The Son of Monte Cristo1940

"Like Father, Like Son" the saying goes. Louis Hayward carries on the family tradition of heroism one generation later. Jr. also ends up in jail, but only for a brief stay. Edmond Dantès, Jr., aka The Torch, plays the nemesis to George Sanders' evil would-be dictator while rescuing the lovely, young Joan Bennett.

Not the quality of its predecessor from 1934, this is still an entertaining film. Action, romance and drama lead the way. Lust for power, double-agents and secret passages add to the intrigue. And yes, there is plenty of swashbuckling (swash - strike violently / buckle - a shield). Tally-Ho!

I deducted a star for the irrational shotgun wedding scene that wraps up the film. Indiana Jones taught us that you never run when a man brings a knife to a gun fight.

Although this is not a great film by any means, it is, at least entertaining. The good against evil strain runs strong, with Sanders as the evil dictator of Lichtenberg, Joan Bennett the Duchess concerned for her people and --as Monte Cristo comes to save the day. Replete with moving fireplaces, palace guards on the good side and a hundred near misses the film rises up the climactic scene . . . won't give a spoiler here though it's very tempting, will just say shot gun wedding takes on a new meaning in this film.

enjoyable old-fashioned swashbuckler (where did this term come from anyway?)..Louis Hayward was always second fiddle to Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks but had a sardonic look and Joan Bennett was decorative..

A pretty good movie. I always enjoy seeing George Sanders play the part of the heavy--he does it so well. Joan Bennett is very believable, though very young in this movie. Overall, worth watching.