The Return of Monte Cristo (1946 film)

The Return of Monte Cristo is a 1946 American adventure film directed by Henry Levin and starring Louis Hayward, Barbara Britton, and George Macready. It is a sequel to the 1934 film The Count of Monte Cristo, based on Alexandre Dumas' novel of the same name. However, unlike its predecessor, this film is not a direct adaptation of the novel, but rather presents a new story featuring the Count's son.

The film is set during the French Revolution. Edmond Dantes Jr., the son of the Count of Monte Cristo, continues his father's legacy by fighting for justice against corrupt aristocrats. He uses his father's legendary alias to right the wrongs perpetrated by a cruel and ambitious public prosecutor, Villefort (played by George Macready), who is attempting to seize power amidst the chaos of the revolution. Edmond falls in love with a young woman, Countess Luisa Contessa (Barbara Britton), whose family is also targeted by Villefort.

Hayward portrays a more action-oriented and less brooding version of the character than typically associated with the Count of Monte Cristo. The film features sword fights, daring escapes, and romantic entanglements, typical of the swashbuckling genre. While it borrows the title and some thematic elements from Dumas' work, it stands as an independent adventure story utilizing the established lore and reputation of the Count of Monte Cristo. The film was produced by Edward Small and released by Columbia Pictures.