The Three Musketeers (released in 1948) - Starring Gene Kelly and Lana Turner, based on the book

The Three Musketeers is a fantasy action film adapted from the Alexander Dumas's novel of the same name. Many versions of this tale has been tried out in Hollywood and has been the favorite period drama adapted by the film industry.
D'Artagnan is a superb swordsman who leaves for Paris to join the famous Musketeers and carry a recommendation letter to De Treville, the commander of the Musketeers. On his way he is assaulted by a lady's guard and his letter is also burnt. Artagnan reaches De Treville who recognizes the assailant and allows him to train for the esteemed position. While on the street Artagnan sees his assailant and tries to duel him enraging the Three musketeers, Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Artagnan challenges them to a duel and while this happens Richelieu's men try to arrest them Artagnan joins forces with the Musketeers and foils the arrest. This act of valor earns him the respect of the musketeers who take him in to their fold.
That night a chance meeting with Constance Bonacieux, the lady in waiting for the queen Anne leaves Artagnan deeply in love. His feelings are reciprocated by Constance. But trouble is brewing as Queen Anne has a lover in the British Duke, Buckingham. King Louis XIII of France presents his wife Anne, a magnificent pair of earrings which she gives to Buckingham as a token of her love.



This exchange reaches the ear of the wicked Richelieu who plots the overthrow of the King. To precipitate the war between England and France to fulfill his nefarious designs he asks the King to have the queen wear the beautiful diamonds for the grand ball. A panic stricken Queen confides in Constance who enlist the support of the musketeers. But Richlieu sends a Femme fatale Milady de Winter to appropriate the jewel from Buckingham.
As the Musketeers battle Richelieu's men to reach the duke, de Winter gets the earrings. But Artagnan who reaches the goal makes a similar copy, thus helping the Queen to avoid a scandal. Richlieu again asks de Winter to seduce Artagnan to enlist him in his force. Athos reveals that de Winter is his evil wife who is a common murderess thus earning her wrath. Richelieu then kidnaps Constance to force Artagnan's hand. But the queen frees her and send her to Buckingham. De Winter reaches there and is promptly captured, but manages to murder Constance.
A heart broken Artagnan gets an incriminating letter delivered by de Winter to Buckingham in which Richelieu had asked for a partnership. He unmasks Richelieu during the grand ball and has him captured. He also captures de winter who begs for mercy and send her to the guillotine.
This movie has Gene Kelly playing the title role of de Artagnan and Lana Turner the femme fatale de Winter. This movie has June Allyson, John Sutton and Angela Lansbury in key roles. MGM to avoid a confrontation with the Roman Catholic Church, omitted the reference of Cardinal Richelieu from the movie. This movie is one of the successful movies of that year and is a good watch.

The Cheyenne Social club (released in 1970) - Starring James Stewart, Henry Fonda, and Shirley Jones, and directed by Gene Kelly

The Cheyenne Social club is a western comedy directed by Gene Kelley who is famous for his role in “Singing in the Rain”. It stars real world friends Henry Fonda and James Stewart along with the beautiful Shirley Jones.
Two lonely cowboys in the 1870's John Hanlan and Harley Sullivan have been riding together for almost ten years. They have nothing to call their own and do odd jobs and sleep under the stars. Hanlan's secret wish is to acquire some property. One day he gets the message from a lawyer that his estranged brother has passed away presenting him with a legacy. The legacy is Cheyenne Social club.
Hanlan is mighty pleased as he has become a “man of property”. He resolves to go to Wyoming to claim his property. Harley rides along with him as he always has in the past. When they reach Cheyenne they are welcomed with most love and affection. The towns men treat them with respect and the bar offers them free drinks.



Hanlan goes to inspect his inheritance and to his dismay discovers that it is a bordello. The business is run by Jenny who is the loveliest of all madams. The rest of the girls are, Opal Ann (Sue Ann Langdon), Pauline (Elaine Divry), Carrie Virginia (Jackie Russell), Annie Jo (Jackie Joseph) and Sara Jean (Sharon DeBord).The girls all hand picked by DJ are the best of the women available. The prudish uptight Hanlan is horrified and says that this business against his religion and convictions. Soon he decided to close down the brothel and build a boarding house in its place. But this upsets the towns people who petition him to rethink his decision.
In the mean time Harley charms his way in to the rooms of all the girls and makes his conquests. Hanlan is disgusted by this. But matters go to his head when one of the girls Jenny is beaten by a sinister Corey Bannister who is the local thug. Hanlan shoots him in a duel and soon has the blood thirsty Bannister clan baying for his blood. A gun battle ensues and the friends have to defend themselves and the girls. The shooting of Corey Bannister is one of the funniest scenes in the movie. While Hanlan is trying to shoot him Harley makes a shooting sound with some pecans which distracts Corey. Hanlan shoots him becomes a hero.
A wonderful movie with the best of humor in place. The dialogues are very witty and there is nothing bawdy about them. Sex is not in your face but is shown as a gentle romance. There is romance, action, and above all healthy fun. James Stewart and Henry Fonda are real life friends who bring the crackling chemistry to the fore and make you laugh and smile with their performances. This movie was James Stewart's last western. Watch the movie for their performances and the most witty dialogues you can quote.