Alexandre Dumas's 1845 novel about the betrayal, imprisonment, and eventual triumph of Edmond Dantes is one of world literature's most famous stories of dogged revenge. There have been many productions over the years, in the U.S. and other countries, but most critics cite the 1934 version of The Count of Monte Cristo as the best. It was also the only film the distinguished British actor Robert Donat ever shot in Hollywood.

Donat's early stage work brought him to the attention of British film mogul Alexander Korda, who signed him for a three-year contract leading to a notable role in The Private Life of Henry VIII (1934). Hollywood quickly came calling, and Donat went stateside for The Count of Monte Cristo. The picture was a critical and commercial success, named one of the Ten Best of the year, and big offers quickly came to the 29-year-old actor. Yet Donat's distaste for the Hollywood scene and the debilitating asthma that plagued him all his life led him to turn down the highly touted lead in the seafaring adventure story Captain Blood (1935) - a lucky break for minor Warner Brothers contract player Errol Flynn, who became a star in that role. Donat returned to England immediately after The Count of Monte Cristo to work with Alfred Hitchcock in The 39 Steps (1935).

Excerpt from TCM located HERE