This is the third film adaptation of Alexander Dumas' nineteenth century novel The Man in the Iron Mask. Director Ken Annakin seems to be in awe of the swashbuckling tradition since he treats it in such a heroic fashion. Beau Bridges plays the roles of King Louis XIV and his twin brother Phillipe who was raised as a commoner. The villains, besides the King, are Ian McShane and Ursula Andress. The good fellows — hale and stalwart with swords — include old-timers Cornel Wilde, Lloyd Bridges, Alan Hale, Jr. and Jose Ferer. Also featured are Rex Harrison as a diplomat and Sylvia Kristel as a Spanish beauty destined to wed the King of France.

The Fifth Musketeer is old-fashioned film fare and will probably play better on TV than in the theatre.