The Count of Monte Cristo

This takes place in 1815. Young handsome Edmond Dantes (Robert Donat) is unjustly accused of treason by three evil men. He is imprisoned but his girlfriend Mercedes (Elissa Landi) vows to wait for him. Then he is mistakenly believed to be dead and she abandons hope. He is in prison for 20 years virtually forgotten. Then with the help of another prisoner (O.P. Heggie) he escapes and vows revenge on all three of the men who wronged him. The problem is Mercedes is now married to one of them.

I never read the book so I can't compare it but this is a fast-moving and very good film. It was independently made but still has excellent production values and costumes. The story is shown in quick short sequences which move briskly ahead. Donat is excellent in the lead however he's physically all wrong for the role. He's tall and thin and was plagued by health problems all his life and it shows here occasionally. Heggie is also excellent in his role and was just a year away from playing a blind beggar in "Bride of Frankenstein". Landi unfortunately is pretty terrible as Mercedes. She comes across as unattractive and somewhat cruel. I kept wondering what Edmond saw in her. Still this is a very good movie and well worth watching. Good luck finding a clean print.