Like in the book, d'Artagnan has offended the titular musketeers in quick succession, and they challenge him to duels. He meets all three at a garden where he's arranged to fight his first duel with Athos, when they are interrupted by the Musketeers' rivals in the Cardinal's Guard. The Musketeers are outnumbered three to five, but d'Artagnan sides with them despite being permitted to leave. He and his allies are able to strike down or rout their opponents, and d'Artagnan saves Athos by attacking the group's leader, Jussac.
What follows is the arrogant and hotheaded d'Artagnan repeatedly humiliating the most dangerous swordsman in the regiment with all the classic swashbuckling tricks while the others watch with interest.
Gene Kelly has a lot of energy in the scene, vaulting over ornaments, slashing his opponent's clothes, throwing water in his face while fighting near a fountain, and at one point even disarms Jussac only to hand his sword back. He eventually triumphs and spare's Jussac's life, but not before getting in one final humiliation by cutting off his belt and pushing him into a pond.
A common consensus in writing action scenes is that there should be some character development. Well, it proves d'Artagnan's fighting prowess, but also endears him to the Musketeers. Before the fight, they were planning to duel, but after seeing him in action, they welcome him as a friend.
Credit to MGM for the clip.
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