I first learned that there was a novel called "The Man in the Iron Mask" when a movie adaptation got released in 1998 starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Louis. I've never seen that one, but I've now seen James Whale's 1939 adaptation. Quite a show. It's got plenty of the swashbuckling stuff seen in the era's adventure movies, with some fine sets and costumes to boot, and an Academy Award-nominated score.
I should note that the movie's pomp led me to throw out MST3K-style comments occasionally, partly due to the presence of Alan Hale, Sr. (yes, the Skipper's dad; whenever he was on screen, I said things like "Thanks a lot, Gilligan!"). Also, when Princess Maria Theresa first entered the scene, I said that her dress appeared to be covered with leeches (I also implied that someone had, ahem, pleasured himself onto the dress).
Aside from that, it's a fine piece of work. A real credit to James Whale. If the name sounds familiar, he directed "Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man". As noted in Bill Condon's "Gods and Monsters", Whale - played by Ian McKellen - was probably the only openly gay person in Hollywood in his era.
I should note that the movie's pomp led me to throw out MST3K-style comments occasionally, partly due to the presence of Alan Hale, Sr. (yes, the Skipper's dad; whenever he was on screen, I said things like "Thanks a lot, Gilligan!"). Also, when Princess Maria Theresa first entered the scene, I said that her dress appeared to be covered with leeches (I also implied that someone had, ahem, pleasured himself onto the dress).
Aside from that, it's a fine piece of work. A real credit to James Whale. If the name sounds familiar, he directed "Frankenstein" and "The Invisible Man". As noted in Bill Condon's "Gods and Monsters", Whale - played by Ian McKellen - was probably the only openly gay person in Hollywood in his era.