The Four Musketeers (1974), directed by Richard Lester.
"Milady's Revenge": the second half of the story, begun with The Three Musketeers (1973).
The comedy and great action sequences continue, but the story turns darker with Athos's sorrow and Milady's conspiracy against the English Prime Minister and revenge on poor Constance. George MacDonald Fraser was an admirer of The Three Musketeers (1948) and his screenplay follows that structure.
We don't expect such murders and execution in this light-hearted adventure. That makes it a better film somehow. I'm always startled with how much I enjoy both halves of the story, and what fine film-making it is.
Notes:
I noticed this time that the actors do a lot of their own stunts.
As in the first part, when servants are slapped they have to say "thank you".
Milady's seduction and corruption of Felton the Puritan is quick, skillful, merciless.
The actors are doing some of their best work here. All seem relaxed and living their parts in a natural way. Oliver Reed, Christopher Lee, Charlton Heston: very fine.
David Watkin returns as cinematographer (it was shot with The Three Musketeers (1973) as one film) but Lalo Schifrin takes over the music with a rousing adventure score.
Available on Blu-ray in the same two disc set from Optimum in the UK which includes The Three Musketeers (1973). Region A-B, no English subtitles, 24.0hz video.