User reviews

This was another film I was introduced to via its vintage poster in my father's scrapbook of titles he watched during his childhood; however, it took me this long to get the opportunity to check it out for myself – thankfully, it was via Warner's "Archive Collection" transfer, where the movie sported the U.S. moniker THE SECRET OF MONTE CRISTO, so as not to be confused with the 1949 noir of the same name! Incidentally, this was one of four higher profile efforts by the writer/producer/director/cinematographer team (who, when they died, had a combined age of 193!) that I own and also their last outing for the big screen and, as it coincidentally turned out, I watched this on a day that would have been Berman's birthday!

Given the title, there are some obvious ties to the fictional fortune made famous by Alexandre Dumas; however, rather than a relative of Edmond Dantes (who discovered the treasure), here we have the descendant (played by Peter Arne) of the friar who actually stashed it on the island. Even so, he has only one-fourth of the map indicating its location: the other parts are owned by French playboy Francis Matthews, German seaman David Davies and English military officer Ian Hunter (accompanied on the venture by daughter Patricia Bredin, valet Sam Kydd and 'bodyguard' Rory Calhoun{!} just as Arne himself has Italian Gianna Maria Canale tagging along). Characters are very clearly defined from the outset: Bredin and Calhoun begin by disliking each other but eventually fall in love; Hunter expires early on; Kydd supplies incessant yet scant comedy relief; Matthews is gallant with women but ruthless when it comes to the gold; Arne, inevitably, emerges the true villain; Canale is ambitious and has no qualms about using her femininity to get a bigger stake of the riches.

The journey to the island is only half the narrative, however, for they run into Sicilian bandits – led by a hammy John Gregson (who shows his chops by eating a raw onion!) – soon after landing there. Needless to say, with so many fingers clamouring for a piece of the pie, double-cross and murder soon become the order of the day...but Gregson proves he is not as rough as he makes out to be (after Davies dies to save his life), taking sides with Bredin, Calhoun (even after having engaged in a knife-fight with him) and Kydd against Arne, Canale and Matthews. Though hardly a classic, the movie makes for a pleasant diversion (with an ironic fate for the much sought-after loot): if anything, the appealing locations – colourfully shot in the Dyaliscope ratio – generally manage to take one's mind off the flaws...most irritating, perhaps, being Calhoun's constantly cheerful countenance (which had likewise marred the Sergio Leone peplum THE COLOSSUS OF RHODES, actually the preceding title in his filmography released the same year)!

The filmmakers thrilled already envisage money sign in a huge box-office when they hear the famous Monte Cristo novel, this turn they offer a new rereading from the classic, no Edmund Dantès, no elder Abbé Faria at Chateau d'if or revenge whatsoever, now in 1815 at England Col. Jackson (Ian Hunter) and his gorgeous red-head daughter Pauline (Patricia Bedin) leaving sneakily London toward Italy to meet others three partners whereof each them had a small piece of treasure map buried somewhere in Monte Cristo island at Mediterranean sea.

Still in England on the journey thru there they meet randomly with gallant British Captain Adam Corbett (Rory Calhoun) that saves them of a burglars at tavern, later Corbett is hired as body-guard, meanwhile keeps an eye on the reluctant Pauline, also dully accompanied by the clumsy British butler Albert (Sam Kydd), Col. Jackson has a rendezvous with his unknown partners at old Roman ruins in Italy, when the real adventure will really begin.

Surely a low profile picture, gathered with a secondary casting, however not devoid of interest, the leading actor Rory Calhoun is good enough to play a swashbuckler character, also has the Italian beauty Gianna Maria Canale as scheming lady, without forget Peter Arne, Francis Matthews and the giggly pirate John Gregson and their thugs gang, a fine afternoon matinee strongly humor oriented, sadly it never came out officially in Brazil, on Youtube has a good print available, much better than my DVD-R copy on washout image.

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 2013 / How many: 2 / Source: DVD-Youtube / Rating: 7.

A group of fortune hunters, each carrying a part of a map they hope will lead them to treasure, make their way to the island of Monte Cristo - only to discover they are not the first. When the thieves fall out, the swords start to flash.

Rory Calhoun, renowned for starring in countless westerns, trades his six gun for a sword, and boy, does he get the chance to use it - and that against multiple assailants. In this fairly lively adventure, he's a soldier of fortune who is helping the daughter of one of the treasure seekers.

It might not be original, but it's well-paced, and has plenty of action and adventure. I'm quite surprised by the negative reviews. I have seen it many times on UK TV (BBC) and i've always thoroughly enjoyed it. John Gregson makes an interesting Corsican bandit, Calhoun does well in the role, and the lead heroine is beautiful as is Giana Maria Canale. It's not meant to be historically accurate, but a thrilling treasure adventure yarn.

I don't remember any other cloak and dagger from UK from this period, except the other Monty Berman's and Robert Baker's HELLFIRE CLUB; early sixties and late fifties were great providers of this genre, especially the French and Italian film industry, produced in Eastern Europe for most of them. In France you had Jean Marais or Gérard Barray as leads, in Italy, many other actors, and in UK, here this is Rory Calhoun. It is agreeable, especially for old timers as me, who seek for their childhood treasures. Modern audiences would not be interested by this, except maybe kids for wednesday matinees.