In early 19th century France, poor man Jean Valjean (Michael Rennie) is sentences to 10 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. He serves his time, but finds that his freedom is tenuous at best. An act of kindness enables him to start over anew, with an assumed name. Years later, he's become a respected man of the community, but relentless lawman Inspector Javert (Robert Newton) is determined to see Valjean prosecuted for parole violation. Valjean also struggles to raise his adopted daughter Cosette (Debra Paget), while the drumbeat of revolution beats outside their doors.
Like most versions, it omits many things in favor of an emphasis on others. The performances are good, except perhaps for Paget, but none of them will make me forget the superior versions. I rank the French-language 1934 take as the best, followed very closely by the 1935 Hollywood version with Fredric March. This one I would rank closely behind the 1998 adaptation that starred Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. I've also seen the 2012 musical version, which I didn't care for at all. As for this one, director Milestone does some interesting camera set-ups and intense close-ups, and the production design is very good.
Like most versions, it omits many things in favor of an emphasis on others. The performances are good, except perhaps for Paget, but none of them will make me forget the superior versions. I rank the French-language 1934 take as the best, followed very closely by the 1935 Hollywood version with Fredric March. This one I would rank closely behind the 1998 adaptation that starred Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush. I've also seen the 2012 musical version, which I didn't care for at all. As for this one, director Milestone does some interesting camera set-ups and intense close-ups, and the production design is very good.