Sword of Venus

Dantes (Clarke), the son of the famous Count of Monte Cristo, is something of a playboy. Unbeknownst to him, one of his father's few surviving enemies,

Danglars (O'Herlihy), continues to harbor resentment toward the Monte Cristo

family. He hatches an elaborate plot to destroy Dantes and seize the Monte

Cristo fortune. Reminiscent of the plot to eliminate his father, Dantes is framed for a murder he did not commit. The French court system is used as a weapon

to destroy Dantes who is the only impediment to Danglars's attempt to acquire the great fortune.

"Sword Of Venus" is a rather tepid production. Robert Clarke is only adequate in the role of the heroic Dantes. The romance between his character and the

beautiful Claire (McLeod) seems rather contrived and unconvincing. Dan

O'Herlihy does not deliver a particularly inspired performance as the villainous Danglars. Perhaps most annoying is that in what many would consider to be a

swashbuckler, the fight scenes are laughably amateurish. On the bright side, William Schallert's effort is (as usual) noteworthy. He plays the inebriated, corrupt lawyer Valmont who helps execute the plot. The general production

values (sets, costumes, etc.) are decent. Despite being inspired by the writings of Alexandre Dumas, no credit is given.

Overall, the film is a lackluster attempt at a period adventure. It is probably best suited for genre completists.