Les Miserables (1935)

Set in 19th Century France, a man (Fredric March) is sent to prison for ten years (in the book it's five years) for stealing bread. Upon his release, he takes on a new identity and becomes a beloved and respected citizen. But a fanatical police inspector (Charles Laughton) hounds him because he broke his parole and wants to bring him back to prison. Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo and directed by Richard Boleslawski (THEODORA GOES WILD). There have been over fifteen adaptations (at least) of LES MISERABLES on film, on stage and on television. This is one is a straightforward telling of the novel but with many changes from the book (some of which have been incorporated in subsequent versions). For example: this being a post code film Fantine's (Florence Eldridge) descent into prostitution is eliminated, Eponine (Frances Drake) is a totally different character than in the novel where she has no connection to the revolutionaries, etc. It's a rather dry film made without much artistry and some dubious choices as when Javert commits suicide, there's a hallelujah chorus on the soundtrack. It contains excellent work from March, Laughton and Drake. Far from the definitive LES MISERABLES film adaptation but a solid rendering of the book. With Cedric Hardwicke, Rochelle Hudson, John Beal, Leonid Kinskey, John Carradine and Eily Malyon.