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I saw this movie around 1960 on an old black and white TV. I had no idea that it was in color until it turned up on TCM. Had to get the DVD, and am very pleased to see it in color. I always liked this version of the familiar story of THE THREE MUSKETEERS because of Gene Kelly playing a kind of Douglas Fairbanks clone, the "Our Love" background music theme when he sees June Allyson for the first time, the stunning beauty of Lana Turner playing a very bad girl, and the boisterous action sequences with swordplay galore. Loaded with big name actors (Vincent Price, Van Heflin, Gig Young, Frank Morgan, Keenan Wynn, Angela Lansbury), the film is one of the better adventure movies that came from MGM.
I'm surprised that I didn't purchase this movie on DVD before now, but I'm glad I took the time to do so. Good quality picture, great adventure, great music - just a good time wrapped within one package! Of course, the movie is not accurate to Dumas' book, but that's ok, we still have fun watching anyways! Though, I'd be curious to see a movie very accurately portrayed ... but, I suppose that would have to be a Television series! The book is quite long, but well worth the read .... The movie, like the novel, is set on the first Monday of April 1625; even though the real d'Artagnan, of history fame, did not arrive in the capital until 1640 (though some historians insist that it was earlier); careful sleuthing will reveal, however, the later date to be accurate... Armed with a large, funny looking yellow horse; excellent advice from his father (even though the real d'Artagnan's father was probably dead by this time); fantastic advice; a few coins in his purse; a balm treatment from his mother (for any wound that hadn't reached the heart yet); piercing, but intelligent eyes; and a long sword hanging from his side, the young Gascon adventurer was ready to take Paris by storm!... Gene Kelly, I thought, did an excellent job in the role as the young man - though he himself was older than the role suggests, he still thrills as he does his stunts and acrobats, much like his own role model Douglas Fairbanks Sr had done some years earlier (in 1921) in his own role as d'Artagnan, filmed as a silent movie. But here, we not only have talking and a music score, but we have wonderful technicolor! They sure don't make them like they used to, eh? ... Following Gene is Van Heflin as Athos; Gig Young as Porthos; Robert Coote as Aramais; Vincent Price who makes an excellent Cardinal Richelieu; and Lana Turner as the evil Lady de Winter. As I understand it, this is the first movie portrayal of the Musketeers that actually attempts to do the entire novel, as others before it merely made it to the scene of d'Artagnan retrieving the queen's diamonds .... If you love old movies; if you love old swashbucklers; if you love good movies in general, you will love Gene Kelly's Musketeers! But, be prepared for a light-hearted romp (most of the film anyway). Later, we do get to see some drama.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
Pleasantly surprised by this MGM product from the 40's. Lana Turner and Vincent Price were great as the villains and the other supporting cast did their parts well. The lighting, costumes, and sets were some of the best MGM had to offer - perfect if not historically accurate. Music score (while classical) would have served much better if it were original. The real prize though is Gene Kelly. His homage to Douglas Fairbanks is second to none. His acrobatics are flawless and that Irish charm shows through - even if he's supposed to be French. Worth viewing at least once.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Gene Kelly in his prime doing his own stunts! He never made a bad movie. Tyrone Power in Zoro, Errol Flynn in Robin Hood and now Gene Kelly in The Three Musketeers, What a Line up! Popcorn anyone?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Of all the Three Musketeer movies this one is the best. A perfect combination of comedy and talent. Great sword fighting with no CGI back when this movie was made.The newer movies fail to impress with their lame, no talent actors.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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