The Count of Monte Cristo is a British 12-part dramatization of Alexandre Dumas's 1844 novel of the same name. It was made by the BBC and was screened in the autumn of 1964. The series starred Alan Badel in the title role.
As well as being the only BBC version, the serial survived the corporation's junking policy intact and is available on DVD.
Premise
Edmond Dantes, a sailor, is falsely accused and imprisoned by three men who have various reasons to be jealous of him. After 14 years imprisoned in the Chateau d'If he escapes, and, after recovering a treasure hidden on the island of Monte Cristo revealed to him by the Abbe Faria, a fellow prisoner, he embarks on a campaign of revenge against those who have wronged him.
Cast
Alan Badel as Edmond Dantes
Natasha Parry as Mercédès
Philip Madoc as Fernand Mondego
Morris Perry as Danglars
Michael Gough as Villefort
Michael Robbins as Caderousse
Anthony Newlands as M. Morel
John Wentworth as Abbe Faria
David Calderisi as Jacopo
Cyril Shaps as Bertuccio
Rosalie Crutchley as Mme. Danglars
Patricia English as Mme. Villefort
Sandor Eles as Albert Morcerf
Isobel Black as Eugenie Danglars
Anna Palk as Valentine Villefort
Edward de Souza as Maximilian Morel
Austin Trevor as Cavalcanti
Richard Kay as Benedetto
Valerie Sarruf as Haydee
Production
The series was made in 12 episodes of 25 minutes each, with a total run time of 300 minutes. It was filmed in black and white and had an intense, theatrical style. The script remained largely faithful to the original plot, and is regarded as the best screen version of the story, with Badel as the definitive Count. The series was produced by Campbell Logan, and directed by Peter Hammond. The screenplay was by Anthony Steven.
It is unknown if the production was broadcast live with pre-film inserts or if it was broadcast from 405-line videotapes which were wiped at a later date, although all episodes survive as 35mm telerecordings.