Rating  - The Man in the Iron Mask
No offence to DiCaprio but Richard Chamberlain's duel role of "The Man in the Iron Mask" was definitely better. It amazes me only foreign versions of this on DVD are available. Why not a Region 1 version? Chamberlain did three wonderful Dumas classics, this "The Count of Monte Cristo", and "The Three Musketeers". The first two are not available on Region 1 DVDs after all these years. Great movie that I highly recommend for the whole family. Let's hope someone like Criterion gets the rights for both Chamberlain's Dumas movies that aren't available and does a proper job of releasing them. If you enjoyed this catch "The Three Musketeers" and "Shogun". - C. Luster
Rating - Best Version of the Tale Needs a US DVD
I've watched my VHS tape of this many times, for the tight script, plentiful action, fast pace, rousing score, and wonderful supporting cast (Patrick McGoohan and Ralph Richardson the standouts). But the heart of the picture is Richard Chamberlain's dual performance as the good and evil brothers: mesmerizing to watch the change in expression and bearing as he moves between the two. One of my favorite films.
Rating  - non-US dvd; deceptive seller
seller didn't say DVD was not for US DVD players -- worthless -- seller not recommended
Rating  - A Case Of Extreme Sibling Rivalry- -17th Century Style..............
This is a very entertaining and well-done television production from the late 1970's, set in 1600's France, and based on the historical adventure novel by Alexandre Dumas. The producers spared no expense for this television movie........the stellar ensemble cast includes many noteworthy names from both sides of the Atlantic, and the lavish French chateaus and castles used for all the location filming are truly spectacular.
The compelling story of identical twin brothers, each the antithesis of the other, and each fighting to become the rightful ruler of France, has been successfully adapted to film numerous times--first in 1939, and most recently in 1998, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead. In this version from 1977, Richard Chamberlain handles the dual roles of the self-absorbed King Louis XIV, and his sensitive, commoner brother, Philippe. Having previously performed in classical period films such as Portrait of A Lady, Hamlet, The Three Musketeers, and The Count Of Monte Cristo, all to much acclaim, Richard Chamberlain brought both experience and panache to this double role. (The American actor became so adept at portraying classical roles, U. S. producers began questioning his ability to take on contemporary American roles.) He gives wonderful performances as both characters, but particularly shines in his work as King Louis XIV, the unscrupulous, reprehensible ruler of France. He demonstrates a seemingly effortless on-screen chemistry with Patrick McGoohan, who gives a memorable performance as the equally loathsome enabler to the King, Fouquet.
Richard Chamberlain's and Patrick McGoohan's noteworthy portrayals are wonderfully enhanced by the exceptional work done by an all star supporting cast. Ralph Richardson, Ian Holm, Louis Jourdan, and Jenny Agutter are all marvelous in their respective roles, adding depth, richness, and overall excellence to the final production.
Though it was filmed almost 30 years ago, this remains a very entertaining and beautifully produced adaptation of the beloved Dumas novel. The movie does not drag, and moves along at a steady pace as it builds to it's rightful conclusion of good overcoming evil, or in this particular case, good brother overcoming evil brother, to secure his rightful place on the throne.
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