THE THREE MUST-GET-THERES
Starring Max Linder
MOTION PICTURE CLASSIC
November 1922
Do you want to enjoy a highly amusing burlesque? Then follow Max Linder, the French comedian, in a mocking travesty of "The Three Musketeers." The picture is adorned with a rather cumbersome title, "The Three Must-Get-Theres," but there's nothing cumbersome or clumsy in the delightful absurdities even if deft satire is missing. Don't think that the Linder piece encroaches on the Fairbanks domains. Doug's picture is sheer romance; Max's sheer tomfoolery. The gifted Frenchman's version may be called a burlesque of any picture dealing with heroic hokum.
Max is too clever to remain in retirement. He comes forward here accomplishing his humorous moments with little apparent effort. Will you laugh when as Dart-in-Again he is entirely surrounded by a small army of swordsmen, who are about to run him thru with their rapiers, and makes his escape by the simple trick of ducking, the guards toppling over from their own steeds? We defy you to keep silent. This is only one of the extremely funny episodes in a picture which preserves its comedy atmosphere in a creditable manner.
The gay Max is supported by Frank Cooke as Louis XIII, a bright study incidentally, and Bull Montana, who makes Rich-Lou a figure of beauty.
THE THREE MUST-GET-THERES
Starring Max Linder
PHOTOPLAY
November 1922
Closely following the Fairbanks version this burlesque reaches the extreme height of comic artistry. It would make Dumas turn in his grave -- and chuckle. With Max Linder in the part of Dart-in-again, and Bull Montana as the aesthetic Cardinal, the interest is never allowed to lag.
Beautifully mimicking the tricks of Doug - and yet never losing his own identity - Max Linder tells the famous story of heroism and daring. His duels are riots of laughter, and some of the business employed to get effects falls little short of inspiration. Use is made of the slow motion camera - notably on the wild return trip to Paris. The episode of the queen's token is rendered absurd - and yet there are times when a real thrill of excitement is felt. The sub-titles are not the work of a genius - but they're funny enough!
Everyone who has viewed "The Three Musketeers" should see this. It will be enjoyed just as much - but in a different way.