Hollywood Versions of ‘The Three Musketeers’ Through Time

Through the years, a number of classic remakes reverently following the story of the renowned French novel about a man who follows his dream to become a musketeer have been released in various countries. Hollywood has its own significant share of these direct renditions. Although they come from different decades, many of these works are all titled "The Three Musketeers," which is also the title of its 19th century source material from famed writer Alexandre Dumas.

"The Three Musketeers" (1948)

"The Three Musketeers" became the third talkie film based on the novel and the first adaptation produced in Technicolor. George Sidney directed this splashy and finely acted piece with stars Gene Kelly and Lana Turner leading the cast. It was nominated for Best Cinematography for the color film category at the 1949 Academy Awards.

This swashbuckling story features the adventures of a young provincial noble who goes to Paris to fulfill his dream of becoming a musketeer. He begins as an upstart cadet training under the elite musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. This leads him to many escapades involving the king and queen and his newfound musketeer friends.

"The Three Musketeers" (1973)

"The Three Musketeers" is the first of the novel's two-film adaptation helmed by Richard Lester. It features Michael York, Oliver Reed, Frank Finlay, and Richard Chamberlain as the film's acting ensemble of valiant characters. Originally intended as a three-hour film, it was later cut into two separate projects. The second film, "The Four Musketeers," was released a year after.

The story follows the life of a young swordsman named D'Artagnan who goes to Paris to fulfill his dream to become a king's musketeer. He comes nearer to his goal as he meets the three musketeers Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. However, politics and romance entangle his life in Paris. The film won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress - Musical/Comedy for Raquel Welch, along with a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy.

"The Three Musketeers" (1993)

"The Three Musketeers" by Stephen Herek is often remembered for its hit theme song "All for Love" by Bryan Adams. This 1990s version features Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O'Donnell, Oliver Platt, and Tim Curry in the major roles. Its lighthearted, swashbuckling story is filled with jokes and stunts typically expected of a Disney live-action fare.

This Disney-produced project recounts D'Artagnan's quest to become a musketeer. While it still follows the novel's storyline, it takes cinematic license to alter some parts of French history and the relationship between Athos and Milady de Winter. Unlike in the book, where she is hanged to death, in this film the villainess escapes and plots revenge against Athos. Yet, at some point, she helps the musketeers before making a crucial decision about her own fate.

"The Three Musketeers" (2011)

"The Three Musketeers" is the first musketeer movie to release in 3D. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Logan Lerman, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz, Milla Jovovich, Ray Stevenson, Luke Evans, and Matthew Macfadyen, this loose adaptation presents the movie as a steampunk-influenced piece.

Although it received many bad reviews, the movie's main selling point is visual effects that attempt to maximize what the 3D format can offer. This franchise reboot of the classic tale features the hot-tempered young D'Artagnan who joins forces with the three rogue musketeers. They must fight a beautiful, deceiving female villain and her employer, who is determined to overthrow the French throne and lead Europe to war.

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