The Count of Monte Cristo (1954 film)

The Count of Monte Cristo is a 1954 Italian-French historical adventure film directed by Robert Vernay, and starring Jean Marais in the title role. It is an adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's novel of the same name, The Count of Monte Cristo.

The film tells the story of Edmond Dantès, a young sailor wrongly accused of treason and imprisoned on the Château d'If. After many years, he escapes and, with the help of a dying fellow prisoner, discovers a vast treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. Armed with wealth and a new identity, he returns to France as the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo, determined to seek revenge on those who betrayed him and to reward those who remained loyal.

The 1954 film is notable for its lavish sets, costumes, and action sequences, particularly the fencing scenes featuring Jean Marais, a renowned swashbuckler actor. It is considered a relatively faithful adaptation of the source material, although some plot elements and characters are condensed or omitted for pacing. The film was released in two parts in some markets, reflecting its length.