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Review 1 The Man In The Iron Mask, is the most exciting of the Alexandre Dumas classics. As part of The Literary Masterpieces Collection, the multi-talented Richard Chamberlain, gave one of his finest performances playing the difficult dual roles of King Louis XIV and Philippe, twin brothers with totally different identities and destinies. Richard Chamberlain showed his dazzling acting range, portraying the evil, mean-spirited, cruel Louis, who is absorbed by his own pleasures, while simultaneously portraying his kind and generous twin brother, Philippe, who has been hidden away in prison, encased in a miserable iron mask. The tall, lean actor is ideally suited to play royalty, with his regal bearing, commanding voice, and ability to wear with dignity, the lavish royal period costumes, with their ruffles, wigs, capes, and plumes.
As this classic thriller reaches its climax, one brother will ascend to the throne, the other will be imprisoned for life. One is calculating and cruel...the other a gentle and generous jewel...which one will rule? By Judy Crocker Review 2 Richard plays twins one a vain vulgar bad tempered man who has no feelings not even for his wife or his mother. His twin who is an innocent pawn in a political game of chess who has no idea of his true identity his legacy the true king of France. Richard play both parts flawlessly. The story takes place in pre revolutionary France where Louis XIV dubbed The Sun King is the ruler of France. The Story is seen from Phillipes point of view and how A'Artagnan and M. Colbert are planning to replace louis with Phillipe on the throne of France and to complicate the story further they are both inlove with the same woman (Jenny Agutter). Before they put their plan into action they are scuppered by Fouquet (Patrick McGoohan) has learned that Phillipe is alive and has him taken to the I'le de Sainte Marguerite a prison about half a mile off shore from the French Riviera town of Cannes the islands is most famous for its fortress prison in which The Man in the Iron Mask was held in the 17th Century. Phillipe frightened and confused at being encased in an iron mask and not understanding his crimes or the reason why he is being treated in this way (my favourite scene) as the boat carrying his jailer away he climbes upto the window and watches helplessly and screams "WHY!!!???" everythime I watch this scene and hear that sends a shiver down my spine.
This story comes from the brilliant author Alexander Dumas who also wrote some really great historical novels like The Count of Monte Cristo and of Course The Musketeer stories. I recommened anyone who hasn't already seen these films yet to watch them because in my opinion they are some of the best films Richard has made I for one love these movies. By Theresa Brown
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The actor's tour de force comes in the movies climactic scenes, when Philippe must pretend to be Louis. He was brilliant, playing a character who must act like another character, when he himself has created both roles. The actor's beautiful face should never be hidden behind a mask of any kind, for Richard Chamberlain makes full use of his facial expressions to grip our emotions, when he first meets his Queen Mother. His face bespeaks the tragedy he has suffered. In his eyes, we see the loss, regret, and deep despair of one who has suffered immense pain. This emotionally charged scene is delivered powerfully by the savvy and classy actor, bringing his audience to tears as they behold his poise in the face of deep sorrow. This great story held me captive and spellbound as the cast of fine actors, led by the great Wizard Of Enchantment Richard Chamberlain, worked their magic. 
The Man in the Iron Mask is one of my favourite films starring Richard everytime I watch this movie I enjoy it even more this movie has everything romance mystery and swashbuckling, historical drama mixed in with some really good sword play which Richard does really well. 
The climax of the movie and in my opinion the best part of the film when the twins finally meet come face to face. They face each other for the first time in louise de la valliere bed chamber I thought the director Mike Newell did an excellent job with this scene especially when we louis hand going slowly to pull down Phillipes mask then we see the look of astonishment on Louis face when he see's his brother for the first like his mirror image staring back at him and he says "will you not embrace me brother." and fear is shown all over Louis face as he yells for help and D'Artagnan rushes in and the final act is about to begin the downfall of Louis XVI by his own subjects and is arrested and the fate awaits him a lifetime in an iron maskwhom the jailer believe is quite mad the man who thinks he is the king of France.