MovieChat Forums > Les Misérables (1935) Discussion > Fredric March as Champmathieu

Fredric March as Champmathieu

posted 15 years ago by romarub
4 replies | jump to latest

In this 1935 version of Les Miserables, the vagabond character, Champmathieu, who's mistaken for Jean Valjean, is played by Fredric March, who also plays the lead role. In the 1952 version with Michael Rennie, the Champmathieu character is not listed in the cast, but bears an eerily striking resemblance, physically, in mannerism, and even voice to Fredric March in his portrayal of the role in this earlier film version. Can anyone tell me if March did, indeed, play the role in the 1952 version, as well?

[–] pj-hack 12 years ago

If you're still interested in the film, Romarub, and as this reply comes a mere two years and five months after your piece, my query here can hardly be considered a reply, Michael Rennie plays both parts in the 52 version as did March in 1935. As it was a case of mistaken identity, (or deliberate) I could see no reason why March and Rennie should be given both parts to play. Does anyone know if it was some kind of in-joke? The director had only to find an actor to play Champmathieu who had a passing resemblence to Valjean. And then they (the production people) repeated the trick 17 years later.
Does anyone know why? I consider it pointless.

[–] Lizarita 11 years ago

i just started watching the '35 version. if it was a case of mistaken identity? at the end of the movie? then what was he doing with the bishops candlesticks? dont know if you remember what im talking about. it wont be a spoiler for me since ive already read one synopsis by accident and ive seen another version. just dont remember every detail.
thanks.

[–] Lizarita 11 years ago

im sorry. i shouldve watched a little more. im not watching close cause im looking at imdb. sorry to confuse you. i understand now. thanks anyways.

[–] Sid-Blitzen 11 years ago

Perhaps having the same actor play both convicts was to convey the notion that they are all Jean Valjean, i.e. all convicts are in the same boat; a disdainful society dismisses them as being "all the same".