sentences:  In mid-1947, it was announced Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was set to produce a film adaptation of "The Three Musketeers".Initially, Louis Hayward showed interest in playing d'Artagnan in a film adaptation by Edward Small, but he withdrew when he found out "The Three Musketeers" was already being produced by MGM.Despite rumors Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was set to star, Gene Kelly was announced as the film's lead in June 1947, with production slated to begin in September.