In 19th century France, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee a relentless policeman named Javert. The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and soon Valjean finds himself in the midst of the student revolutions in France.
Acting
Anthony Perkins transforms Javert into something genuinely unhinged.
Production
1978 TV budget somehow looks more authentic than the 2012 musical.
Director
Glenn Jordan
Richard Jordan
Jean Valjean
Anthony Perkins
Javert
Cyril Cusack
Fauchlevent
Claude Dauphin
Bishop Myriel
John Gielgud
Gillenormand
Ian Holm
Thénardier
Celia Johnson
Sister Simplice
Joyce Redman
Magliore
Flora Robson
the Prioress
Christopher Guard
Marius
Caroline Langrishe
Cosette
Angela Pleasence
Fantine
William Squire
Magistrate
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Richard Jordan and Anthony Perkins had both recently played Broadway leads—Jordan in 'The Great White Hope,' Perkins in Equus—bringing serious theatrical weight to this small-screen adaptation.
This version strips away the musical's romanticism to focus on the political machinery of poverty—Hugo's original thesis restored.
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