MovieChat Forums > Les Miserables (1952) Discussion > To fans of the book

To fans of the book

posted 13 years ago by Jolenealaska
3 replies | jump to latest

I saw the musical for the first time (actually the 25th anniversary concert) a couple of months ago. I LOVED it (and have watched it dozens of times since). The musical inspired me to read the book, which I am about halfway through now. When I finish the book I intend to watch one of the movies. Through Netflix I can get the 1998, 1978, 1952, 1935 and 1934 versions. The 1934 version is in French (I assume subtitled) and is 5 hours long. I am on the wait-list for that one but I'm told that it's a long wait. Does anybody have any advice about which of the other versions I should order first? I am looking not only for pure enjoyment, but even more so for faithfulness to Victor Hugo's story.

[–] johnnydeco 13 years ago

The 1935 version is the best and can be rented through Netflix. It is a double sided disc and on side 2 is the 1952 version which has an excellent performance by Michael Rennie.

[–] Jolenealaska 13 years ago

Thanks again! :)

[–] Ariane67 11 years ago

Hello, dear co-lover of Victor Hugo's masterpiece !
Even being so late, alas, for an answer, I simply cannot resist since it's my alltime favorite novel.
About the faithfulness to Hugo's story, the Raymond Bernard's french version in three parts is undeniably the best - and nobody was never so totally Valjean, physically and emotionally, than the great Harry Baur.
After this marvellous version, I also like a lot the Le Chanois's one with Jean Gabin, pretty faithful but less emotional - for me, at last.
Then, my third favorite is the rare italian one by Riccardo Freda, with an excellent Gino Cervi.
Please avoid the awful TV french version with Depardieu - too bad since he was a great choice for Valjean - but enjoy the less faithfull but very fine Michael Rennie movie.
Voilà ! ^_^

... oh, and... VIVE VICTOR HUGO !!

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