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The Count of Monte Cristo1934
Edmond Dantes has been wrongly accused of a plot against the post-Napoleonic French government. Condemned to a prison cell in the impenetrable Chateau D'If, Dantes vows vengeance against the four conspirators who framed him. He is particularly anxious to give his ex-friend Mondego his comeuppance, since it was Mondego who married Dantes' fiancee Mercedes. Twelve years pass; with the help of ancient fellow prisoner Abbe Foria, Dantes digs his way out of the Chateau D'If and escapes. He finds the treasure of Monte Cristo, which makes him the wealthiest man in the world. He uses his riches to put his plan of revenge into motion, methodically destroying every one of his enemies.
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What makes this film worth watching?
1 member likes this review
This excellent classic film has something for everyone. It's a love story, an adventure, a court case, an example of injustice and eventual justice, buried treasure, swashbuckling, and yes, even revenge.
It was my first viewing of this adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel. I rather enjoyed the 2002 movie starring Jim Caviezel. I hesitated watching this version, at first, because of the 1934 release date. Many films from that era were having issues with sound quality. I am happy to report that the production work is outstanding here, and the acting (although a little formal) is appropriate for the time period.
"The Count of Monte Cristo" held my attention from beginning to end. The story is character driven so be sure to remember the names and faces of the major players as the plot twists and turns.
The only negative I can come up with is the music. Its a bit melodramatic in places.
The fact that they did not include a monkey means that "Raiders", by default, still wins as the best adventure motion picture.
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Member Reviews (5)
This excellent classic film has something for everyone. It's a love story, an adventure, a court case, an example of injustice and eventual justice, buried treasure, swashbuckling, and yes, even revenge.
It was my first viewing of this adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel. I rather enjoyed the 2002 movie starring Jim Caviezel. I hesitated watching this version, at first, because of the 1934 release date. Many films from that era were having issues with sound quality. I am happy to report that the production work is outstanding here, and the acting (although a little formal) is appropriate for the time period.
"The Count of Monte Cristo" held my attention from beginning to end. The story is character driven so be sure to remember the names and faces of the major players as the plot twists and turns.
The only negative I can come up with is the music. Its a bit melodramatic in places.
The fact that they did not include a monkey means that "Raiders", by default, still wins as the best adventure motion picture.
1 member likes this review
top reviewer
I loved Robert Donat in "The 39 Steps," so I figured I'd give "The Count of Monte Crisco" a shot. Unfortunately, this is a typical studio film period piece based on a huge book with quite a few strands of story to squeeze into an under-two-hour time frame, so the film's charms are fleeting as it rushes from scene to scene. Donat does his best, but he's kind of wasted here since most of the emotional scenes he gets to do in this film are cliched and the lousy make up doesn't help. One other reviewer compared this to the "Classics Illustrated" version of Dumas's book in film form, and I have to say I concur whole-heartedly. Don't bother with this unless you're a fan of these types of dated productions, and if I may offer an alternative suggestion, watch the new Blu-Ray version of "The 39 Steps" instead. Donat looks like he needed a paycheck for this one, although he is definitely giving his all here; the sword fight scene is particularly strong. Two and a half stars.
A classic.
Enjoyable film. The manner in which the lead actors grow into their roles as they age was well done.
Awesome.