Les Misérables (1978 film)
| Les Misérables | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Based on |
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo |
| Written by | John Gay |
| Directed by | Glenn Jordan |
| Starring |
Richard Jordan Anthony Perkins Angela Pleasence Caroline Langrishe Christopher Guard Ian Holm Caroline Blakiston |
| Music by | Allyn Ferguson |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Norman Rosemont |
| Cinematography | Jean Tournier |
| Editor(s) | Bill Blunden |
| Running time | 150 minutes (original broadcast) 137 minutes(video release) |
| Production company(s) | ITC |
| Distributor | CBS |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBS |
| Original release | December 27, 1978 |
Les Misérables is a 1978 British made-for-television film adaptation of the 1862 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. The film was written by John Gay, produced by Lew Grade, and directed by Glenn Jordan (no relation to star Richard Jordan). The film originally aired on CBS on 27 December 1978.
The plot follows the general outline of the novel of the same name, omitting many details and some entire episodes. The narrative is strictly chronological and avoids the digressions required to mirror the novel's structure. Many of the novel's minor characters do not appear or are combined. For example, the role of the Thénardiers is reduced to a scene in which Valjean ransoms Cosette from them.
The film begins with Jean Valjean's theft and then lingers in the Toulon prison where his mistreatment is detailed under the gaze of Javert, who witnesses Valjean's amazing feat of strength in rescuing a man crushed under a boulder. Valjean escapes when saving another convict who had fallen while repairing some battlements. Struggling to survive, he encounters a kindly Bishop, who feeds and shelters him. He steals silver plates from the Bishop. When Valjean is arrested and brought back to the Bishop, the Bishop pretends the silver pieces were a gift, dismisses the police, and gives Valjean two silver candlesticks in addition to what he had originally stolen. Valjean is overcome. The Bishop tells him he has purchased his soul for God and that his life will now be different.
Valjean becomes a prosperous businessman using techniques for the manufacture of black beads that he learned in Toulon and becomes mayor of his town under the name Madeleine. Javert arrives to serve as chief of the local police. He thinks he recognizes Madeleine and notes his use of the Toulon manufacturing method. Madeleine rescues the beggar Fantine, who recounts her history in a few sentences, when Javert is about to punish her, and Javert witnesses Madeleine rescue a man trapped beneath a cart, another astonishing feat of strength. Javert denounces Madeleine to his superiors, but before they can confirm Madeleine is actually Valjean, another man is arrested and charged in Arras with being the escaped convict Valjean. Javert confesses his actions to Madeleine and asks to be dismissed from his position. Madeleine refuses his request and goes to Arras where he wins the release of the falsely accused man by identifying himself as Valjean.
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