This show along with Chamberlain's "Count of Monte Christo" shows why he was regarded as the star meant to play royalty. The wonderful thing though is that he does not command the show by his presence only. Every one of the main characters puts in a believable & inspired performance.This is one of my all time bests. Some today may think it doesn't move quickly enough but I feel in a time that horseback was the fastest mode of land transport this pacing is correct & I enjoyed it.It begins with a kidnapping & exile to a prison island off France's coast. There the unknown is placed in an iron mask to conceal his face for all time. As a mystery more than anything else is how the movie was shot. There is no misdirection though. From scene to scene you move without knowing who or maybe what is going on but it is rapidly revealed as the next mystery comes on screen.Here you have royal France before its fall. The 2 personalities of the king, his queen from Spain, the philandering & the true love story not to mention the Musketeers & all the supporting roles both Good & Evil for this is a Good vs. Evil story line as all here are one or the other except for those being trampled by the conflict. Keep an eye on the island blacksmith. If you like romantic adventure, political intrigue & quiet heroism this is for you. If your bored unless there are multiple & rapid scene changes you will not like this.Cast includes: Richard Chamberlain, Patrick McGoohan, Louis Jourdan, Jenny Agutter, Ian Holm (Bilbo) & Vivien Merchant & Brenda Bruce as the Queens. Parts I'm sure few actresses wanted to play & they play them brilliantly.Just thinking of this picture makes me smile. 5 STARS.