Favorite Hollywood Adaptation of a Classic Novel

I read Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers when I was in high school. I think Richard Lester's '70's adaptation is one of the finest ever. Even with the liberties taken, it captures the spirit of the book quite well, in my opinion. I loved the reckless action- the fight choreography has a certain imperfect "clumsiness", with a dash of humor.

I thought Richard Chamberlain looked every inch the part of a musketeer, and the other cast members were also perfect.



In this clip:

D'Artagnan (Michael York) arrives at the Paris headquarters of des Mousquetaires du Roi where he is turned down for entry into the famed unit, but does manage to arrange three duels with his future friends Athos (Oliver Reed), Porthos (Frank Finlay) and Aramis (Richard Chamberlain). This wonderful 1973 Richard Lester adaptation of Dumas novel is filled with swashbuckling action, romance, comedy and brilliant production design. Great fun from start to finish.

In this clip:

D'Artagnan (Michael York) arrives in the courtyard to fight duels with Athos (Oliver Reed), Porthos (Frank Finlay) and Aramis (Richard Chamberlain) and ends up helping them defeat six members of the Cardinal's Guard. Great action and wonderful humor in Richard Lester's 1973 adaptation of Dumas' novel. The Cast is brilliant and only matched by the beautiful costumes, impeccable production design and exquisite cinematography. A sequel (The Four Musketeers) was shot simultaneously, which created some problems with producers and cast since everyone was paid for one movie. Another twist in the history of Hollywood accounting.

The movie (or "movies") had a cast of stars. Among them, Charlton Heston:



Sorry I've not blogged all week, nor made my rounds. Been awfully busy, and needing a break.