Edmond Dantès is arrested through the unscrupulousness of his rivals Mondego and Danglar, and is sentenced by judge Villefort. While innocent Dantès languishes in jail for many years, Danglar is promoted to baron and banker. Villefort has made it to crown prosecutor, and Mondego is not only married to Mercédès, Dantès' fiancée, but has become a Paris' top society member.
Meanwhile in the prison, Edmond becomes a docile disciple of Abbé Faria, who shortly before his death, makes him heir of the treasure on the isle of Monte Cristo. Dantès manages to escape, and he swears bitter revenge…