The Count of Monte Cristo

This 1934 version of Alexandre Dumas's classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo—in which young merchant sailor Edmond Dantès is unfairly imprisoned as a result of the actions of three conniving men, after which he escapes and seeks revenge while posing as a count—was directed by Rowland V. Lee on a small budget. Unfortunately, it shows: the sweeping story that winds through the halls of power, homes of the aristocracy, and Napoleon's march to reclaim France, ends up being told largely through scenes of characters in small rooms conversing, plotting, and proclaiming. A few impressive set pieces—including a duel—enliven the production, but the rest of the film is slow and creaky, stopping dead for monologues and conversations that serve to explain what the producers can't afford to show. Robert Donat is fine as the stalwart and idealistic Edmond—even more commanding when he remakes himself as the nobleman, conniving his way into friendships and social connections while plotting his righteous vengeance—and Louis Calhern stands out as the lead villain, De Villefort. Otherwise, this is a weak adaptation that also rewrites Dumas to deliver a happy ending in which Edmond is rewarded for his obsessive efforts. Although the DVD boasts a new digital transfer from a 35mm print, the image here is somewhat grainy. Optional, at best. [Note: also newly available from Hen's Tooth Video is James Whale's 1939 adaptation of Dumas's The Man in the Iron Mask.] (S. Axmaker)