Count of Monte Cristo excellent for high school

While other English lit teachers were using other recommended novels, I chose The Count of Monte Cristo and showed the video, mostly disapproved by the other teachers who felt the video should not be shown until all the reading had been accomplished first. I felt the version starring Richard Chamberlain was excellent and his stay in prison nearing starvation and his dramatic escape was of great interest to the Sophomore English class I taught. I think showing the movies/videos to the class inspires them to read the work, and don't believe holding the acted out version back always accomplishes your objective. Just look at all the responses here written by students. The Count of Monte Cristo stands as a real treasure heavily laden with the action and romance that kids crave in their lives at this stage of the game.