THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK (1939) B/W 110m dir: James Whale

w/Louis Hayward, Joan Bennett, Warren William, Joseph Schildkraut, Alan Hale, Miles Mander, Bert Roach, Walter Kingsford, Marion Martin, Montagu Love, Peter Cushing

From The Movie Guide: "James Whale's high quality version of Dumas's classic tale of twin brothers, one the king of France and the other a prisoner at Isle St. Marguerite (Hayward, very fine in a dual role). William, as musketeer D'Artagnan, comes to the aid of the imprisoned brother, who is mercilessly forced to wear an iron mask to prevent anyone from realizing he is heir to the throne. Whale directed this elaborately costumed adventure with the greatest of verve and flair, though his career came to a halt in 1941. (Aging and frail, the master director committed suicide 16 years later.) This film also marked the first screen appearance of Peter Cushing."

Other remarkable films directed by James Whale include the original FRANKENSTEIN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, and the first and best version of SHOWBOAT.

THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK was nominated for an Oscar for Best Score (Lud Gluskin, Lucien Moraweck).