The Man in the Iron Mask (1939 film) and the real Louis XIV are also killed when the driverless coach plunges off a cliff. The mortally wounded d'Artagnan survives long enough to exclaim "God Save the King!" at Philippe's wedding, and then falls dead. Philippe finally assumes the throne. The film was the third movie producer Edward Small made under his new agreement for United Artists. James Whale was signed as director in September 1938. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., whose father had starred as D'Artagnan in the 1929 epic version "The Iron Mask", was originally announced as male star and met with director James Whale. However producer Edward Small
Alexandre Dumas Alexandre Dumas Alexandre Dumas (, ; ; born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie ; 24 July 1802 – 5 December 1870), also known as Alexandre Dumas (French for 'father'), was a French writer. His works have been translated into many languages, and he is one of the most widely read French authors. Many of his historical novels of high adventure were originally published as serials, including "The Count of Monte Cristo", "The Three Musketeers", "Twenty Years After", and "". His novels have been adapted since the early twentieth century for nearly 200 films. Dumas' last novel, "The Knight of Sainte-Hermine,"