Les misérables (1935)

Director:

Richard Boleslawski

Writers:

Victor Hugo (novel)
W.P. Lipscomb (writer)

Release Date:

20 April 1935 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History | Romance

Tagline:

The Immortal Classic That Shook A Nation . . . Is Now A Glorious Picture !

Plot:

In early 19th Century France an ex-convict who failed to report to parole is relentlessly pursued over a 20 year period by an obsessive policeman.

Plot Keywords:

Ex Convict | 19th Century | France | Pursuit | Magistrate

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Oscars.

Cast

Fredric March	...	Jean Valjean / Champmathieu
Charles Laughton	...	Inspector Javert
Cedric Hardwicke	...	Bishop Bienvenu
Rochelle Hudson	...	Cosette
Florence Eldridge	...	Fantine
John Beal	...	Marius
Frances Drake	...	Eponine
Ferdinand Gottschalk	...	Thenardier
Jane Kerr	...	Madame Thenardier
Marilyn Knowlden	...	Little Cosette
Jessie Ralph	...	Madame Magloire
Mary Forbes	...	Mlle. Baptiseme
Florence Roberts	...	Toussaint
Charles Haefeli	...	Brevet
John Bleifer	...	Chenildieu

Runtime:

108 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Company:

20th Century Pictures

Goofs:

Continuity: Valjean's coat and cloak have dirt on them while at the White Sergeant, but id clean before and after that.

Quotes:

Jean Valjean: And me! Me! Have you nothing for me?
Cosette: But you're my father. I mean I always think of you as my father. I know you're not really, but, don't you see, with Marius, it's different. It isn't just that lovely sense of companionship I have with you. It's - it's - well, it's the way every girl feels for the man who's going to marry her! You always knew I should have to leave you one day, didn't you?
Jean Valjean: No one forgets that!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Third Man (1949)

Worth seeing for fans of the novel only

Two or three superb moments are worth seeing for fans of the novel. March gripping the candle holders and in the throws of doubt. This is the only version that shows that goodness does not always come easily to this man. He is constantly locked in a struggle with his own selfishness or desires. Montage of Valjean and Cosette eating soup and sharing other affectionate moments together as she grows up. These are vital transitional scenes that are sorely missing from the novel and go a long way towards making the girl likeable. Javert's moment of realisation that he cannot bring Valjean in after all. Laughton plays it to the hilt in typical Hollywood 1930's style, but it is the defining moment for this character. These scenes add and embellish on the novel's themes and make this version worth a trip to the video rental store. I mean this is an adaptation, people. You want to be a purist? Go read the book.