job as Planchet as did Keenan Wynn in the 1948 and George Kinnear 1973 but for those familiar with the book Planchet though a lackey was not a clown and he himself went into military service himself at the end of the novel. The sets,scenery,authentic 17th century costumes are great.This movie did get film awards. As one user said the movie is slow and is right but it is not boring! I recommend this film to anyone who likes classic takes on Alexandre Dumas Three Musketeers. This film compares favorably with the Gene Kelly 1948 Three Musketeers and the 1961 Gerard Barray 2 part production.
Review of The Three Musketeers
