I saw this television version of the Victor Hugo classic when I was a teen. I was so impressed by it that I then read the book. Years later, I saw the play (second row, center) and have seen several other movie versions--including the very long French version from the 1930s. So, it can be said that I am a HUGE fan of this story. Now, decades later, I wanted to finally re-watch my first experience with "Les Miserables" to see if it was as good as I remembered it.The made for TV movie stars Richard Jordan as Jean Valjean and Anthony Perkins as the incredibly dogged Inspector Javert. Originally, the film was a two-part mini-series but somehow over the years it has been spliced town to about two hours--which is a real shame. The cuts are not terrible but tend to make the film a bit more episodic than it should be--especially since "Les Miserables" was a very lengthy novel. I won't discuss the plot, as most out there are familiar with the story and others have already discussed it in their reviews. Overall, the film is quite good--with exquisite music and acting. My only complaints are minor. There were some changes in the original story (I am a purist and always want stories to stick to the book)--such as having Valjean being an escaped prisoner instead of being a parolee who 'jumped parole' (a minor difference) as well as a few missing subplots. But for a made for TV film, it's exquisite--such as the adaptations of the Dumas novels starring Richard Chamberlain or "The Scarlet Pimpernel" with Anthony Andrews. It's a darn shame that American television isn't making films like this any more. With the abundance of reality TV programming and other mind-rot, we are a poorer society as a result. Well worth seeing--but try to read the book, it is magnificent.

I saw this movie only 10 minutes ago. Someone lent the DVD to me when she saw that I liked Les Mis. I was amazed by it! I have always loved the Character of Javert and Anthony Perkins gives an excellent performance. One of the best I have ever seen! I am currently reading the book and he looks exactly as I imagined Javert to look, especially in the navy/black costume, top hat and cane. I love some of the humor added to the movie, especially the grave digger scene. Richard Jordan in the role of Jean Valjean evoked great sympathy for the character and becomes a hero that anyone would want to cheer on. I don't want to say any more as I could give away the plot.

This is a very good adaption of Les Miserables, but only as a stand alone. I have both read the novel and am a great fan of the Schonberg stage musical. And while watching this I could not help but search for the missing Thenardiers, who appear for one measly minute, the tragic Eponine, the evil and yet wonderful Patron-Minette, the story of Monsieur Tholomyes and Fantine. All of this was left out and though this was fabulous by itself, I could not help but notice the absence. However, Perkins' Javert was truly amazing; he embodied the character and his principles perfectly, the way you could sense his feeling of duty but the scrupulous way he watched Valjean/Madeline and noted the similarities between prisoner and mayor. You could sense his utter confusion after running off in the sewers, and you knew what he was thinking though he did not say another word, throwing himself into the Seine. You understood his character perfectly without him having to necessarily voice his thoughts; his ideal that he was put on earth to serve the law was characterised perfectly. Valjean was portrayed well by Richard Jordan, but the character simply wasn't likable, you sympathised with him in prison, you smiled at his triumphs as Mayor, you understood the various predicaments he faces, but you couldn't bring yourself to like him. The character of Fantine, originally a character of pure tragedy, a symbol of the les Miserables, was reduced significantly. You knew nothing of her past life, her former beauty, her former purity, all you knew was the basics about her and Cosette. This simply was not enough. Marius and Cosette were quite true to the book, their meeting different but with the same meaning behind it. Marius was not explained enough, probably why I liked him (the Original Novel Marius needs to be killed with spoons) and Cosette was sweet enough. The merely was too much of Valjean and Javert (there was more detail of their past than Hugo included-that is truly saying something) and not enough of the rest of Hugo's masterpiece. As a stand alone? 9/10. But in comparison to the original novel? 5/10. So I'll go 50/50 and give it a 7 cause I'm nice.

This is my favorite version of all the movies. Very good! Anthony Perkins is wonderful as the obsessed policeman and Richard Jordan seems as thought this part were written just for him. This version focuses more on Jean Valjean than his daughter which I personally liked. This version covers most of what the musical just blows through. The Version with Liam Nieson focuses more on the relationship with Jean Valjean and his daughter Cosette. This is a movie worth watching over and over again, however, you need to give it your full attention or you won't like it. It is sad in parts but shows what can happen to a person who is determined to succeed. A great rags to riches story.