The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers

Year: 1974

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Lester

ActionAdventure

During the 17th century in France, a young king finds himself manipulated by the scheming Cardinal Richelieu, who plots to gain control. As turmoil spreads and the threat of war arises, a group of courageous Musketeers, dedicated to protecting the crown, must unite to expose the Cardinal’s deceit and safeguard the kingdom from impending disaster. Their loyalty and bravery are put to the ultimate test in a fight for the future of France.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Three Musketeers yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Three Musketeers (1974)

Trace every key event in The Three Musketeers (1974) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

D'Artagnan Arrives in Paris

D'Artagnan, a young country bumpkin, arrives in Paris with aspirations of becoming a king's musketeer. He carries a letter from his father introducing him to Captain Treville, commander of the King's musketeers, along with a secret sword thrust and some money.

Paris
2

First Encounter with Rochefort

Upon entering the city, D'Artagnan encounters the Comte De Rochefort, an agent of Cardinal Richelieu. In a scuffle, he is insulted, knocked out, and robbed of his money, which causes him to break his father's sword in the process.

Paris
3

Meeting Captain Treville

D'Artagnan reaches the barracks of the King's Musketeers where he meets Captain Treville. Treville, realizing D'Artagnan is inexperienced due to his broken sword, advises him to gain combat experience before returning.

Musketeers Barracks
4

Dueling the Musketeers

Unbeknownst to D'Artagnan, he inadvertently insults three musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Each challenges him to a duel in succession, leading to a series of confrontations as he tries to prove himself.

Musketeers HQ
5

Street Fight with Cardinal's Guards

As D'Artagnan prepares for the duel with Athos, they are interrupted by Jussac and five of Cardinal Richelieu's swordsmen. A brawl ensues, and D'Artagnan joins forces with the musketeers to fend off the guards, solidifying his allegiance.

Paris
6

Alliance with the Musketeers

After the skirmish, Athos shares the Musketeers' motto of 'One for all, and all for one' with D'Artagnan. To assist him, Athos also shares his winnings from the guards to help D'Artagnan settle in Paris.

Musketeers HQ
7

Affair with Constance

D'Artagnan becomes romantically involved with Constance Bonacieux, the wife of his landlord and a dressmaker for the Queen. Despite the shabby conditions of his lodging, his attraction to Constance deepens as they begin a passionate affair.

D'Artagnan's Room
8

Threats from Cardinal Richelieu

Richelieu learns of the Duke of Buckingham’s presence in France and informs King Louis XIII. Despite knowing that the Duke desires the Queen, Richelieu argues against his arrest without substantial evidence.

King's Court
9

Rochefort's Attack

Cardinal Richelieu's agent, Rochefort, attacks Constance and her husband in their home, prompting Constance to seek D'Artagnan's help. D'Artagnan comforts her, and their bond grows stronger amid the danger.

Constance's Home
10

Constance and the Duke's Secret Meetings

Constance helps the Duke of Buckingham covertly meet the Queen, despite the risks involved. D'Artagnan, fueled by jealousy, confronts Constance about her betrayals but eventually learns the truth about their intentions.

Paris
11

The Queen's Step

Realizing that the Cardinal knows about her secret meetings, the Queen decides to end her relationship with Buckingham. She gifts the Duke a diamond necklace for remembrance, setting off a series of events that endanger her and Buckingham's safety.

Queen's Chamber
12

Rescue of Buckingham

After learning of an attack planned by Richelieu, D'Artagnan and the musketeers come to Buckingham's aid during a confrontation. This heroic act helps the Duke escape and maintain his connection with the Queen.

Paris
13

Journey to England

Constance asks D'Artagnan to travel to England to recover the lost diamonds from the Duke. D'Artagnan sets out with the musketeers but faces an ambush from the Cardinal's men, leading to a perilous journey.

London
14

D'Artagnan's Return

After successfully retrieving the diamonds, D'Artagnan races back to Paris with only his servant remaining. They arrive just in time to deliver the necklace to the Queen, averting a royal scandal.

Paris
15

Induction Into the Musketeers

D'Artagnan finally proves himself to Captain Treville and is inducted into the Musketeers of the King's Guard. His achievements solidify his place among the musketeers, and he shares a significant moment of promise with Constance.

Musketeers Barracks

Last Updated: May 28, 2025 at 19:07

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Swashbuckling Adventures like The Three Musketeers

Fast-paced tales of loyal friends facing down villains with daring swordplay.If you enjoyed the camaraderie and action of The Three Musketeers, you'll love these movies. This list features similar heroic stories with fast pacing, lighthearted tones, and classic good-versus-evil conflicts centered on loyalty and daring escapades.

swashbucklingadventurousheroiclightheartedloyalenergeticromanticdaring

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a group of charismatic heroes or a lone adventurer joining a cause. The plot is a linear quest involving political intrigue or royal schemes, resolved through a series of chases, duels, and clever plans, culminating in a decisive and satisfying victory for the heroes.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared emphasis on energetic action, a light tone, and the central theme of loyal companionship. They provide a fun, escapist experience where bravery and cleverness consistently win the day against charming villains.

Movies about Found Family like The Three Musketeers

Stories where an ambitious young outsider finds purpose and belonging with a new crew.Fans of D'Artagnan's journey in The Three Musketeers will appreciate these films. They feature similar coming-of-age arcs where a youthful character's ambition leads them to a found family, testing their skills and loyalty on a thrilling adventure.

coming of agefound familyearnestloyaladventurousmentorshipheroicyouthful

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a coming-of-age arc. A young character arrives in a new world with big dreams, initially clashing with but eventually earning the respect of a seasoned group. The central conflict serves as a crucible that forges deep bonds, transforming ambition into成熟的heroism and individual desire into collective loyalty.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific character arc and emotional core. They blend the excitement of adventure with the heartfelt theme of finding one's place in the world, appealing to viewers who enjoy stories of personal growth and unwavering friendship.

Unlock the Full Story of The Three Musketeers

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Three Musketeers in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Three Musketeers is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Three Musketeers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Three Musketeers, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Three Musketeers Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Three Musketeers

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Three Musketeers. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Three Musketeers that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Three Musketeers Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Three Musketeers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Three Musketeers: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Three Musketeers