Film Review
Of the numerous film adaptations of Victor Hugo's celebrated work, Henri Fescourt's four and a half hour epic is reputed to be the finest, remaining doggedly faithful to the original novel in terms of both content and atmosphere. The film is divided into four parts: (1) L'Évasion de Jean Valjean, (2) Fantine et Cosette, (3) Marius , and (4) L'Épopée de la rue Saint-Denis. Visually and dramatically, this is a work of genius, featuring a magnificent performance from Gabriel Gabrio, arguably the best Jean Valjean in the history of cinema.© James Travers 2002
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Film Synopsis
Having served a prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean's attempt to start a new life is frustrated by his parole officer, Javert. Adopting an assumed name, Valjean becomes a successful business man and mayor of a town before allowing himself to be arrested. He escapes from prison and adopts Cosette, the young daughter of a brutal factory worker, Thénardier. Years later, Cosette falls in love with a revolutinary, Marius...© James Travers
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Similar Films
Here are some other films you may enjoy watching:- Sous les yeux d'occident (1936)
- L'Anglaise et le duc (2001)
- La Reine Margot (1954)
- Lacenaire (1990)
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Film Credits
- Director: Henri Fescourt
- Script: Arthur Bernède, Henri Fescourt, Victor Hugo (novel)
- Cinematographer: Raoul Aubourdier, Léon Donnot, Georges Lafont, Karémine Mérobian
- Music: Hugo Riesenfeld
- Cast: Gabriel Gabrio (Jean Valjean), Paul Jorge (Monsigneur Myriel), Sandra Milovanoff (Fantine), Andrée Rolane (Cosette (child)), Jean Toulout (Javert), François Rozet (Marius), Paul Guidé (Enjolras), Charles Badiole (Gavroche), Maillard (Gillenormand), Clara Darcey-Roche (Mlle Baptistine), Georges Saillard (Thénardier), Suzanne Nivette (Eponine), Renée Carl (La Thénardier), Émilien Richard (Bamatabois), Marcelle Barry (Mme Victorine), Gilbert Dacheux (Le domestique), Luc Dartagnan (Pontmercy), Sylviane de Castillo (Soeur Simplice), Victor Dujeu (Fauchelevent), Jeanne Marie-Laurent (Mme Magloire)
- Country: France
- Language: French
- Support: Black and White / Silent
- Runtime: 359 min
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