The Count of Monte Cristo

Matinée idol James O'Neill is said to have played "The Count of Monte Cristo" over 4,000 times on stage, beginning in 1875. And, so, Mr. O'Neill was a natural choice to preserve his "own" interpretation of Dumas' classic on film, as a "Famous Players" film production. Unfortunately, apart from Dantes' voyage, this isn't much of a film; most often, Edwin S. Porter's camera acts like a bored audience member. It's too bad, because Mr. O'Neill, even in his mature years, appears capable.

The star's playwright son Eugene O'Neill based the character "James Tyrone" from "Long Day's Journey Into Night" on his father. And, the character in that play seems like he could be the actor here playing "The Count of Monte Cristo". This is one to see if you're a film historian.

**** The Count of Monte Cristo (11/1/13) Edwin S. Porter ~ James O'Neill, Nance O'Neil, Murdock MacQuarrie