Musketeer Mania! Trivia Quiz

Answer: In a country inn

At the beginning of the film, Philippe is living in quiet isolation, tucked away from society in a modest household with caretakers at a country inn. His activities are simple - reading, reflecting, and occasionally interacting with his caretakers. He's unaware of what is about to happen to him and lives a sheltered life.

His peaceful existence is shattered when he's discovered. This occurs when King Louis becomes suspicious and finds out about his lookalike. He then has Philippe imprisoned, leading to his fate behind the iron mask.

Answer: His existence threatened the stability of the monarchy.

King Louis orders Philippe's imprisonment. The finance minister supports him as he is loyal to Louis. After Cardinal Mazarin's death, they regard Philippe's existence as a real threat to Louis's power.

To ensure that Louis XIV remains King, Philippe is captured and taken by boat to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a prison where he is locked up and forced to wear the iron mask. He is, therefore, hidden away to protect the throne because being the king's secret twin, he poses a threat to Louis's absolute rule. The iron mask ensures that his identity is well concealed.

Answer: Aramis

Philippe learns the shocking truth about his identity when Aramis, one of the Three Musketeers, reveals it to him. Aramis uses his connections within the court and the Bastille to arrange a private visit to Philippe's prison cell. Here, he tells him that he is King Louis XIV's twin brother and explains why he has been hidden away since birth.

The revelation sets the stage for the daring plot to free Philippe and replace the cruel Louis with his kinder twin. It's a moment of disbelief and transformation for Philippe, as he goes from an unknown prisoner to a rightful heir.

Answer: Aramis tells him after his escape.

Aramis, one of the Three Musketeers, is the mastermind behind Philippe's escape. After he discovers that Philippe is King Louis XIV's twin, he devises a plan to free him, intending to replace the King with his brother.

Aramis enlists the help of Athos and Porthos, while D'Artagnan, loyal to Louis, initially opposes the plan. The daring rescue involves deception, sword fights, and political intrigue, making it a classic swashbuckling adventure.

Answer: Nicolas Fouquet

The corrupt finance minister is Nicolas Fouquet, played by Patrick McGoohan. Fouquet is portrayed as a scheming official who has embezzled funds from the national treasury, making him a key antagonist in the story.

The Musketeers, along with Jean-Baptiste Colbert (played by Ralph Richardson), work to expose Fouquet's corruption and bring him down. Historically, Fouquet was a real figure, who served as Superintendent of Finances under King Louis XIV but was eventually arrested and imprisoned for financial misconduct.

Answer: Louise de La Vallière

King Louis XIV wants Louise de La Vallière to become his mistress. Throughout the film, Louis treats Louise with obsessive desire and entitlement. He relentlessly pursues her, despite her clear discomfort and rejection.

Louise (played by Jenny Agutter) completely rejects Louis XIV as she finds his behaviour arrogant, obsessive, and entitled, and she refuses to be manipulated into becoming his mistress. No matter how much Louis tries to pursue her, she makes it clear that she despises him.

Answer: The colour of the sash does not match

The colour of the sash in King Louis XIV's portrait raises suspicion because it doesn't match the one Philippe is wearing. The one in the picture, when Louis's portrait was painted, is white and the other one, which Philippe is wearing, is purple. Apart from this, their outfits are identical.

This colour difference creates suspicion about his true identity just before Louis and Philippe come face to face with each other. It's a subtle but clever detail that adds tension to his impersonation, as small inconsistencies can unravel even the most carefully laid plans.

Answer: He panics and desperately tries to prove his identity.

King Louis XIV reacts with shock, fury, and desperation when he sees Philippe impersonating him. This takes place in a pivotal scene (roughly halfway through the film) orchestrated by Colbert and D'Artagnan. Philippe, unaware of his royal lineage, is brought face-to-face with King Louis XIV in a dramatic confrontation. Since Philippe is the rightful king, Louis is enraged at the deception and fights to reclaim his throne. His reaction is one of disbelief and growing panic as he realises that his power is slipping away.

The confrontation between Louis and Philippe (both parts played by Richard Chamberlain) is intense, with Louis attempting to assert his dominance while Philippe, guided by his allies, steps into the role of king with increasing confidence. Ultimately, Louis is overpowered and imprisoned in the iron mask, sealing his fate.

Answer: She silently acknowledges the switch and keeps the secret.

After the dramatic switch between Louis and Philippe, D'Artagnan reveals the truth to Queen Anne of Austria. She reacts with shock, sorrow, and eventual acceptance when she realises that Philippe has replaced Louis. Initially, she is deeply conflicted as she loves both of her sons, but she also recognises that Louis has been a cruel and ineffective ruler.

As the truth unfolds, Queen Anne comes to understand that Philippe is the rightful king and that his leadership will be better for France. Though she mourns the fate of Louis, she ultimately supports Philippe's ascension, acknowledging that justice has been restored.

Answer: Philippe sits on the throne while Louis remains imprisoned.

Following the scene in which Louis and Philippe come face to face with each other, resulting in victory for Philippe and Louis being taken away, the film ends with Philippe taking his rightful place as king, while Louis XIV is imprisoned in the iron mask. The final moments emphasise Philippe's reign and the restoration of justice.