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      The Man in the Iron Mask

      Released Jul 13, 1939 1h 50m Adventure List
      Reviews 73% 5,000+ Ratings Audience Score Tyrannical King Louis XIV (Louis Hayward) learns that he has an identical twin brother, Philippe (also Hayward), who was raised from birth by his late father's trusted friend D'Artagnan (Warren William) and his faithful musketeers, Porthos, Athos and Aramis. After Philippe falls for the king's betrothed, Spanish Princess Maria Theresa (Joan Bennett), Louis imprisons him, forcing his brother to don an iron mask that will slowly suffocate him -- and it's up to D'Artagnan to rescue him. Read More Read Less

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      Critics Reviews

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      Sean Axmaker Parallax View [Director James] Whale turns the dialogue into a duel in its own right, with the advisors currying favor with the corrupt King Louis XIV and the Musketeers jabbing away with witty comments. Feb 19, 2012 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Favors the duller romance parts to the action parts. Rated: B Nov 18, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      jordan m I didn't care for any of the actors or their performances in this movie and thus I mostly appreciated it for its treatment of the source material. They switched up the right things to make the plot far easier to follow along with and the nature of films had advanced in the 10 years since the last Iron Mask adaptation to slow down the diction and allow for the enormous quantity of dialogue scenes to not feel like a tremendous bore. The music was good, though the quieter parts of the film could've used more of it. I look forward to seeing the '98 version of this tale and being done with it! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The best thrilling movie ever made! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member director james whale breathes so much needed like into this often filmed classic Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member The future of France depends on this moment. King Louis XIV has twin sons and is concerned that they will divide his country so he exiles one. The king dies and the non-exiled son becomes king. He quickly ensures his brother will never be heard from again by having an iron mask put on him and the brother hidden. The exiled brother will need to find a way to make his back to France before he is beheaded. "End the resemblance." James Whale, director of Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Old Dark House, The Kiss Before the Mirror, One More River, and Show Boat, delivers The Man in the Iron Mask. The storyline for this picture is fascinating with several clever twists. The settings and acting is solid and the cast includes Louis Hayward, Joan Bennett, Alan Hale, Warren William, and Marion Martin. "You're a beautiful liar." I randomly came across this on Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and decided to DVR this classic. I thoroughly enjoyed this picture and thought it was entertaining and worthwhile. This is one of the greats but may not be worth adding to your collection. I recommend seeing this once. "I am a very unusual person." Grade: B- Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review s r Faithful to the tale, but not engaging. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Interesting! The 3 Musketeers and D'Artagnan. King of France..Queen Maria Theresa.. History in there. Sets were Beautiful. Too bad it wasn't in color. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The Man in the Iron Mask

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Tyrannical King Louis XIV (Louis Hayward) learns that he has an identical twin brother, Philippe (also Hayward), who was raised from birth by his late father's trusted friend D'Artagnan (Warren William) and his faithful musketeers, Porthos, Athos and Aramis. After Philippe falls for the king's betrothed, Spanish Princess Maria Theresa (Joan Bennett), Louis imprisons him, forcing his brother to don an iron mask that will slowly suffocate him -- and it's up to D'Artagnan to rescue him.
      Director
      James Whale
      Production Co
      Edward Small Productions
      Genre
      Adventure
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Jul 13, 1939, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Nov 7, 2018
      Runtime
      1h 50m
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