In this sprightly adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas adventure, Richard Chamberlain plays both Louis XIV and his unfortunate, imprisoned twin. Money was obviously thrown at the production and it stuck: it looks good and has something of the bravura of Richard Lester's The Three Musketeers, which it tries to emulate. There's a strong supporting cast, including Louis Jourdan, Jenny Agutter and Patrick McGoohan, plus zippy direction by Mike Newell, who subsequently made Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Years have passed since the Three Musketeers, Aramis, Athos and Porthos, have fought together with their friend, D'Artagnan. But with the tyrannical King Louis using his power to wreak havoc in the kingdom while his twin brother, Philippe, remains imprisoned, the Musketeers reunite to abduct Louis and replace him with Philippe.