Review of The Three Musketeers (1948) by Henrik S — 19 Feb 2009

An enjoyable costume romp in spirit of Disney live-action.

Besides the rather grim ending (which is not as grim as it may sound= the movie is a jolly and happy dance through Dumas' classic tale of the three (plus 1) musketeers.

I say dance, but do not expect the lead Gene Kelly to burst out in song or start the odd rig. This movie, which claims to be Gene Kelly's favourite of his own non-musical films, still very much relies on Kelly's athleticism when it comes to his fight scenes, which are carefully choreogprahed. He jumps and leaps across the stage in his usual manner, always the huge smile on his lips.

Besides Vincent Price, the rest of the cast (especially the other musketeers) are a bit unspectacular and dull. The female Lead (Lana Turner) plays to her strenght but her character is too simple and shallow to put in anything else but a bombshell (That is how she likes like in fact, even if this is supposed to be a period piece, her hair & hat, straight from the 40ies).

The movie is enjoyable, but regarding how gritty the novel actually is, this movie can be a dissapointment to some and come over more as a Americanized fluffy-Disney version of an otherwise edgy tale of politics and passion.

Still worth checking out when in the right mood (a cozy autumn evening anyone), for Kelly's antics and the colourful set & costume design make up for lack in depth.