The Count of Monte Cristo (1974)
Starring: Richard Chamberlain, Kate Nelligan
Director: David Greene
Rich characterizations and Chamberlain's terrific performance highlight earlier made-for-TV adaptation.

The Count of Monte Cristo (1998)
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Ornella Muti
Director: Josee Dayan
Lengthy French miniseries offers more faithful rendition of Dumas' tale.

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons
Director: Randall Wallace
More melodramatic Dumas adaptation makes up for little swordplay with lavish production values.

The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins
Director: Martin Campbell
Glossy action-adventure with similar revenge theme benefits from star chemistry, exquisite stunts.

The Scarlet Pimpernel (A&E;) (1998)
Starring: Richard E. Grant, Elizabeth McGovern
Director: Patrick Lau
BBC miniseries sets a lighter tone with zesty blend of romance, humor, and crossed swords.

The Three Musketeers (1974)
Starring: Oliver Reed, Raquel Welch
Director: Richard Lester
Action-packed swashbuckler feaures rollicking sword fights and a large dose of humor.

Creative Movie Matches

Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Anne Brochet
Director: Jean-Paul Rappeneau
Classic swashbuckler yields witter, more romantic story, touching Depardieu performance.