The Count Of Monte Cristo (ITV Action Adventure, George Dolenz)

Period action adventure series. In 18th Century France Edmund Dantes escapes from prison after being falsely convicted and embarks on a search for lost treasure.

Made in 1956 The Count of Monte Cristo stars George (Father of Mickey) Dolenz as Edmond Dante who in 18th Century France finds himself falsely convicted of crimes against the state and locked up in the The Chateau D’If which just happens to be one of the most notorious prisons in all of France. In Prison Dante is brefriended by the elderly Abbe Faria who reveals to him not only his vast knowledge but also passes on the key to his incredible treasure hoard. Dante is determined to escape from the Chateau and wreak his revenge on those who have wronged him.

He quickly makes good his escape and now wealthy beyond imaginings he retakes his place in French High Society as the renamed Count of Monte Cristo.

The series is similar in style to other such classic fifties filmed series as The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Of course the production team, led by Sidney Marshall and Dennis Vance, take a lot of liberties with the Alexander Dumas source material and turn Dante into a kind of all purpose action hero who travels around Europe righting wrongs and getting one over on the bad guys.

Cast: GEORGE DOLENZ as Edmund Dantes / NICK CRAVAT as Jacopo / ROBERT GAWDRON as Rico / FAITH DOMERGUE as Princess Anne

Producer: Sidney Marshall, Dennis Vance / Novel: Alexandre Dumas

UK / ITV – ATV – ITP / 39×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 1956