Man in the Iron Mask one ever saw his face because it was hidden by a mask of black velvet cloth, the true identity of the prisoner remains a mystery; it has been extensively debated by historians, and various theories have been expounded in numerous books and films. Among the leading theories are those proposed by writer and philosopher Voltaire: he claimed in the second edition of his "Questions sur l'Encyclopédie" (1771) that the prisoner wore a mask made of iron rather than of cloth, and that he was the older, illegitimate brother of Louis XIV. What little is known about the historical Man in
The Corsican Brothers (1941 film) is fatally shot in the back by Tomasso. He manages to kill Tomasso before collapsing. Then Mario appears. In a sword fight, the last Franchi slays the last Colonna. Before Lucien dies, he reconciles with his brother. Producer Edward Small had enjoyed success making films based on Dumas novels, such as "The Count of Monte Cristo" (1934) and "The Man in the Iron Mask" (1939). In November 1939 he announced he would film Dumas' "Corsican Brothers". Louis Hayward, who had previously played a dual role for Small in "Man in the Iron Mask" (1939), was originally announced as star. In