As well as being the only BBC version, the serial survived the corporation's junking policy intact and is available on DVD.

Edmond Dantes, a sailor, is falsely accused and imprisoned by three men who have various reasons to be jealous of him.

After 14 years imprisoned in the Chateau d'If he escapes, and, after recovering a treasure hidden on the island of Monte Cristo revealed to him by the Abbe Faria, a fellow prisoner, he embarks on a campaign of revenge against those who have wronged him.

The script remained largely faithful to the original plot, and is regarded as the best screen version of the story, with Badel as the definitive Count.

The series was produced by Campbell Logan, and directed by Peter Hammond.