“The Man In The Iron Mask”

Northern Advocate, 2 December 1939, Page 12

“The Man In The Iron Mask”

Lovely Joan Bennett and handsome Louis Hayward are romantically teamed for the first time in the tense and thrilling story of “The Man in the Iron Mask,” the new Edward Small romantic drama of the reign of Louis XIV. of France.

Directed by James Whale, this new production features in its supporting cast such top-notch players as Warren William, Joseph Schildkraut, Alan Hale. Miles Mander, Bert Roach, Walter Kingsford, Marian Martin, Montagu Love and Doi'is Kenyon.

The story of “The Man in the Iron Mask” is based on the novel by Alexander Dumas and dramatises the enmity and hatred between King Louis XIV. of France and his twin brother Philippe. Until he is about to execute his own brother for treason, fixe cruel monarch is unaware that he has a twin. Learning the news, he fears that a plot to dethrone him in his brother’s favour may bear fruit and he decides to put Philippe out of the way for good. He has him encased in the monstrous iron mask, one of the grimmest forms of torture used in those gory days.

The film brings back to the screen the swashbuckling fearless Musketeers and introduces several scenes of fencing and swordplay. Portraying the Musketeers are Warren William, Alan Hale and Miles Mander, vyhile Louis' crafty minister is portrayed by Joseph Schildkraut.

Joan Bennett, looking more beautiful and arresting than ever in her brunette tresses, plays the part of the piquante and cjuick tempered Maria Theresa of Spain, betrothed to Louis to cement the two countries. “The Man in the Iron Mask” boasts some of the most lavish sets ever built in Hollywood. Some forty odd settings, including the King’s Palace, his hunting grounds at Fontainbleu, the streets of Paris, the torture chambers of the Bastille and an ancient French cathedral, were constructed under the supervision of John DuCasse Schulze, Mr Small’s famous art director.