So did anyone find this version boring?
I watched last night, thinking I'd never seen this one before. But, twenty minutes into it, I realized I'd caught it on cable once and ended up turning the channel because it was so dull. Still, I figured I'd give it another chance and sat through it all.
The things right about it: it followed the book fairly well. And Gene made an enthusiastic, if miscast, D'Artagnan.
The things wrong with it: the fencing just seemed to be another way to show off Gene's dancing, and those scenes went on way too long.
The instant love between D'Artagnan and Constance. Maybe that hokey stuff washed over in 1948, but it is eye rollingly stupid now.
The fact that Athos, Porthos, and Aramis played such a small role in this movie, especially Porthos and Aramis. I get that D'Artagnan is considered by most to be the main character, but without the other three, D'Artagnan is just another dull hero. And I don't know if Dumas ever realized the original three musketeers were far more interesting than his hero, but they truly are far more complex and story worthy than their young Gascon friend.
The script. UGH. What was with the constant laughing with Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Laughing, laughing, laughing. Even when NOTHING was funny. It made them look like cartoons. Not to mention the melodramatic dialogue.
Overall, it was just a dull movie. I love the book, so I generally stick it out to the end of all versions of the movies. But here's a hint to any future makers of another version:
All four men are equally important, as they function as a UNIT. Their relationships, that brotherhood, is what makes the story special. The adventure is good too, but it isn't half as interesting when the friendship between the men isn't shown or stressed.
Didn't like the movie and wouldn't recommend it.