In early 19th century France, an ex-convict who failed to report for parole is relentlessly pursued over a 20-year period by an obsessive police inspector.In early 19th century France, an ex-convict who failed to report for parole is relentlessly pursued over a 20-year period by an obsessive police inspector.In early 19th century France, an ex-convict who failed to report for parole is relentlessly pursued over a 20-year period by an obsessive police inspector.
- Nominated for 4 Oscars
- 1 win & 4 nominations total
Cedric Hardwicke
- Bishop Bienvenue
- (as Sir Cedric Hardwicke)
Marilyn Knowlden
- Little Cosette
- (as Marilynne Knowlden)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaFlorence Eldridge, who plays Fantine, was Fredric March's wife in real life. They were married from 1927 until March's death in 1975.
- GoofsValjean's coat and cloak have dirt on them while he's drenching his horse at the White Sergeant, but are clean before and after that.
- Quotes
Jean Valjean: How do you know I won't murder you in the night?
Bishop Bienvenu: [remains calm] Well, how do you know I won't murder you?
Jean Valjean: Nah...
Bishop Bienvenu: You have faith in me it seems. And I must have faith in you, musn't I? Good night.
- Crazy creditsPrologue: "So long as there exists in this world that we call civilized, a system whereby men and women, even after they have paid the penalty of the law and expiated their offences in full, are hounded and persecuted wherever they go - this story will not have been told in vain." Victor Hugo
- ConnectionsFeatured in Minute Movie Masterpieces (1989)
Featured review
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.
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- André-7
- May 23, 2001
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- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
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- Also known as
- The Wretched
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 48 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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