Fine production values, atmospheric wintry locales, an appealing cast and just the right balance of drama with tongue-in-cheek. I think "Da Vinci's Demons" covers a lot of similar ground - swashbuckling, buxom wenches, well toned abs, spies, carousing in the tavern, evil church figures, pretty European scenery. All actors with English accents.
Yes, it's a 'romp' and will rate well.....but
... if you want to see the best version, seek out Richard Lester's "The Three Musketeers"(1973) and "The Four Musketeers" (released a year later but filmed together).
Great cast of British actors: Frank Finlay, Oliver Reed, Christopher Lee, Spike Milligan, Roy Kinnear. Charlton Heston having fun as Richelieu. Faye Dunaway as a kickass Milady. Raquel Welch in her best role as the klutzy Constance. All the cast have English accents (some Working Class, to denote the French class system), none with the "Allo, Allo" accent. This accent idea was quite groundbreaking for 1970's cinema.
Richard Lester combines action, steam punk (check out Richelieu's gadgets) and cheeky humour.
The definitive retelling of an old favourite.
Best line in the BBC version:
"Want to go to Heaven for 50 sous?"
"Are you a religious nutcase?"
"It was a metaphor."
A blog by a self-opinionated tosser from Melbourne, Australia. Now retired, he has too much time on his hands and needs to get a life. He will bore you rigid with his views, biases, recollections and travel tips. He reviews novels, TV shows and movies, making lists and crapping on about pop culture. You have been warned. Feedback encouraged.
Showing posts with label Richelieu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Richelieu. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
"The Musketeers" Episode 1 BBC review
Labels:
1973,
2014,
BBC,
Da Vinci's Demons,
Raquel Welch,
review,
Richard Lester,
Richelieu,
The Musketeers,
The Three Musketeers
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