'The plot is the effort of D'Artagnan, the Gascon gallant, to serve the, Queen, and so save her from the snares of Richelieu, who is pictured as endeavouring to compass the downfall of her Majesty in order to promote his ends with the King. To accomplish his purpose the Cardinal employs Milady, an adventurous, beautiful, but unscrupulous woman whose purpose it is the duty of D'Artagnan to frustrate. The hero fulfills his mission, after many exciting and sensational adventures, which help to create a plot of intense interest and graphic impressions. In some respect, the authors do not adhere closely to the book, but the departure may be justified inasmuch as it adds to the melodramatic effect... ('Three Musketeers at the Criterion', p.2).
1899: Criterion Theatre, Sydney; 18 May - 16 June
'Mr. Espinasse's version of Dumas' celebrated novel The Three Musketees was produced by Mr. George Rignold at the Criterion Theatre on Thursday evening last. A remarkably good dramatisation was given, closely adhering in most particulars to the text. The original dialogue introduced is of a good level, and the whole production superbly mounted and dressed, can only be described as a triumph...'
A review of the 1899 Sydney production of George Rignold and Bernard Espinasse's The Three Musketeers (Criterion Theatre; 18 May - 16 June)
'In literary merit and strung dramatic action the version of The Three Musketeers, staged at the Criterion Theatre last night, need fear no eclipse from any of the dramatised presentations of the much-discussed Alexandre Dumas work. The piece surprised as well as delighted the audience, by reason of the artistic finish, clever stage-craft, and striking situations which it revealed as the action progressed until the final triumph, when the curtain went down to the enthusiastic applause of the house, which did not rest until It had called both Mr. Esplnasse and Mr. Rignold before the curtain...'
'In literary merit and strung dramatic action the version of The Three Musketeers, staged at the Criterion Theatre last night, need fear no eclipse from any of the dramatised presentations of the much-discussed Alexandre Dumas work. The piece surprised as well as delighted the audience, by reason of the artistic finish, clever stage-craft, and striking situations which it revealed as the action progressed until the final triumph, when the curtain went down to the enthusiastic applause of the house, which did not rest until It had called both Mr. Esplnasse and Mr. Rignold before the curtain...'
A review of the 1899 Sydney production of George Rignold and Bernard Espinasse's The Three Musketeers (Criterion Theatre; 18 May - 16 June)
'Mr. Espinasse's version of Dumas' celebrated novel The Three Musketees was produced by Mr. George Rignold at the Criterion Theatre on Thursday evening last. A remarkably good dramatisation was given, closely adhering in most particulars to the text. The original dialogue introduced is of a good level, and the whole production superbly mounted and dressed, can only be described as a triumph...'