The most ridiculous, indicative, one might say, reference comedy with the participation of the legendary comic quartet "Charlots". These guys are really great - they made some killer funny comedies, but only here, in "4 Musketeers," did they appear in all the splendor of their talents.
The difference of this film from such comedies as "Recruits Going to War" or "Crazy at the Stadium" is that, firstly, it is a parody of numerous screen versions of the famous Dumas novel, and, secondly, the director does not give " Charlottess "to turn everything that happens on the screen into a simple clownery with grimaces, grimaces and jumps, to which this clown group constantly strives. Their previous comedies staged by Claude Zidi are rather plotless variety-circus acts, and this film is a full-fledged sitcom, a true masterpiece of buffoon and parody art.
In the film, all the main values of France are ridiculed, everything that the great writer wrote out in his novel with such zeal, everything that great actors and directors have been recreating on the screens for years. All that for years was called true French - French spirit, musketeer honor, courage, battles for the heart of a beautiful lady, royal stories about pendants - all this is exposed in such an idiotic light that it is simply impossible to watch serious comedies after this comedy.
The main characters here are, of course, clever, cunning and cheerful servants of the musketeers, while the musketeers themselves are exposed to arrogant, blunt idlers who are worthless without their servants. The cardinal is a complete moron, the king is a loser, the sadist father Zherbe is just a sex maniac and a fool. A lot of funniest tricks, adventures and funny gags accompany the adventures of four servants - they left the cardinal's guardsmen without pants, gave kicks to the king and the cardinal, dressed Buckingham into a woman - which they didn't do!
The fantasies and ingenuity of "Charlots" and the writers do not get tired of being surprised. At the same time, they still managed to preserve the charm of the original musketeers, did not make a pathetic parody of the novel, namely, offered him an ironic rethinking. Laughing at yourself never hurts! The film is very smart and also shot in stunning scenery and give odds to many of these productions. Our, for example, the production of "The Three Musketeers" is significantly inferior to the beauty of the costumes and scenery of this uncommon comedy.
In everything that happens on the screen, the experienced hand of a great professional is felt. Still would! If you take a look at the director's name, you immediately understand how "Charlots" managed not to overstep his foolishness - Andre Yunnabel, the creator of the genius trilogy "Fantômas" - one of the best French comedies.
Well, of course, what a French comedy without fights, chases, disguises, substitutions, witty dialogues and beautiful girls? None So here we will see fascinating horse races, parody fights with swords, as well as with batons, rakes, crayfish and blacksmiths. And the girls are just beautiful, especially the beautiful Catherine Jordan as Anna of Austria and charming Josephine Chaplin as Constance.
Fascinating, classic, arrogant comedy, one of the most exciting films of the 70s in this genre. The best film "Charlots", a true comedy masterpiece!
