Four Musketeers, The (1974)

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:

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.

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