The Magnavox Theatre (1950) s01e06 Episode Script
The Three Musketeers
ANNOUNCER (ON TV): Tonight Magnavox brings you a television premiere, the first full-length film made in Hollywood especially for television.
[THEME MUSIC.]
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Paris, in the year 1625, during the reign of our gracious King Louis XIII, an agreeable but somewhat vague monarch who permitted a capable, ambitious men to grasp the power from him to rule France.
This man was his prime minister, Richelieu, who schemed with selfish motives to build a strong, warlike nation.
His first plan was to bring about a war with England, but Louis was against such a drastic move.
My story begins on a spring morning when a young Gascon arrived in Paris seeking the headquarters of the King's musketeers.
I beg your pardon, sir.
Can you tell me where I can find Monsieur De Treville, captain of the King's musketeers? Through that door.
Athos.
Brawling with two of Richelieu's guards in a public tavern.
Yes, Monsieur, De Treville.
Wounding one and beating the other with the flat of your sword.
Spanking the other, sir.
Spanking indeed.
I hear they ran you through.
For that I apologize, sir.
It was of no consequence, just my shoulder.
The reason? I was ordering dinner, and they laughed at my choice of wines.
Porthos.
Disarming a guard and tossing him into a fountain.
Yes, sir.
Your reason.
He wouldn't step out of the path of the person I was walking with.
Who was that? She was very pretty, sir.
And you, Aramis.
Challenging De Rochefort to a duel.
De Rochefort, one of the prime minister's best swordsmen then running like a thief through the streets of Paris when he tried to arrest you.
He had 11 men with him, sir.
I thought you might prefer my not being taken prisoner.
But you know that dueling by edict of Richelieu is forbidden.
Sir, honor demanded it.
Rochefort insulted you.
What;s that? Ah, indirectly, sir.
He implied that each and every one of the King's musketeers was completely lacking in manners.
He stated that we had no respect for the laws of his majesty and no considerations for the wishes of his first minister Richelieu.
He he even, sir refused to admit that one musketeer was able to outfight any two of his guards.
Since you are responsible for our selections, sir, he was thereby unduly critical of your good judgment.
Hm.
I see.
Richelieu has already protested to the King, and I expect to be summoned to the Louvre at any moment.
Incidents of this kind serve Richelieu well.
If he could discredit us in His Majesty's eyes, he would do so.
The fault would all be yours.
I can only insist to His Majesty that you acted with due provocation.
Du Verges, anyone else? A Monsieur D'Artagnan.
All right, out, all of you.
No more fighting from any of you.
Athos, eh, have somebody look at that shoulder.
Yes, sir.
Monsieur, my name is D'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan, D'Artagnan.
I knew a D'Artagnan.
My father is honored that you remember him, sir.
I liked him.
What can I do for his son? Monsieur De Treville, ever since I could lift my father's sword, from the moment I could sit astride his horse, I dreamed of one thing only, of becoming a musketeer.
My dear young man, such an honor comes only in two ways, either you serve with distinction in several campaigns or you perform some brilliant feat of arms in service of the King.
My father hoped that is I rode to Paris.
And Paris is a long way from Gascony.
It is indeed, sir.
Well, then let us at the time being so that your trip will not have been in vein and your father not be disappointed accept you as a cadet.
Your needs will be taken care of.
In due time, if you prove worthy I shall be a musketeer? If you prove worthy.
I am highly honored, sir.
I dream only of that day.
A moment.
A word, my friend.
Sir? Just now as you entered Monsieur De Treville's office, you clumsily ran into my shoulder.
Oh, I was not aware of it, sir excuse me.
You think excuse me is sufficient? Since I did not do it on purpose, I do.
You sir, are not polite.
And you presume to teach me manners? With this, my good friend.
And where if you please? Behind the Luxembourg at 12:00? At 12:00.
Monsieur D'Artagnan.
My favorite wine.
I am sorry.
Not half as sorry as my stomach.
You must admit, sir, it is a difficult stomach to avoid.
Try to avoid my sword.
As you wish.
Behind the Luxembourg at 12:00.
If you don't mind, 1:00? At 1:00.
My dear young man.
And in consequence, gentleman, Mademoiselle De Bois-Tracy refuses to speak to me.
I beg your pardon, sir.
You dropped this from your boot.
A-ha, Aramis.
Look at these initials BT.
And you still insist you're not on good terms with the lady? You've made a mistake.
I did not drop it.
Why I distinctly saw it, sir.
Heh, heh.
We envy you, Aramis.
Permit me to observe whoever you are that your actions in this matter becomes somewhat boorish.
You have placed the lady's name in jeopardy.
I apologize for the mistake, Monsieur Aramis, but I resent being called a boar, and my name is D'Artagnan.
I do not seek quarrel, D'Artagnan, and I never fight unless forced.
But since the lady's name has been compromised by you I understand perfectly, sir.
Behind the Luxembourg then at 1:00.
Better make it at 2:00.
I am afraid, Monsieur D'Artagnan, that your first day in Paris will be your last.
And why, sir? Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are the three gentleman with whom you have appointments are the best swordsmen in the King's musketeers.
Ah, I see that you are prompt.
Your second? I'm new to Paris and know no one.
Oh, I understand.
My two friends will appear in a few moments.
Good, I have another appointment at 1:00.
In that case, we shouldn't waste time.
Ah, here the are now.
But these gentlemen He's mine.
No, he's mine.
Hey, please.
What is this? I am to kill Monsieur D'Artagnan at 2 o'clock.
Impossible.
He'll be dead in 5 minutes after 1:00.
But I had the good fortune of meeting him first.
Please, gentlemen, please.
Monsieur Aramis, if you and ah, your big friend there will be kind enough to wait a few moments until I dispose of this gentleman, you may both have your turn.
Enough of your impudence.
When you are ready.
At your service.
Sir, your left hand.
A slight wound.
But I fight just as well with my left hand.
And since a left-handed man is very awkward for an opponent not used to one, the advantage is mine.
For this, I apologize.
Well, not at all, sir.
Heed your swords.
Richelieu's men.
It's too late.
They've already seen us.
De Rochefort.
Well, we wanted action, now we've got it.
Musketeers dueling, eh? You've heard no doubt of the edict of Richelieu? Count Rochefort, you wouldn't begrudge us a little sport.
As a soldier, Ricoff, I have my duty.
You're under arrest.
Follow us.
They're only six of them to our three.
Two for each of us.
It appears to me that we are four.
You, one of us? I'm a cadet, Monsieur Athos.
Permit me now to begin my campaign to become a musketeer.
Well, musketeers? You want to arrest us, then come and take us.
With pleasure.
Oh.
[LAUGHING.]
Perhaps I should thank Rochefort for coming in time.
And I.
All of us.
Tell Richelieu musketeers prefer not to be arrested.
[LAUGHTER.]
Well done, D'Artagnan.
I can't recall that we had any differences of opinion with you.
Then I shall no longer tremble with fear.
[LAUGHTER.]
Let's report to Monsieur De Treville at once.
I think he'll enjoy hearing about this.
Your majesty, these worthy gentlemen are the demons as his excellency prefers to call them that you requested me to bring to you.
Yes.
Richelieu wasted no time scolding me about this affair.
Confound these counts, De Treville, why can't you control them.
? Control them, sir? Do you think the three of the King's musketeers and a mere lad, a new cadet would deliberately attack six of Richelieu's guards? It will be folly, sire.
Yes.
Does seem unreasonable.
Except that this mere lad as you call him apparently had no difficulty in disposing of Rochefort, a master swordsman.
The whole court's talking about you.
Sire, may I present Monsieur D'Artagnan of Gascony, a devoted servant of Your Majesty.
He does seem young, doesn't he? You know, De Treville, I'm beginning to suspect that Richelieu was exaggerating.
Oh, not in the odds, sir.
It was six against four.
But in fairness to the guards.
I must admit that they did ask Your Majesty's men to submit to arrest before they attacked.
Attacked, you say.
Well then these worthy fellows merely acted in self defense.
Yes.
That's it.
Here, De Treville.
Divide this among these men.
You may be certain I shall see to it that Richelieu reprimands this Rochefort.
From now on, you can save your own necks.
From this time on, beware of Richelieu.
Well, what now? Well first, we must find lodgings for our good friend.
And a horse.
And some clothes.
You know, across from the end of the Pie Rouge, there's an upstairs apartment.
Dupuy lived there.
He's no longer with us.
He had a little skirmish, but it was three to one.
Come.
[LAUGHTER.]
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Such was my meeting with D'Artagnan.
I, as you've already probably recognized, am Athos.
And from that moment on, the four of us drank, gambled, rode, and fought from one end of Paris to the other.
Within a few days, the conqueror of Rochefort had become a celebrity, and within a few weeks, Porthos, Aramis, and I felt that we had known him all our lives.
Not the least of our fame was due to D'Artagnan and his deadly sword.
His skill was unequaled by few and surpassed by none.
We became inseparable.
We lived as one man.
In fact, a motto was born that became the very breath of our existence.
It was (TOGETHER) All for one, and one for all.
By the way, gentlemen, tonight I play host at the Pie Rouge.
Dinner at 7:00.
And for once, be on time.
Linette.
Yes, Monsieur D'Artagnan? Have any of the musketeers left a message for me? All you can think about are the musketeers.
No, nothing.
Sit down.
You're only calling attention to us.
Have you any order for us? My lady will give them to you.
A woman is expected to come here this evening.
She lives in the downstairs apartment across the street.
Her name is Bonacieux, Constance Bonacieux.
Somewhere near here a man is waiting for her.
She is to lead him to a rendezvous.
But before she reaches him, it is your job to see to it that she is carried off and kept prisoner until we tell you to release her.
Is this understood? Yes, my lady.
Come, Rochefort.
She will be here soon.
I'm afraid my friends are late, innkeeper.
Your supper had better be worthy of them.
Aye, it will be, sir.
And I have the Chateauneuf wine for Monsieur Porthos.
Good.
Monsieur Beaufort.
Hi.
Good evening Mademoiselle Bonacieux.
I'm looking for a message.
That is, someone is going Oh, yea.
And so these gentlemen have business with you.
No.
They must not stop me.
Please, can you help me? Mademoiselle, anything for you.
Come now, gentlemen.
May I be of service to you? Out of our way, whoever you are.
Name of a dog matters certainly a warning in Paris.
My name is D'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan? The swordsman that outfought Rochefort? The same.
So this is no affair of yours, Monsieur D'Artagnan.
Not that I shouldn't like to see so celebrated a fencer in action.
Perhaps I would enjoy the exercise.
Perhaps, sir.
But even a blade such as yours should not risk four men against one.
So permit us to have a word with this Bonacieux in private.
I'm somewhat ignorant of your business with this young lady, but your manner in referring to her is enough to make me thoroughly dislike you.
A celebrated career, heh, D'Artagnan? But a short one.
On guard.
You can learn from him.
Not bad.
Not bad.
Don't you think D'Artagnan is somewhat selfish keeping such sport to himself? Then you suggest? By all means.
Ah-hah! [SPARRING SOUNDS.]
[LAUGHING.]
You're an excellent host, D'Artagnan.
You offer entertainment before dinner.
Innkeeper, food.
And wine.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
And what was the reason for all this? It's very mysterious, Aramis.
A young lady came in.
My.
My.
You are getting to know Paris.
She was a complete stranger.
Mademoiselle? She was right here.
[LAUGHTER.]
We must hurry.
Before we go any further, I want you to know how grateful I am.
Thank you.
And so you should be.
Exposing her to kidnapping or worse? What kind of man are you anyway? Who is this? D'Artagnan, I beg of you, go away.
A few moments ago at the front, it was a different request, Mademoiselle.
But you don't understand.
This is too risky, my friend.
Cannot live nowhere of this.
No, my Lord.
- Lord? - Yes.
This is the Duke of Buckingham.
Those men you fought were agents of Richelieu.
I didn't know.
My sword is at your disposal, Your Grace.
Can he be trusted? Yes.
I'm sure of it.
D'Artagnan, I am on my way to the queen.
I must see her, but unfortunately, it is necessary for us to meet in secret.
Then I regret, my Lord, the secret is out, otherwise, mademoiselle would not have been attacked just now.
Thanks to you, they've been driven off, but I must chance going to the palace nevertheless.
Your Grace, I insist on escorting you to your rendezvous.
Very well, and my thanks, D'Artagnan.
Enter.
I didn't expect you before morning, Lady DeWinter.
Excellency, I You've ah, followed my instructions? I just left Rochefort.
The men he sent to intercept the girl were attacked and routed.
She got away.
Excellency, I should like to point out that I'm not responsible for all the mistakes of your many agents.
You're too modest, my lady.
You fail to include yourself in that inefficient group.
Nor am I happy with all the insults which you so freely throw my way.
Well, my lady, can it be that you have a trace of pride in your rather soiled conscience? It's quite possible.
It also occurs to me that the king may not fully appreciate your tactics, that is if he should happen to hear of them.
Lady DeWinter, I seem to sense an element of threat.
I've heard that Richelieu is most sensitive.
Ah, yes.
And sensitively, he is inclined to want to know everything about his, shall we say friends? And in your case, my lady, he knows a great deal.
I see.
Then perhaps we should continue cooperating with mutual trust.
It's advisable.
And more so for your sake than for mine.
Now, as for your inefficiency in the case of Constance Bonacieux Yes, Your Excellency.
By now she will have met Buckingham, and he's probably on his way to the queen.
He could easily be disposed of right here in the palace.
It's a good thing I am prime minister of France and not you, my lady.
Buckingham is first minister to Charles II of England.
The fact that he's also friendly with the queen makes him a value to me alive.
If he were disposed of, Louis would have nothing to be jealous about.
I see.
So if this jealousy were properly aroused The king might agree to a more warlike policy.
England still holds this part of France.
Ports are involved.
Ports mean commerce.
Commerce means revenue.
All these things, my lady, add up to one thing, power.
Louis is king.
I am France, and I want all of it.
England must be driven out.
So we start with Buckingham.
Conveniently we do.
Continue to serve the queen as lady in waiting.
Go to her apartment at once.
Keep a close watch.
Your Grace.
Three.
Three long years, and you're a hundred times lovelier than the last time I saw you.
Anne.
It's so beautiful.
So are you.
I didn't mean that.
They love so deeply, so hopelessly.
Come now, Constance.
Nothing is hopeless.
And you were so brave to come here.
No braver than you to bring him.
You know, I like you for your part in this.
You made it possible, D'Artagnan.
Oh, nonsense.
For me, it's a it's an evening's entertainment.
That isn't very flattering.
It isn't what I meant, and you know it.
I mean Oh, you musketeers, a quarrel, a fight, an adventure, a woman.
One is the same as the other.
But I'm not yet a musketeer.
You're beginning to act like one.
Well, I may love adventure, yes, but I can also love a woman, very much, if I found the right one.
Have you? In the inn, you were upset, concerned for me.
When the men were about to attack, I asked for help.
You said, "For you, anything.
" Words like those come very easily.
Did they really mean something? Perhaps.
You must go now, George.
It was too dangerous for you to come here.
I want you to promise me that you will never chance it again.
I will see you again, Your Majesty.
No.
Never.
If I have to conquer all France to do so.
Morally separate, but never unite.
Please go now.
Wait.
Not without a remembrance.
I have something for you.
Your Majesty, they're magnificent.
For nicest cloaks.
Whee them when you dance with the loveliest ladies.
When I do, my thoughts will be with you.
Constance.
Who is it? This is Monsieur D'Artagnan.
His sword has made my Lord's visit possible.
We're very grateful to you.
And then he left with a silver box, Your Excellency.
For England? Good.
We let him go.
He must never suspect that we know of this until we've made good use of her jewels.
I hope I may be of further service, Your Excellency.
For the sake of our ambition, you will be.
And this information atones for your error earlier this evening.
Thank you, Excellency, and goodnight.
Stay close to the queen.
Tomorrow I'll see to the king.
Excellent, my dear Richelieu.
You do take the burdens from our shoulders.
I have the fullest sympathy with Your Majesty's worries over the affairs of state as does the queen.
Oh.
You think so? Unquestionably, sire.
In fact, it seems to me that for some time, Your Majesty has been somewhat remiss as far as the queen is concerned.
Oh, I have been? For example, you gave Her Majesty a present, rare, magnificent, a set of pearl diamonds to be worn on some costume.
Well, am I remiss in giving Her Majesty gifts? Not at all, sire.
Only not giving her the opportunity to display them.
Oh.
Oh, yes.
Yes, my dear friend.
I'm beginning to understand what you would Your Majesty.
I'd rather not join the hunt this afternoon.
I'm not feeling very well.
Oh.
My sympathies, madame.
His Majesty was just discussing you.
It's true, Anne.
I'm flattered, Louis.
With your permission, sire.
Madame, 10 days from now will be the celebration of your arrival in France as our gracious queen.
His Majesty has directed that a ball should be held in your honor.
Oh, thank you, Louis.
Nothing, madame.
And he further requests that you should wear the set of pearl diamonds he gave you some months ago.
The diamonds? Yes, Your Majesty.
It would be a most suitable occasion.
Exactly.
Now come along, Anne.
I have something simply fascinating to show you.
Her Majesty retired after dinner.
I've just left her.
Not too upset, I hope.
Quite upset, Your Excellency.
For the queen, I'm sorry, but France is my primary concern.
Proceed with all possible speed to England.
Go straight to the duke.
Take something from Her Majesty to convince him that you come from her.
Give him a personal message, one that's too dangerous to write, a word of deepest love, for example.
I'll leave that to you, but gain his confidence.
Return without delay with two of those diamonds.
Once I have them, I can tell Louis where I've obtained them.
Waste no time, my lady.
Yes.
Your Excellency.
There's an estate near Lisle.
The property of the Count De Fairre that became the property of the king, I happened to see it once.
I liked it, the estate, and the title that goes with it.
Countess.
They appeal to me.
When you return successfully, they may be yours.
Constance.
(GASPING) Thank heavens I found you.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
Catch your breath.
Come here.
Sit down.
I was just at your apartment and your And your servant said you were here, and I had to find you.
So you have.
Richelieu has found out that Her Majesty gave the jewels to Buckingham, and he's persuaded the king to command the queen to attend the ball in 10 days with the diamonds.
Here's a note.
It's from my lord asking him to return the jewels to you, and you can give them to Her Majesty.
Constance, be reasonable.
Buckingham rode to England last night.
It will be a before I could catch him.
I know, D'Artagnan, but you're the only I can trust.
You're asking me to ride to England? If were Richelieu, I'd have every by-path between here and Calais blocked.
I'll never be able to make it.
Then Her Majesty is lost and Richelieu has won.
That is, I could never make it alone, but fortunately, I have friends.
Perhaps with their support, I Are they friends of the queen? They're not friends of Richelieu.
Don't you worry.
You'll be in danger.
To a future musketeer, danger is life.
You're good for me, Constance.
With you, life is never dull.
D'Artagnan, we may never meet each other again.
Oh, yes we will.
I'm just now realizing what I'm asking of you.
Think rather of the opportunity you're giving me, the opportunity to serve Her Majesty.
I'll pray for you every moment.
Since I'm that close to you, I'm glad.
You have been, ever since we met.
That we may grow closer still.
And what you ask of us, is that we ride through all of Richelieu's men to reach London, and then bring you safely back here.
What's more, you want it done in a manner of seven days.
It takes that long without an interference from Richelieu.
And you may expect it every foot of the way.
I thought you were my friends, musketeers of the king.
But do you think we were fools? At least I thought you were men.
Good night, gentlemen.
Hold on.
We said it was foolish, not impossible.
Have we ever avoided Richelieu's trouble? Then you mean you'll go? Paris would enjoy the calm and peace of our absence.
And I've heard that the women of London are fascinating.
Of course, we'll go.
Well, what are your plans? Look, the most direct route from here to London is by way of Calais.
We'll go through Saintee, then to Bavay, from there to Amiens, then to Calais and straight to London.
Agreed? (TOGETHER) Agreed.
All for one, and one for all.
Innkeeper? Innkeeper? Innkeeper? Yes, sir.
Breakfast, Innkeeper.
We've been riding all night.
And wine.
Hurry, man.
Hurry.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
- Richelieu's guards.
- You're under arrest.
Break out the window.
I'll hold them back.
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Thanks to Porthos, the three of us went on.
Knowing that Richelieu was trying to stop us at every moment, we passed Bavay and were half way to Amiens when we were forced to rest the horses.
It was no end for us this time.
We made camp in the open country.
But the guards struck again.
Griswald.
D'Artagnan, the horses.
Ride on.
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Now, it was Aramis who held them back.
D'Artagnan was furious.
He wanted to stay and fight it out, but time was against us.
Too much was at stake.
Calais wasn't far off, and we through caution to the winds.
We pounded straight down the highway.
It was inevitable then that we'd run into more of the guards led by Rochefort our persistent enemy.
Our horses were to tired for both of us to escape, and another sacrifice had to be made.
D'Artagnan had been given the letter to Lord Buckingham, so now it was my great honor and pleasure to entertain the pursuers.
While I did so, D'Artagnan gained enough of a lead to carry him to Calais.
As he neared it, he was jubilant feeling that once he crossed the channel, Richelieu wouldn't dare stand in his way.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Ah, could you tell me how far I am from Calais? Five minute's walk will take you to the dock.
Which way is that? You go as far as the church, then turn to your right.
You can't lose your way.
Can I get a boat to England there? England? [CHUCKLING.]
For that, you're whistling in the wind.
What do you mean? Richelieu closed the port yesterday.
Since then there's only one boat left, and docked this afternoon, it waited for the woman from Paris then cleared for [INAUDIBLE.]
.
The woman from Paris.
Aye.
And pretty too.
I myself helped her down from her carriage.
That was Lady DeWinter.
And you say she's gone to England? Ah, got a lot of boats in port.
We can't fish.
It makes it awfully hard to live.
You know, a man will do most anything to keep food in his house.
Most anything, huh? How long does it take you to earn a piece of gold like this? A month.
A man like you who can get or has a small boat, I'd be willing to leave 20 such pieces with him if he'd take me where I wanted to go.
Well, I'd rather hang than starve.
There he is.
Stop them.
You're under arrest by orders of Richelieu.
[LAUGHING.]
This is worth hanging to see.
Follow me.
They'll never be able to find us.
My lord.
D'Artagnan.
I came for the queen, your grace.
This will explain my errand.
Thompson.
On my dressing table, a silver box.
Bring it to me at once.
Two of the diamonds are missing.
But I don't see how.
I wore them for the first time this evening.
My Lord, did you send for Lady DeWinter? The queen's other messenger.
There is no other messenger.
She's an agent of Richelieu's.
She had nearly a day's start ahead of us and a fast boat waiting for her at Calais.
Have Lady DeWinter come here immediately.
Your Grace, Lady DeWinter left some four hours ago.
I heard her order her coachman to head for Dover at all possible speed.
That is all, Thompson.
Her majesty must appear at the ball with the diamonds, Your Grace.
These would help it any way.
With only 10 stones, we've failed.
D'Artagnan tell me, if you left London tomorrow evening, do you think you could reach Paris in time? If I ride day and night, I might be able to get there.
I'll have the two missing diamonds duplicated.
Come we must hurry.
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Less than 24 hours later, D'Artagnan and a complete set of diamonds in a silver box rode at breakneck speed.
He was wasting no time in getting back to the queen.
He was certain that Richelieu was enjoying what he judged to be a complete victory.
Excellent.
No difficulty? None.
Did Her Majesty make any move? Of a sort, but Rochefort stopped most of the party on the road to Calais.
There were three musketeers.
The fourth man, that ah, Monsieur D'Artagnan, the gentlemen who spoiled your little reception for Constance.
Bonacieux, seemed to have disappeared completely.
This D'Artagnan is a resourceful man.
He was, if you recall, also present the night.
Her Majesty met the duke here at the palace.
M-hm.
I've discounted him as a danger to us.
But to ensure non interference, I've post a guard at the wall entrance, the only way the Duke could have entered to see the queen.
Now, when the queen appears tonight without the diamonds, you may come to me for your reward.
Until then, Your Excellency.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Madame.
It's you, Constance.
The king is asking for you.
Yes, I know.
I I must get ready.
There's no sign of him then? He failed, Constance? I fear so, Your Highness.
It was a noble effort.
I shall always remember you both for it.
Thank you.
Ah, report.
All.
I thought you were all dead.
You must be ghosts.
[CHUCKLING.]
The moment you got away, I jumped out the window.
They cleared me when they found nothing.
It was you they wanted.
You should see my head.
One of their clubs found its target.
They'd thought I'd really become a ghost.
Well, thank heavens you're all here even if it is too late.
Do you have the diamonds? I have.
Well then hurry to the queen, man.
Where's Constance? Every entrance to the Louvre is blocked, even the secret one I told you of.
Richelieu has his guards there.
Things are never dull with our friend here.
Well, let's go.
What are you waiting for? [SPARRING SOUNDS.]
We're wasting our time out here.
I'd rather be inside.
The ball will be starting soon.
Rochefort, two musketeers are around the corner.
They're giving us trouble.
This way.
Hurry.
Help the rest of them.
Splendid idea, this ball, my dear Richelieu.
My compliments.
Thank you, sire.
But it was purely Your Majesty's doing.
Madame's arrival in France gave us a reason.
Your gift of the jewels made it a somewhat special occasion.
Oh.
Lovely.
You look most lovely tonight, Anne.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Madame, I'm disappointed.
What? Now what? Her jewels, sire.
Her Majesty no doubt has excellent reasons for not wearing them.
Madame, I specifically requested you to wear them.
But Your Majesty, I We'll wait until you get them.
Go back to your apartments and return with the diamonds.
If I may say so, Your Majesty, I'm curious to know how the queen will answer a simple question.
I don't understand.
It would be really interesting, sire, if the question should come from you.
Well, what is it? If the queen, when she returns, has the diamonds, which I doubt, count them.
If you find only 10, ask Her Majesty who could have taken these two.
Aramis must be having some trouble.
Perhaps I oh, here they come.
Well, where are they? I told you to arrest them.
Arrest them yourself.
Quick, D'Artagnan, through the door.
We'll hold them off.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, our guests must be waiting.
Madame, it has been reported to me that two of your diamonds are missing.
Here they are.
Two more? Why, that would make 14.
But Her Majesty is right.
She has 12.
Richelieu, what does this mean? It means, sire, that I thought this was a diverting way of presenting Her Majesty with two more diamonds.
Oh.
A mock of my profound respect.
Thank you, Your Excellency.
But you shouldn't have gone to all that trouble.
Would you put them in safe keeping for me? Your Majesty, the ball.
Oh D'Artagnan, the queen has asked that you be appointed a musketeer.
She asked me to give you this ring, and I would like to give you this.
Not bad, apples.
Not bad.
Yes.
His form is quite good.
That is for a country bumpkin.
ANNOUNCER (ON TV): D'artagnan played by Robert Clarke; Athos, John Hubbard; Porthos, Mel Archer; Aramis, Keith Richards; Richelieu, Paul Cavanaugh; King Louis XIII, Don Beddoe; Queen Anne, Marjorie Lord; Constance, Lyn Thomas; Lady DeWinter, Kristine Miller; Buckingham, Charles Lang; Rochefort, Peter Mamakos; De Treville, James Craven; Du Verges, Byron Foulger; Fisherman, Hank Patterson.
[THEME MUSIC.]
[THEME MUSIC.]
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Paris, in the year 1625, during the reign of our gracious King Louis XIII, an agreeable but somewhat vague monarch who permitted a capable, ambitious men to grasp the power from him to rule France.
This man was his prime minister, Richelieu, who schemed with selfish motives to build a strong, warlike nation.
His first plan was to bring about a war with England, but Louis was against such a drastic move.
My story begins on a spring morning when a young Gascon arrived in Paris seeking the headquarters of the King's musketeers.
I beg your pardon, sir.
Can you tell me where I can find Monsieur De Treville, captain of the King's musketeers? Through that door.
Athos.
Brawling with two of Richelieu's guards in a public tavern.
Yes, Monsieur, De Treville.
Wounding one and beating the other with the flat of your sword.
Spanking the other, sir.
Spanking indeed.
I hear they ran you through.
For that I apologize, sir.
It was of no consequence, just my shoulder.
The reason? I was ordering dinner, and they laughed at my choice of wines.
Porthos.
Disarming a guard and tossing him into a fountain.
Yes, sir.
Your reason.
He wouldn't step out of the path of the person I was walking with.
Who was that? She was very pretty, sir.
And you, Aramis.
Challenging De Rochefort to a duel.
De Rochefort, one of the prime minister's best swordsmen then running like a thief through the streets of Paris when he tried to arrest you.
He had 11 men with him, sir.
I thought you might prefer my not being taken prisoner.
But you know that dueling by edict of Richelieu is forbidden.
Sir, honor demanded it.
Rochefort insulted you.
What;s that? Ah, indirectly, sir.
He implied that each and every one of the King's musketeers was completely lacking in manners.
He stated that we had no respect for the laws of his majesty and no considerations for the wishes of his first minister Richelieu.
He he even, sir refused to admit that one musketeer was able to outfight any two of his guards.
Since you are responsible for our selections, sir, he was thereby unduly critical of your good judgment.
Hm.
I see.
Richelieu has already protested to the King, and I expect to be summoned to the Louvre at any moment.
Incidents of this kind serve Richelieu well.
If he could discredit us in His Majesty's eyes, he would do so.
The fault would all be yours.
I can only insist to His Majesty that you acted with due provocation.
Du Verges, anyone else? A Monsieur D'Artagnan.
All right, out, all of you.
No more fighting from any of you.
Athos, eh, have somebody look at that shoulder.
Yes, sir.
Monsieur, my name is D'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan, D'Artagnan.
I knew a D'Artagnan.
My father is honored that you remember him, sir.
I liked him.
What can I do for his son? Monsieur De Treville, ever since I could lift my father's sword, from the moment I could sit astride his horse, I dreamed of one thing only, of becoming a musketeer.
My dear young man, such an honor comes only in two ways, either you serve with distinction in several campaigns or you perform some brilliant feat of arms in service of the King.
My father hoped that is I rode to Paris.
And Paris is a long way from Gascony.
It is indeed, sir.
Well, then let us at the time being so that your trip will not have been in vein and your father not be disappointed accept you as a cadet.
Your needs will be taken care of.
In due time, if you prove worthy I shall be a musketeer? If you prove worthy.
I am highly honored, sir.
I dream only of that day.
A moment.
A word, my friend.
Sir? Just now as you entered Monsieur De Treville's office, you clumsily ran into my shoulder.
Oh, I was not aware of it, sir excuse me.
You think excuse me is sufficient? Since I did not do it on purpose, I do.
You sir, are not polite.
And you presume to teach me manners? With this, my good friend.
And where if you please? Behind the Luxembourg at 12:00? At 12:00.
Monsieur D'Artagnan.
My favorite wine.
I am sorry.
Not half as sorry as my stomach.
You must admit, sir, it is a difficult stomach to avoid.
Try to avoid my sword.
As you wish.
Behind the Luxembourg at 12:00.
If you don't mind, 1:00? At 1:00.
My dear young man.
And in consequence, gentleman, Mademoiselle De Bois-Tracy refuses to speak to me.
I beg your pardon, sir.
You dropped this from your boot.
A-ha, Aramis.
Look at these initials BT.
And you still insist you're not on good terms with the lady? You've made a mistake.
I did not drop it.
Why I distinctly saw it, sir.
Heh, heh.
We envy you, Aramis.
Permit me to observe whoever you are that your actions in this matter becomes somewhat boorish.
You have placed the lady's name in jeopardy.
I apologize for the mistake, Monsieur Aramis, but I resent being called a boar, and my name is D'Artagnan.
I do not seek quarrel, D'Artagnan, and I never fight unless forced.
But since the lady's name has been compromised by you I understand perfectly, sir.
Behind the Luxembourg then at 1:00.
Better make it at 2:00.
I am afraid, Monsieur D'Artagnan, that your first day in Paris will be your last.
And why, sir? Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are the three gentleman with whom you have appointments are the best swordsmen in the King's musketeers.
Ah, I see that you are prompt.
Your second? I'm new to Paris and know no one.
Oh, I understand.
My two friends will appear in a few moments.
Good, I have another appointment at 1:00.
In that case, we shouldn't waste time.
Ah, here the are now.
But these gentlemen He's mine.
No, he's mine.
Hey, please.
What is this? I am to kill Monsieur D'Artagnan at 2 o'clock.
Impossible.
He'll be dead in 5 minutes after 1:00.
But I had the good fortune of meeting him first.
Please, gentlemen, please.
Monsieur Aramis, if you and ah, your big friend there will be kind enough to wait a few moments until I dispose of this gentleman, you may both have your turn.
Enough of your impudence.
When you are ready.
At your service.
Sir, your left hand.
A slight wound.
But I fight just as well with my left hand.
And since a left-handed man is very awkward for an opponent not used to one, the advantage is mine.
For this, I apologize.
Well, not at all, sir.
Heed your swords.
Richelieu's men.
It's too late.
They've already seen us.
De Rochefort.
Well, we wanted action, now we've got it.
Musketeers dueling, eh? You've heard no doubt of the edict of Richelieu? Count Rochefort, you wouldn't begrudge us a little sport.
As a soldier, Ricoff, I have my duty.
You're under arrest.
Follow us.
They're only six of them to our three.
Two for each of us.
It appears to me that we are four.
You, one of us? I'm a cadet, Monsieur Athos.
Permit me now to begin my campaign to become a musketeer.
Well, musketeers? You want to arrest us, then come and take us.
With pleasure.
Oh.
[LAUGHING.]
Perhaps I should thank Rochefort for coming in time.
And I.
All of us.
Tell Richelieu musketeers prefer not to be arrested.
[LAUGHTER.]
Well done, D'Artagnan.
I can't recall that we had any differences of opinion with you.
Then I shall no longer tremble with fear.
[LAUGHTER.]
Let's report to Monsieur De Treville at once.
I think he'll enjoy hearing about this.
Your majesty, these worthy gentlemen are the demons as his excellency prefers to call them that you requested me to bring to you.
Yes.
Richelieu wasted no time scolding me about this affair.
Confound these counts, De Treville, why can't you control them.
? Control them, sir? Do you think the three of the King's musketeers and a mere lad, a new cadet would deliberately attack six of Richelieu's guards? It will be folly, sire.
Yes.
Does seem unreasonable.
Except that this mere lad as you call him apparently had no difficulty in disposing of Rochefort, a master swordsman.
The whole court's talking about you.
Sire, may I present Monsieur D'Artagnan of Gascony, a devoted servant of Your Majesty.
He does seem young, doesn't he? You know, De Treville, I'm beginning to suspect that Richelieu was exaggerating.
Oh, not in the odds, sir.
It was six against four.
But in fairness to the guards.
I must admit that they did ask Your Majesty's men to submit to arrest before they attacked.
Attacked, you say.
Well then these worthy fellows merely acted in self defense.
Yes.
That's it.
Here, De Treville.
Divide this among these men.
You may be certain I shall see to it that Richelieu reprimands this Rochefort.
From now on, you can save your own necks.
From this time on, beware of Richelieu.
Well, what now? Well first, we must find lodgings for our good friend.
And a horse.
And some clothes.
You know, across from the end of the Pie Rouge, there's an upstairs apartment.
Dupuy lived there.
He's no longer with us.
He had a little skirmish, but it was three to one.
Come.
[LAUGHTER.]
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Such was my meeting with D'Artagnan.
I, as you've already probably recognized, am Athos.
And from that moment on, the four of us drank, gambled, rode, and fought from one end of Paris to the other.
Within a few days, the conqueror of Rochefort had become a celebrity, and within a few weeks, Porthos, Aramis, and I felt that we had known him all our lives.
Not the least of our fame was due to D'Artagnan and his deadly sword.
His skill was unequaled by few and surpassed by none.
We became inseparable.
We lived as one man.
In fact, a motto was born that became the very breath of our existence.
It was (TOGETHER) All for one, and one for all.
By the way, gentlemen, tonight I play host at the Pie Rouge.
Dinner at 7:00.
And for once, be on time.
Linette.
Yes, Monsieur D'Artagnan? Have any of the musketeers left a message for me? All you can think about are the musketeers.
No, nothing.
Sit down.
You're only calling attention to us.
Have you any order for us? My lady will give them to you.
A woman is expected to come here this evening.
She lives in the downstairs apartment across the street.
Her name is Bonacieux, Constance Bonacieux.
Somewhere near here a man is waiting for her.
She is to lead him to a rendezvous.
But before she reaches him, it is your job to see to it that she is carried off and kept prisoner until we tell you to release her.
Is this understood? Yes, my lady.
Come, Rochefort.
She will be here soon.
I'm afraid my friends are late, innkeeper.
Your supper had better be worthy of them.
Aye, it will be, sir.
And I have the Chateauneuf wine for Monsieur Porthos.
Good.
Monsieur Beaufort.
Hi.
Good evening Mademoiselle Bonacieux.
I'm looking for a message.
That is, someone is going Oh, yea.
And so these gentlemen have business with you.
No.
They must not stop me.
Please, can you help me? Mademoiselle, anything for you.
Come now, gentlemen.
May I be of service to you? Out of our way, whoever you are.
Name of a dog matters certainly a warning in Paris.
My name is D'Artagnan.
D'Artagnan? The swordsman that outfought Rochefort? The same.
So this is no affair of yours, Monsieur D'Artagnan.
Not that I shouldn't like to see so celebrated a fencer in action.
Perhaps I would enjoy the exercise.
Perhaps, sir.
But even a blade such as yours should not risk four men against one.
So permit us to have a word with this Bonacieux in private.
I'm somewhat ignorant of your business with this young lady, but your manner in referring to her is enough to make me thoroughly dislike you.
A celebrated career, heh, D'Artagnan? But a short one.
On guard.
You can learn from him.
Not bad.
Not bad.
Don't you think D'Artagnan is somewhat selfish keeping such sport to himself? Then you suggest? By all means.
Ah-hah! [SPARRING SOUNDS.]
[LAUGHING.]
You're an excellent host, D'Artagnan.
You offer entertainment before dinner.
Innkeeper, food.
And wine.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
And what was the reason for all this? It's very mysterious, Aramis.
A young lady came in.
My.
My.
You are getting to know Paris.
She was a complete stranger.
Mademoiselle? She was right here.
[LAUGHTER.]
We must hurry.
Before we go any further, I want you to know how grateful I am.
Thank you.
And so you should be.
Exposing her to kidnapping or worse? What kind of man are you anyway? Who is this? D'Artagnan, I beg of you, go away.
A few moments ago at the front, it was a different request, Mademoiselle.
But you don't understand.
This is too risky, my friend.
Cannot live nowhere of this.
No, my Lord.
- Lord? - Yes.
This is the Duke of Buckingham.
Those men you fought were agents of Richelieu.
I didn't know.
My sword is at your disposal, Your Grace.
Can he be trusted? Yes.
I'm sure of it.
D'Artagnan, I am on my way to the queen.
I must see her, but unfortunately, it is necessary for us to meet in secret.
Then I regret, my Lord, the secret is out, otherwise, mademoiselle would not have been attacked just now.
Thanks to you, they've been driven off, but I must chance going to the palace nevertheless.
Your Grace, I insist on escorting you to your rendezvous.
Very well, and my thanks, D'Artagnan.
Enter.
I didn't expect you before morning, Lady DeWinter.
Excellency, I You've ah, followed my instructions? I just left Rochefort.
The men he sent to intercept the girl were attacked and routed.
She got away.
Excellency, I should like to point out that I'm not responsible for all the mistakes of your many agents.
You're too modest, my lady.
You fail to include yourself in that inefficient group.
Nor am I happy with all the insults which you so freely throw my way.
Well, my lady, can it be that you have a trace of pride in your rather soiled conscience? It's quite possible.
It also occurs to me that the king may not fully appreciate your tactics, that is if he should happen to hear of them.
Lady DeWinter, I seem to sense an element of threat.
I've heard that Richelieu is most sensitive.
Ah, yes.
And sensitively, he is inclined to want to know everything about his, shall we say friends? And in your case, my lady, he knows a great deal.
I see.
Then perhaps we should continue cooperating with mutual trust.
It's advisable.
And more so for your sake than for mine.
Now, as for your inefficiency in the case of Constance Bonacieux Yes, Your Excellency.
By now she will have met Buckingham, and he's probably on his way to the queen.
He could easily be disposed of right here in the palace.
It's a good thing I am prime minister of France and not you, my lady.
Buckingham is first minister to Charles II of England.
The fact that he's also friendly with the queen makes him a value to me alive.
If he were disposed of, Louis would have nothing to be jealous about.
I see.
So if this jealousy were properly aroused The king might agree to a more warlike policy.
England still holds this part of France.
Ports are involved.
Ports mean commerce.
Commerce means revenue.
All these things, my lady, add up to one thing, power.
Louis is king.
I am France, and I want all of it.
England must be driven out.
So we start with Buckingham.
Conveniently we do.
Continue to serve the queen as lady in waiting.
Go to her apartment at once.
Keep a close watch.
Your Grace.
Three.
Three long years, and you're a hundred times lovelier than the last time I saw you.
Anne.
It's so beautiful.
So are you.
I didn't mean that.
They love so deeply, so hopelessly.
Come now, Constance.
Nothing is hopeless.
And you were so brave to come here.
No braver than you to bring him.
You know, I like you for your part in this.
You made it possible, D'Artagnan.
Oh, nonsense.
For me, it's a it's an evening's entertainment.
That isn't very flattering.
It isn't what I meant, and you know it.
I mean Oh, you musketeers, a quarrel, a fight, an adventure, a woman.
One is the same as the other.
But I'm not yet a musketeer.
You're beginning to act like one.
Well, I may love adventure, yes, but I can also love a woman, very much, if I found the right one.
Have you? In the inn, you were upset, concerned for me.
When the men were about to attack, I asked for help.
You said, "For you, anything.
" Words like those come very easily.
Did they really mean something? Perhaps.
You must go now, George.
It was too dangerous for you to come here.
I want you to promise me that you will never chance it again.
I will see you again, Your Majesty.
No.
Never.
If I have to conquer all France to do so.
Morally separate, but never unite.
Please go now.
Wait.
Not without a remembrance.
I have something for you.
Your Majesty, they're magnificent.
For nicest cloaks.
Whee them when you dance with the loveliest ladies.
When I do, my thoughts will be with you.
Constance.
Who is it? This is Monsieur D'Artagnan.
His sword has made my Lord's visit possible.
We're very grateful to you.
And then he left with a silver box, Your Excellency.
For England? Good.
We let him go.
He must never suspect that we know of this until we've made good use of her jewels.
I hope I may be of further service, Your Excellency.
For the sake of our ambition, you will be.
And this information atones for your error earlier this evening.
Thank you, Excellency, and goodnight.
Stay close to the queen.
Tomorrow I'll see to the king.
Excellent, my dear Richelieu.
You do take the burdens from our shoulders.
I have the fullest sympathy with Your Majesty's worries over the affairs of state as does the queen.
Oh.
You think so? Unquestionably, sire.
In fact, it seems to me that for some time, Your Majesty has been somewhat remiss as far as the queen is concerned.
Oh, I have been? For example, you gave Her Majesty a present, rare, magnificent, a set of pearl diamonds to be worn on some costume.
Well, am I remiss in giving Her Majesty gifts? Not at all, sire.
Only not giving her the opportunity to display them.
Oh.
Oh, yes.
Yes, my dear friend.
I'm beginning to understand what you would Your Majesty.
I'd rather not join the hunt this afternoon.
I'm not feeling very well.
Oh.
My sympathies, madame.
His Majesty was just discussing you.
It's true, Anne.
I'm flattered, Louis.
With your permission, sire.
Madame, 10 days from now will be the celebration of your arrival in France as our gracious queen.
His Majesty has directed that a ball should be held in your honor.
Oh, thank you, Louis.
Nothing, madame.
And he further requests that you should wear the set of pearl diamonds he gave you some months ago.
The diamonds? Yes, Your Majesty.
It would be a most suitable occasion.
Exactly.
Now come along, Anne.
I have something simply fascinating to show you.
Her Majesty retired after dinner.
I've just left her.
Not too upset, I hope.
Quite upset, Your Excellency.
For the queen, I'm sorry, but France is my primary concern.
Proceed with all possible speed to England.
Go straight to the duke.
Take something from Her Majesty to convince him that you come from her.
Give him a personal message, one that's too dangerous to write, a word of deepest love, for example.
I'll leave that to you, but gain his confidence.
Return without delay with two of those diamonds.
Once I have them, I can tell Louis where I've obtained them.
Waste no time, my lady.
Yes.
Your Excellency.
There's an estate near Lisle.
The property of the Count De Fairre that became the property of the king, I happened to see it once.
I liked it, the estate, and the title that goes with it.
Countess.
They appeal to me.
When you return successfully, they may be yours.
Constance.
(GASPING) Thank heavens I found you.
Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
Catch your breath.
Come here.
Sit down.
I was just at your apartment and your And your servant said you were here, and I had to find you.
So you have.
Richelieu has found out that Her Majesty gave the jewels to Buckingham, and he's persuaded the king to command the queen to attend the ball in 10 days with the diamonds.
Here's a note.
It's from my lord asking him to return the jewels to you, and you can give them to Her Majesty.
Constance, be reasonable.
Buckingham rode to England last night.
It will be a before I could catch him.
I know, D'Artagnan, but you're the only I can trust.
You're asking me to ride to England? If were Richelieu, I'd have every by-path between here and Calais blocked.
I'll never be able to make it.
Then Her Majesty is lost and Richelieu has won.
That is, I could never make it alone, but fortunately, I have friends.
Perhaps with their support, I Are they friends of the queen? They're not friends of Richelieu.
Don't you worry.
You'll be in danger.
To a future musketeer, danger is life.
You're good for me, Constance.
With you, life is never dull.
D'Artagnan, we may never meet each other again.
Oh, yes we will.
I'm just now realizing what I'm asking of you.
Think rather of the opportunity you're giving me, the opportunity to serve Her Majesty.
I'll pray for you every moment.
Since I'm that close to you, I'm glad.
You have been, ever since we met.
That we may grow closer still.
And what you ask of us, is that we ride through all of Richelieu's men to reach London, and then bring you safely back here.
What's more, you want it done in a manner of seven days.
It takes that long without an interference from Richelieu.
And you may expect it every foot of the way.
I thought you were my friends, musketeers of the king.
But do you think we were fools? At least I thought you were men.
Good night, gentlemen.
Hold on.
We said it was foolish, not impossible.
Have we ever avoided Richelieu's trouble? Then you mean you'll go? Paris would enjoy the calm and peace of our absence.
And I've heard that the women of London are fascinating.
Of course, we'll go.
Well, what are your plans? Look, the most direct route from here to London is by way of Calais.
We'll go through Saintee, then to Bavay, from there to Amiens, then to Calais and straight to London.
Agreed? (TOGETHER) Agreed.
All for one, and one for all.
Innkeeper? Innkeeper? Innkeeper? Yes, sir.
Breakfast, Innkeeper.
We've been riding all night.
And wine.
Hurry, man.
Hurry.
Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
- Richelieu's guards.
- You're under arrest.
Break out the window.
I'll hold them back.
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Thanks to Porthos, the three of us went on.
Knowing that Richelieu was trying to stop us at every moment, we passed Bavay and were half way to Amiens when we were forced to rest the horses.
It was no end for us this time.
We made camp in the open country.
But the guards struck again.
Griswald.
D'Artagnan, the horses.
Ride on.
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Now, it was Aramis who held them back.
D'Artagnan was furious.
He wanted to stay and fight it out, but time was against us.
Too much was at stake.
Calais wasn't far off, and we through caution to the winds.
We pounded straight down the highway.
It was inevitable then that we'd run into more of the guards led by Rochefort our persistent enemy.
Our horses were to tired for both of us to escape, and another sacrifice had to be made.
D'Artagnan had been given the letter to Lord Buckingham, so now it was my great honor and pleasure to entertain the pursuers.
While I did so, D'Artagnan gained enough of a lead to carry him to Calais.
As he neared it, he was jubilant feeling that once he crossed the channel, Richelieu wouldn't dare stand in his way.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Ah, could you tell me how far I am from Calais? Five minute's walk will take you to the dock.
Which way is that? You go as far as the church, then turn to your right.
You can't lose your way.
Can I get a boat to England there? England? [CHUCKLING.]
For that, you're whistling in the wind.
What do you mean? Richelieu closed the port yesterday.
Since then there's only one boat left, and docked this afternoon, it waited for the woman from Paris then cleared for [INAUDIBLE.]
.
The woman from Paris.
Aye.
And pretty too.
I myself helped her down from her carriage.
That was Lady DeWinter.
And you say she's gone to England? Ah, got a lot of boats in port.
We can't fish.
It makes it awfully hard to live.
You know, a man will do most anything to keep food in his house.
Most anything, huh? How long does it take you to earn a piece of gold like this? A month.
A man like you who can get or has a small boat, I'd be willing to leave 20 such pieces with him if he'd take me where I wanted to go.
Well, I'd rather hang than starve.
There he is.
Stop them.
You're under arrest by orders of Richelieu.
[LAUGHING.]
This is worth hanging to see.
Follow me.
They'll never be able to find us.
My lord.
D'Artagnan.
I came for the queen, your grace.
This will explain my errand.
Thompson.
On my dressing table, a silver box.
Bring it to me at once.
Two of the diamonds are missing.
But I don't see how.
I wore them for the first time this evening.
My Lord, did you send for Lady DeWinter? The queen's other messenger.
There is no other messenger.
She's an agent of Richelieu's.
She had nearly a day's start ahead of us and a fast boat waiting for her at Calais.
Have Lady DeWinter come here immediately.
Your Grace, Lady DeWinter left some four hours ago.
I heard her order her coachman to head for Dover at all possible speed.
That is all, Thompson.
Her majesty must appear at the ball with the diamonds, Your Grace.
These would help it any way.
With only 10 stones, we've failed.
D'Artagnan tell me, if you left London tomorrow evening, do you think you could reach Paris in time? If I ride day and night, I might be able to get there.
I'll have the two missing diamonds duplicated.
Come we must hurry.
ATHOS (VOICEOVER): Less than 24 hours later, D'Artagnan and a complete set of diamonds in a silver box rode at breakneck speed.
He was wasting no time in getting back to the queen.
He was certain that Richelieu was enjoying what he judged to be a complete victory.
Excellent.
No difficulty? None.
Did Her Majesty make any move? Of a sort, but Rochefort stopped most of the party on the road to Calais.
There were three musketeers.
The fourth man, that ah, Monsieur D'Artagnan, the gentlemen who spoiled your little reception for Constance.
Bonacieux, seemed to have disappeared completely.
This D'Artagnan is a resourceful man.
He was, if you recall, also present the night.
Her Majesty met the duke here at the palace.
M-hm.
I've discounted him as a danger to us.
But to ensure non interference, I've post a guard at the wall entrance, the only way the Duke could have entered to see the queen.
Now, when the queen appears tonight without the diamonds, you may come to me for your reward.
Until then, Your Excellency.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Madame.
It's you, Constance.
The king is asking for you.
Yes, I know.
I I must get ready.
There's no sign of him then? He failed, Constance? I fear so, Your Highness.
It was a noble effort.
I shall always remember you both for it.
Thank you.
Ah, report.
All.
I thought you were all dead.
You must be ghosts.
[CHUCKLING.]
The moment you got away, I jumped out the window.
They cleared me when they found nothing.
It was you they wanted.
You should see my head.
One of their clubs found its target.
They'd thought I'd really become a ghost.
Well, thank heavens you're all here even if it is too late.
Do you have the diamonds? I have.
Well then hurry to the queen, man.
Where's Constance? Every entrance to the Louvre is blocked, even the secret one I told you of.
Richelieu has his guards there.
Things are never dull with our friend here.
Well, let's go.
What are you waiting for? [SPARRING SOUNDS.]
We're wasting our time out here.
I'd rather be inside.
The ball will be starting soon.
Rochefort, two musketeers are around the corner.
They're giving us trouble.
This way.
Hurry.
Help the rest of them.
Splendid idea, this ball, my dear Richelieu.
My compliments.
Thank you, sire.
But it was purely Your Majesty's doing.
Madame's arrival in France gave us a reason.
Your gift of the jewels made it a somewhat special occasion.
Oh.
Lovely.
You look most lovely tonight, Anne.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Madame, I'm disappointed.
What? Now what? Her jewels, sire.
Her Majesty no doubt has excellent reasons for not wearing them.
Madame, I specifically requested you to wear them.
But Your Majesty, I We'll wait until you get them.
Go back to your apartments and return with the diamonds.
If I may say so, Your Majesty, I'm curious to know how the queen will answer a simple question.
I don't understand.
It would be really interesting, sire, if the question should come from you.
Well, what is it? If the queen, when she returns, has the diamonds, which I doubt, count them.
If you find only 10, ask Her Majesty who could have taken these two.
Aramis must be having some trouble.
Perhaps I oh, here they come.
Well, where are they? I told you to arrest them.
Arrest them yourself.
Quick, D'Artagnan, through the door.
We'll hold them off.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, our guests must be waiting.
Madame, it has been reported to me that two of your diamonds are missing.
Here they are.
Two more? Why, that would make 14.
But Her Majesty is right.
She has 12.
Richelieu, what does this mean? It means, sire, that I thought this was a diverting way of presenting Her Majesty with two more diamonds.
Oh.
A mock of my profound respect.
Thank you, Your Excellency.
But you shouldn't have gone to all that trouble.
Would you put them in safe keeping for me? Your Majesty, the ball.
Oh D'Artagnan, the queen has asked that you be appointed a musketeer.
She asked me to give you this ring, and I would like to give you this.
Not bad, apples.
Not bad.
Yes.
His form is quite good.
That is for a country bumpkin.
ANNOUNCER (ON TV): D'artagnan played by Robert Clarke; Athos, John Hubbard; Porthos, Mel Archer; Aramis, Keith Richards; Richelieu, Paul Cavanaugh; King Louis XIII, Don Beddoe; Queen Anne, Marjorie Lord; Constance, Lyn Thomas; Lady DeWinter, Kristine Miller; Buckingham, Charles Lang; Rochefort, Peter Mamakos; De Treville, James Craven; Du Verges, Byron Foulger; Fisherman, Hank Patterson.
[THEME MUSIC.]