Les Misérables (1935)

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.

Director:

Richard Boleslawski

Writers:

Victor Hugo (novel), W.P. Lipscomb

Stars:

Fredric March, Charles Laughton, Cedric Hardwicke

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

Jean Valjean, a Frenchman of good character and great strength, is convicted of stealing a loaf of bread, an act that sets in motion a lifetime of misery for Valjean, as he is pursued by the uncompromising and brutal lawman Javert.

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Plot Keywords:

ex convict | 19th century | france | threat | ave maria | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama | History | Romance

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 April 1935 (USA)

Also Known As:

Los miserables

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Florence Eldridge who plays Fantine was Fredric March's wife in real life. They were married from 1927 until March's death in 1975.

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Goofs

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

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Quotes

Inspector Javert: Right or wrong, the law is the law and it must be obeyed to the letter.

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Connections

Version of Les Misérables (1958)

User Reviews

excellent adaptation from the novel

This adaptation from the famed Victor Hugo novel came to the screen at the end of Twentieth Century's existence as a separate film company before joining with Fox Films. Starring Fredric March as Valjean and Charles Laughton as Javert, it would be worth watching just for those two, who are at the height of their acting powers in this.

Others in the cast are Florence Eldridge (Mrs Fredric March) as Fantine, Rochelle Hudson as Cosette, John Beal as Marius (a bit of a wet fish), and Ferdinand Gottschalk as Thenardier. The novel is re-interpreted and expanded to include, for example, some sense of Cosette growing up in the care of Valjean. There are also some memorable visuals - notably the court scene where Valjean reveals his identity, and the shot of the handcuffs Javert leaves behind when he goes to his (off-screen) suicide.

A worthy adaptation of a memorable and complex novel. Less obvious that some versions which have appeared in later decades, this 30s film is probably the best adaptation that has been made.