Review of Les Misérables (1934) by J'onn J — 26 Jan 2013

That is my wish. A head stone. No name.

In 19th century France the top is about to burst for the people and the revolution is about to occur. Les Mierables tells the tale of one convict who breaks parole to start a new life for his people. He ultimately adopts a young girl and tries raising her the best way he knows how; unfortunately, a dedicated police officer will stop at nothing to bring him in for breaking parole.

"How do you know I'm not a murderer?".

"That's the lord's concern.".

Raymond Bernard, director of Wooden Crosses, The Chess Player, Seventh Heaven, Fruits of Summer, Maya, Judgment of God, and The Cape of Hope, delivers Les Miserables. The storyline for this picture is very good and each character is delivered and developed perfectly. The cast delivers awesome performances and includes Harry Bauer, Charles Vanel, Paul Azais, and Charles Dullin.

"You're free. Your shoulders earned that.".

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) aired the 1934, 1935, and 1956 versions of this film in honor of the recent released picture. I have seen this year's (2012) and 1935 version of this picture and would say this is my least favorite so far (and the 1935 version is my favorite). Overall, this version of the film has the best character development (and longest run time, 4 hours and 45 minutes) but was a bit too methodical and detailed. I loved the film but would rank it just a notch below this year's version.

"So even monkeys catch colds.".

Grade: B+ (8.25).