The Count of Monte Cristo is an American old-time radio adventure program that was broadcast on the Don Lee Network on the West Coast in the 1944-1945 season and on the Mutual Broadcasting System from December 19, 1946 - January 1, 1952.
Derived from the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, the program focused on the adventures of Edmond Dantes, who was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted on a false accusation of treason. Dantes escaped from prison and fought corruption in 18th-century France. The episodes on the Don Lee Network were sponsored by Peralto Wines.
The Stars
Carleton Young had the title role as Edmond Dantes. Rene Michon, the count’s “faithful manservant”, was portrayed first by Ferdinand Munier and later by Parley Baer. Actors who frequently had supporting roles included William Conrad, John Dehner, Virginia Gregg, Joseph Kearns, Barbara Lee, Paul Marion, Howard McNear, Jay Novello, Jack Petruzzi, and Vic Rodman. The announcers were Rod O’Connor, Charles Arlington, and Dick Wynn. Thomas Freebairn-Smith directed the episodes on the Don Lee Network, and Jaime del Valle directed those on Mutual. Anthony Ellis was the writer, and the orchestra was led by Dean Fossler.
Key Dates
- The Count of Monte Cristo was broadcast on the Don Lee Network on the West Coast in the 1944-1945 season and on the Mutual Broadcasting System from December 19, 1946 - January 1, 1952.
Other Information
The program was derived from the classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. It has been adapted for television, with a 1956 version and a 1964 British version.
