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Les Miserables Photos

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Movie Info

This acclaimed version of the classic Victor Hugo tale follows the life of Jean Valjean (Fredric March), a former convict who was imprisoned for stealing bread for his sister's family. After years in jail, Valjean attempts to readjust to life as a free man, but he finds that many are not forgiving of his past, particularly the obsessive Inspector Javert (Charles Laughton). Perpetually on the run, Valjean finds comfort in the chaos by caring for the young peasant girl Cosette (Rochelle Hudson).

Genre:

drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Richard Boleslawski
Producer:

Darryl F. Zanuck
Release Date (Streaming):

Sep 18, 2012
Runtime:

1h 48m
Production Co:

20th Century Fox, United Artists

Cast & Crew

Fredric March
Jean Valjean, Champmathieu

Charles Laughton
Inspector Javert

Cedric Hardwicke
Bishop Bienvenu

Rochelle Hudson
Cosette

Marilyn Knowlden
Little Cosette

Frances Drake
Eponine

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Critic Reviews for Les Miserables

All Critics (13) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (2)

Charles Laughton in the part of Javert gave it as much character merely because the character as written was eminent, giving a balance to the whole story.

August 31, 2012 | Full Review…

Otis Ferguson
The New Republic
It isn't a bad example of the Hollywood prestige picture -- there is, at least, some liveliness in the performances.

August 31, 2012 | Full Review…

Dave Kehr
Chicago Reader
Nominated for the Best Picture oscar, Boleslawki's adpaptation of the Victor Hugo famous novel is lavishly mounted and well acted by Fredric March and Charles Laughton

March 23, 2011 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…

Emanuel Levy
Variety
The strength of Laughton's performance makes this film more than other versions a conflict between Javert and Jean Valjean. With studied power, he brings this inhuman bully, obsessed with the sacredness of the law, to life.

February 4, 2021 | Full Review…

Forsyth Hardy
Cinema Quarterly
Pretentious and big, the tone is no better than that of The Count of Monte Cristo; the touted sewer scene is disappointing, but on the whole the picture holds interest...

April 16, 2020 | Full Review…

Meyer Levin (Patterson Murphy)
Esquire Magazine
Les Miserables is an exalted sleuth drama, both intensely exciting and deeply impressive.

August 6, 2019 | Full Review…

Ann Ross
Maclean's Magazine
This Javert, with his round face and quivering lips, his slow, heavy tread and sudden outbursts of fury, is a memorable figure, but he is badly out of key with the naturalistic treatment of the story.

March 13, 2018 | Full Review…

Charles Davy
The Spectator
While there's no such thing as a timeless '30s Oscarbait literary adaptation, this comes pleasantly within spitting distance of that mark.

January 6, 2013 | Rating: 8/10 | Full Review…

Tim Brayton
Antagony & Ecstasy
Probably the best Hollywood version of Victor Hugo's story.

August 31, 2012 | Full Review…

Film4 Staff
Film4
Fredric March gives a superb performance.

January 31, 2012 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

TV Guide
Victor Hugo's classic novel is properly presented as a harrowing social conscience period film.

September 1, 2011 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…

Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
The 1935 film is a powerful version, centering on the antagonism between Valjean and Javert - though the filmmakers had to jettison much of Victor Hugo's pages to set up this dynamic.

September 6, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Christopher Lloyd
Sarasota Herald-Tribune

View All Critic Reviews (13)

Audience Reviews for Les Miserables

Jul 05, 2018

A fairly decent production of the popular cautionary tale, carried by Fredric March in nearly typical Hollywood fashion ... until Charles Laughton's version of policeman Javett commands the screen with Terminator-like presence. He's the reason to see this.

Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
Jan 27, 2012

The reason to watch is Charles Laughton. The rest of the production suffers from a lack of emotion. Is it the result of the era's creaky soundtrack.

John B Super Reviewer
Dec 12, 2009

The Original version of Les Miserables was not bad though the remakewith Gèrard Depardieu was alot better.

Wahida K Super Reviewer
Sep 09, 2006

a wonderful retlling with the chemistry of march and laughton stealing the show

julia G Super Reviewer