The Man in the Iron Mask

US (1939): Historical/Adventure

This famous Alexandre Dumas père costume adventure is about a twin brother of Louis XV kept hidden away in a prison and forced to wear an iron mask to hide his identity. This second of five screen versions was directed by James Whale for UA and features Louis Hayward in the dual roles of Louis and his brother, and Warren William as swordsman D'Artagnan. First made with Douglas Fairbanks in 1929 as The Iron Mask, with later versions made in 1976, 1978 (The Fifth Musketeer), and 1998. In this version, Joan Bennett plays Princess Maria Theresa, and the other three musketeers are Alan Hale (Porthos), Miles Mander (Aramis) and Bert Roach (Athos). Joseph Schildkraut, Marian Martin, Montgue Love and Albert Dekker are featured in supporting roles. (The future star of British horror classics, Peter Cushing, plays the king's messenger in the film and also appears as Louis Hayward's double in "over the back" shots when the film's twin brothers confront one another.) (amctv.com)

 View a clip from this film on YouTube.com.