As I put the finishing touches on my presentation for Sunday, I have been taking breaks with more swashbuckling: James Whale’s 1939 version of The Man in the Iron Mask. Returning stars of a recent view Louis Hayward and Joan Bennett, as the twins and the queen-to-be respectively. A great cast all around — it’s James Whale, of course there is! Surely people could realise that whenever they run into Joseph Schildkraut on film you cannot trust him! I want to hope that in life outside the soundstage he was in contrast a lovely man. He does have an ‘as told to’ autobiography so I should hunt it down. Keep an eye out for Peter Cushing in a tiny role! Joan gets a little more adventure in this film than the last one, but still not much.

Much fun if a little unevenly paced (which actually did not detract from watching it in pieces). Hayward relishes playing the two roles. Warren William makes a poignant d’Artagnan. I’m trying to figure out how I’ve not got around to reading the novel since, as you know, I love Dumas, but I realise it’s probably because on one hand, there’s a very sad element as it’s the last Musketeers adventure. Also nightmare fuel in that mask. I shudder with all my claustrophic fears.