The Man in the Iron Mask - Trivia, Questions and Fun Facts

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This film is one of the few, if not only film versions, that features the subplot of Louis XIV stealing Raoul's fiancée from him. The story plays out differently, however. Christine was originally Louise de la Valliere, a historical figure who was in fact Louis's mistress, and according to some document had previously been involved with a man called Bragelonne, on whom Raoul was based. In the book Louis does not send Raoul to Africa to be killed. He is instead sent to England on a diplomatic mission, and is recalled only when Louis's previous lover, Princess Henrietta Stuart (wife of his brother Philippe d'Orleans) calls him back. Raoul takes part in the conspiracy to replace Louis with Philippe (the twin), which ultimately fails. Sometime after this, he realizes that Louise loves Louis in return, and the heartbroken Raoul accepts a position with the King's cousin, Beaufort, in Africa, where he commits a kamikaze maneuver.