The Son of Monte Cristo (1940)

Grand Duchess Joan Bennett’s country has been overtaken by dictator George Sanders. When she meets up with the current Count of Monte Cristo Louis Hayward, he falls for her and attempts to help her retake her rightful place of power. The politics are possibly a bit too convoluted for an adventure film of this type, but was probably poignant at the time. Unfortunately that plot weighs down what would otherwise be a lighthearted romp. There’s still plenty of swashbuckling fun, but is mostly forgettable.   

Oscar Nomination: Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Black-and-White