Les miserables (1934)

[bunniefuu]

So long as poverty and misery still exist on earth, works such as this may not be in vain.

Film One - TEMPEST IN A SKULL

They ought to thank the man.

Not a convict! Feeding them is enough.

You're free.

Your shoulders earned you that much.

The mayor asked that you be rewarded for your exploit with the town hall statue.

Your sentence was due to end October 1st.

We're releasing you today.

Go change and pick up your passport.

Good.

Aren't you happy?

Sure.

"Jean Valjean, convict. Released 8 September 1 815.

"Profession: tree trimmer.

"Sentenced at age 25 to five years' hard labor on 2 March 1 796, "for breaking and entering and theft.

"Additional sentences of 14 years for four escape attempts.

"This man is very dangerous.'

Your passport must be stamped in every town you pass through.

Is that clear? They have to know who you are.

It's clear. So it never ends?

After the chains comes the passport.

Here's your due.

109 francs and 15 sous.

Sign.

I counted 171 francs.

Yours is not to count.

The State counts for you, and it's never wrong.

Now sign.

Remember: one repeat offense and you're back here for good.

I know. Thanks.

How much? Four sous.

That's at least 15 years of pay!

Nineteen years.

And they cheated me.

There's two sous missing. Sorry.

Where you headed?

Pontarlier.

There's laboring work there.

It pays well, but it's far.

Far?

The farther, the better.

Nineteen years of hard labor!

I need to exercise these. I need to walk.

Which way is it? Pontarlier?

Head north. Pass by Grasse, then Riez, until you get to Digne. Then head for Briançon.

Once you get there, ask the way.

Is that Digne? Sure is.

Where's the town hall?

Behind the church. You can't miss it.

No, thanks. I have money.

Why can't I get a meal or bed in this town?

No one would help? They turned me out everywhere.

Did you knock on that door?

Which one? Over there.

Knock on that door. They'll take you in.

Come in.

Come in, my friend.

It's like this: my name is Jean Valjean. I'm a convict.

I stole a loaf of bread from a bakery.

I was caught and resisted arrest. I got five years.

I tried to escape four times.

I got another 14 years. I spent 19 years in prison.

I got out four days ago.

I walked 12 leagues today.

No one will put me up around here due to my yellow passport.

An old woman said you'd take me in.

What is this here? An inn?

I can pay.

I have 109 francs and 15 sous I earned for 19 years of labor.

I'm tired... and hungry.

Can I stay?

Mrs. Magloire, set another place.

What?

Didn't you hear what I said?

I'm a convict just out of prison!

Ever see this paper? It closes all doors to me.

Can you read?

"Nineteen years of hard labor.

"This man is very dangerous.'

You hear that?

I'm very dangerous!

Mrs. Magloire, make up the bed in the alcove with fresh sheets.

Sir, we're just about to have supper.

Your bed will be made up while you eat.

You're letting me stay?

A bed... with a mattress and sheets like ordinary people have?

It's been 19 years since I slept in a bed.

You invite me to supper and call me "sir"?

Just who are you?

I'm a priest who lives here.

Set your things down, my friend.

Mrs. Magloire, this lamp doesn't give much light.

Do be seated.

There seems to be something missing from this table.

I'll show you to your room.

Good night.

Say... are you crazy?

Putting me next door to you?

A criminal?

How do you know I'm not a m*rder*r?

That's the Lord's concern.

The man's gone! He stole the silver!

He's gone! He stole the silver!

Was that wise, Monseigneur, taking in a man like that?

Good thing he only robbed us!

Good Lord! What a terrifying thought!

Come in.

Monseigneur...

"Monseigneur"! He's a bishop?

You arrested this man?

You've made a mistake. He's not a thief.

The silver.

I gave them to him last night, along with two silver candlesticks.

He's terribly poor. I had nothing else to give him.

Why didn't you take your candlesticks?

Mrs. Magloire, go fetch them.

He has employment in Pontarlier. Let him go.

You mean we should release him?

You must.

Here you are, my friend.

Go in peace.

Should you pass this way again, you'll always be welcome.

The front door is always unlocked, day and night.

And now...

I can wish you luck... because I know you will use this silver to become an honest man.

I'm convinced of it.

Good-bye, my friend.

And all alone, I went my way Light of heart, with nothing to hide If good fortune walks by my side One and all will have their day

Mister, my coin.

My coin, mister, please. Give me back my coin.

My 40-sous coin!

What is it? It's mine, mister.

Give me my coin. I want my coin!

It's under your foot.

Take your foot away!

Run along, you little brat!

What's this?

Hey, boy!

Hey, boy! Here's your 40 sous!

Where'd he go? Hey, boy!

Come back!

Come back here! I can't keep your money!

What have I done?

What a wretch I am!

Forgive me, Monseigneur.

CONVICT'S PASSPORT

The chains!

The chains again?

Enough is enough.

You promised me the next quadrille.

I promise.

Twice with the same partner... how sinful!

He's a nice dancer.

Your little blonde's not bad-looking. I wouldn't mind trying my luck.

No use, old man. She's virtuous.

She sent you packing? I'll tell you if she does.

She's the only one who won't allow familiarities.

She comes every Sunday with the other seamstresses.

She's saving herself for the great romance.

Believe me, I tried myself.

I made a conquest, but he's got a long beard.

Say, they can't take their eyes off you over there.

Me? You think so?

Just for a kiss, you'd have to promise to marry her.

I'll promise her whatever she wants.

And if there's a child?

You're so naive!

Let me have your dance. Introduce me. What's her name?

Fantine. Fantine what?

Plain Fantine.

She's an orphan from Montreuil. She has no last name.

Come on.

Don't you think...

Allow me to introduce one of our brightest law students, my good friend Felix Tholomyès.

He's begged me to let him have the next dance with you.

Mr. Tholomyès...

Miss Fantine.

Yes, I'll say it again.

In five years, our little city of Montreuil-sur-Mer has been entirely transformed.

A dying community in 1 815, it now ranks with the most prosperous regions in the land.

Thanks to whom? Thanks to that untiring worker, that man of integrity whose modesty explains his absence here today:

Mr. Madeleine.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have good news to share with you.

The man who has just endowed the city with the splendid vocational school we are inaugurating today, our benefactor and friend, who last year refused a decoration, has finally accepted to serve as our mayor.

What's the police view of all this, Mr. Javert?

Fine and dandy, my dear notary.

Fine and dandy. We'll see how things progress.

For the past five years, Mr. Madeleine has not only personified social progress in our city.

He also made a fabulous discovery that has revolutionized the glass jewelry industry in France.

Yes, it's gum lacquer. Quite well done.

Simple enough, but nobody ever thought of it.

In my country, we've been working on it for 10 years.

Mr. Madeleine thought it up himself? Where does he come from?

Wherever he came from, he did it.

This same item, before he replaced resin with gum lacquer, cost three times as much.

It must have made his fortune. He must be very rich.

Maybe.

How does he live?

Is that his chateau near the woods?

Naturally. Our Parisian again.

Quiet! Your pay will be docked.

The chateau? Not at all.

Mr. Madeleine is rich now, but he lives modestly.

He's an eccentric. He's a saint.

You're a saint, Mr. Madeleine.

You should have heard them at the inauguration today.

You're a saint.

Don't utter that word, Mr. Principal.

I knew a real saint once.

He died last week.

Is it him you're in mourning for?

The bishop of Digne.

I'll read it.

"Madame, no need to worry.

"Your little Cosette is happy and going well.

"But she has no more things.

"We bought her a nice cloak for her sixth birthday, "like you asked.

"Send 20 francs at once, "along with the monthly board, which I'm forced to raise to 10 francs.

"So send 30 francs at once.

"Your devoted servant, Thénardier."

That's it.

Did he really write, "Your little Cosette is happy and going well"?

That's what he wrote.

So what's your answer?

Wait. Is this the sentence?

"Your little Cosette is happy and going well."

That's it.

"Your little Cosette is happy and going well."

Do you want to reply?

Yes, sir.

Write that I'm sending 20 francs at once, but he'll have to wait a bit for the other 10.

"Sir...

"I am sending you 20 francs at once...'

"...but I must ask you

"to wait a bit for the other 10."

No! Out of the question!

If she thinks I'm going to give her credit...

That's not our style here in Montfermeil.

It's not hard for a good-looking girl like her to find money.

If she wants us to keep her child, she has to cough up!

Bring the writing desk.

Cosette!

Coming, madame!

Can't you answer when we call you?

These should have been filled hours ago.

And you didn't even sweep up, you lazybones!

Take the writing desk to Mr. Thénardier.

You have to earn your keep here.

How about it, Cosette?

Go on!

Wait.

Go ask Mrs. Thénardier for the prescriptions the doctor made out for Eponine and Azelma.

Prescriptions, sir? I speak French, don't I?

The prescriptions you took to the druggist.

Sure.

You know, when me and Azelma had the measles.

Oh, yes.

"Cosette has caught the measles that's going around.

"She needs expensive drugs. I enclose the prescriptions.

"Send 40 francs by next week.

"Otherwise, we can't answer for your child's health."

Is this why you're late?

Yes, madame. I had to find the money.

Forty francs! They're mad! Where will I find that much?

Whose child is it?

Mine, madame. You're married?

I was to marry a young Parisian, Mr. Tholomyès. I loved him.

But he abandoned me eight years ago when I was pregnant.

I had no money, so I left my child in the care of innkeepers in Montfermeil, the Thénardiers.

Go to your bench. I'll return your papers later.

Cherubinette took all her letters.

At last! We'll be able to breathe again.

Don't worry. It won't be long now.

When Cherubinette starts to clean house...

Careful, Pa Fauchelevent! You're going to slip!

The inspector's over there! Call him!

Here he comes.

I can't breathe!

Get a jack, quick.

Help me!

We'll get you out! They've gone for a jack!

No jack? We're waiting.

It's not here yet? The blacksmith's 15 minutes away.

We can't wait! We have to.

There's just enough room to slip underneath and lift the cart.

It's the only way.

No one's tried? Five louis!

Ten louis! It could crush a man.

No one will try?

It's not the will that's lacking, Mr. Mayor. It's the strength.

It takes incredible strength to lift a cart.

Hello, Javert.

Who'll lift this cart?

I know only one man who could do that.

A former convict from the penal colony at Toulon.

No volunteers?

Pull him out!

Let the doctor through.

Here's the mayor's coat and hat.

Did you see him? He risked his life.

Who'd have thought he was so strong?

Here you are, Fantine. Fifty francs.

The mayor is sorry. You've been here two years.

He rarely dismisses a worker, but we can't keep you on.

The mayor advises you to leave town.

But you just said... Dismissed? How will I manage?

I owe 40 francs for my child and 30 for rent.

The mayor is sorry. It's all he can do.

Good-bye. You can leave now.

Hand in your things as you leave.

This is horrible!

My little girl is at death's door. I have to send 40 francs.

I owe 30 for my room, but I have nothing.

Just the 50 francs they gave me to leave.

Sign here.

Just make a cross.

What did I do? Why did they dismiss me?

If you've done nothing, speak to Mr. Madeleine.

He can't tolerate injustice. He's the one who had me dismissed.

That's hard to believe. Did you see him?

No, the supervisor told me. He wants me to leave town.

Ah, so it was her who told you.

That witch!

"To the Prefect of Police, Paris.

"A striking resemblance has raised my suspicions

"as to the identity of Mr. Madeleine...'

MR. LEGRIS BUSINESSMAN

Come in.

So there you are. Come in.

Do you have it?

I'm sorry, sir, I've just been dismissed from the factory.

After I send 40 francs for my child, I'll have only 10 francs left.

I'm sorry, but the rent must be paid.

I don't give something for nothing.

I'm not a cruel man, but I must be paid one way... or another.

You understand, my lovely?

In that case, I'm sorry. You move out tomorrow.

Please, sir.

I love my Cosette so much. For her sake, I couldn't...

Enough! It's your problem now.

You're a stupid girl.

You won't find money anywhere.

Yes, I will.

I can. The barber offered me 20 francs for my hair.

Sure, you can sell your hair, and your lovely teeth too.

And what then, after you've made 60 francs in all and no one will look at you again?

What will you sell then?

When you're d*sfigured, what will you sell?

When you only have three louis left.

Her last three louis.

And she asks for credit. And what else?

The lady is afraid to sell herself. Who does she take us for?

We'll sell Cosette, and in no time flat.

I'll give her all the credit she wants.

What?

I'll just ask for 50 francs by return post.

But you read her letter. These are her last three louis.

Where will she find 50 francs?

She'll find them. Take it from me.

Sure, she'll have to stoop a bit to pick them up.

But she'll stoop, and once she starts...

This is July. Just wait until winter.

By Christmas our girls will be in fur. Take it from me.

Just wait for winter.

Wait for the first cold spell.

What's this, Cosette! Letting the fire die?

It's freezing in here!

That's enough!

Run your errands before the shops close.

Yes, madame. I'm on my way.

There you are! Were you cold?

Go warm up.

Cosette, let the poor dears get warm.

Get going.

The little darlings are shivering.

I hope they don't get sick again.

They can't last the winter in those dresses.

What about our furs, Papa? That's right.

The furs we were expecting by the first cold spell with the money from the Montreuil sl*t.

Well, the money's not rolling in, and winter's here.

But it's not gone yet.

A round loaf.

Here you are.

Can you carry all that? I'm used to it.

Poor little darling.

Imagine letting a child go out in rags like that.

Sure, but it's hard on the Thénardiers too.

They've sacrificed to raise Cosette with their children.

Know who the mother is?

A Parisian who left her to live it up in Montreuil.

She can't even pay regularly. No!

Anybody around? How about some service?

Coming, sir.

What would you like? Where's your mother?

Why do you ask that, sir?

Cosette, are you back?

Serve the soup. We'll be right down.

She's not your mother? Then who are you?

Me, sir? I'm the maid.

Say... if it isn't the Montreuil monkey!

Hello there, monkey. How's business?

Don't go. Let me admire your smile.

Let me go, mister!

What's that, princess? I'm a gentleman, my lovely.

Let me by, mister.

Got a cough? So even monkeys catch cold.

And what have you done with your fur?

You forgot your ermine, princess.

Let me offer you another coat.

Brute! Coward! Treating a woman like this!

Who does this wh*re think she is? wh*re?

Repeat that!

Ruffian!

The streets aren't safe anymore at night.

You villain!

It's Fantine!

She's giving the dandy hell!

Tear his ear off! Bite him!

You'll see the stuff I'm made of!

Can't a man even joke now?

If you'll come with us... Of course.

Clear the way! I didn't do anything.

You'll pay for this, you sl*t!

Who'll pay for my window?

You can't do this, sir.

You can't put me in prison. I didn't do anything.

I don't know that gentleman. He stuffed snow down my back.

I'm sick. It gave me a shock.

I wasn't bothering him. I didn't talk to him.

I ask you, sir...

can he treat us that way?

Here's the mayor.

I heard it all. I was in the café.

I was outside. I'll see about this.

It was like this: the girl did nothing wrong.

You can't send me to prison, Mr. Javert.

You only earn 7 sous a day.

How can I pay for my child's board?

If I don't pay, they'll abandon her. She'll die.

You see?

I have a little girl in Montfermeil.

She costs me a lot.

I owe 100 francs to the Thénardiers, the innkeepers who look after her.

It's true.

I should have told you.

You couldn't have known.

You thought I was just a loose woman.

But now, my good Mr. Javert, you understand.

You do understand?

If you want, I'll apologize to the gentleman.

But I beg you, don't send me to prison!

Let me earn enough to save my dear Cosette.

Have pity, Mr. Javert.

That's enough.

I heard you out.

Is that all?

Get up. You'll get three months.

Take her to the cells.

Mr. Mayor, you're here?

So you're the mayor?

Inspector Javert, release this woman.

Release me?

Who said that? Surely not you!

It's all his fault.

He had me fired because some hussies told lies.

That's why I am what I am!

Otherwise I could've paid to get my little girl back.

I did all this for her.

I have to feed my child.

So I can go?

Honest? You're letting me go?

Thank you, sir.

Arrest her! Who gives the orders here?

I do.

Mr. Mayor, you can't do this.

What? This girl insulted a gentleman.

I made inquiries, as you didn't.

It's the gentleman you should have arrested.

She insulted you. She has to serve 3 months.

She won't serve so much as a day.

I regret to contradict you, but this is a police matter.

This woman is under arrest.

I order you to release this woman.

Mr. Mayor, forgive me... Not another word!

But... Get out.

I didn't know about any of this.

Why didn't you come see me?

Calm down.

No one will hurt you ever again.

I'll send for your child.

If you deserve help, have no fear:

I won't abandon you.

Thank you!

Take her to the hospital.

For me? For the inspector.

"From the Prefect of Police:

"Pursuant to your letter, "our inquiries reveal that the convict Jean Valjean

"was apprehended during a new robbery attempt

"and has been incarcerated at the prison in Arras.'

Thank you, Sister.

How kind everyone is to me now.

How things change.

Both lungs.

What now?

Sister, when will I see my Cosette again?

Once you're cured.

But I am cured.

If she were here, I'm sure I could work right away.

Tell Mr. Madeleine before he goes.

Don't worry, Fantine.

Mother Superior will speak to the mayor.

Rest now.

My darling little Cosette.

Come here, Cosette.

Come on. Don't be afraid.

Come take a look.

My dear child. Go ahead and feel it.

Can we wear them every day? That's all we need!

Your father sl*ves to clothe you, and you want to dress up on weekdays?

What if it's cold? Then we'll see.

Why are you standing there gaping?

Go finish sweeping!

And you two, run upstairs and lock your nice fur coats away in the closet.

What did I tell you? 300 francs at one go.

Fantine must've found some fool with deep pockets.

We can't let go of that kid.

Thénardier, you're such a genius.

What are you daydreaming about?

You left half the dust under the benches.

Leave her alone.

The kid's startin' to grow on me.

I may be away two or three days.

Poor Fantine isn't doing well.

I'll personally go for her daughter in Montfermeil.

I'll leave in the morning.

Wait.

Have Fantine sign this note, and bring it to me at home.

Mr. Javert is still waiting to see you.

He says it's urgent.

Show him in.

Well, what is it, Javert?

Handing in my resignation wouldn't be enough.

I must be relieved of my duties.

I don't understand.

Two weeks ago, after the incident with Fantine, I was furious and I denounced you.

Denounced me? To the Paris police.

For encroaching on police matters?

As a former convict.

I thought it was you. There was a resemblance.

Then there was the business with the cart.

Your limp.

Little things like that.

I took you for an ex-convict named Jean Valjean.

Who?

A convict at the penal colony in Toulon. I was a warder there.

After his release, he burgled a bishop's home and robbed a young Savoyard.

He's been wanted for 7 years.

I thought it was you. I informed the prefecture.

And what did they say? That I was mistaken.

Why?

Because they found Jean Valjean.

A fellow who calls himself Champmathieu.

He was arrested this fall for stealing cider apples.

He was jailed in Arras, where a convict named Brevet identified him as Jean Valjean.

Champmathieu denied it. Among other things, we found out that some 30 years ago, he was living in Faverolles, just like Jean Valjean.

So?

So he was indicted.

He stands trial tomorrow.

As a former warder, I've been called as a witness.

In fact, I have to leave tonight to testify.

What does the man say?

Oh, he's a crafty one.

Another man would be done for, but he plays stupid.

He says his name's Champmathieu and sticks to his story.

But the evidence is against him. He's as good as condemned.

You're leaving now?

How long will the trial last?

One session at most. The verdict will be in by evening.

But I won't wait. I'll return here as soon as I've testified.

All right. Thank you.

You haven't told me your decision about...

About what?

My dismissal.

We'll discuss it when you get back.

I'll continue to exercise my functions until I'm replaced.

The mayor asks that you sign a note for him right away.

"Mr. Thénardier, "Please entrust Cosette to the bearer of this letter.

"He will pay you all expenses due.

"Respectfully yours..."

Is this to bring back Cosette?

Is Mr. Madeleine going to get her?

When will he be back?

Be good, Fantine. You mustn't get excited.

I wouldn't want to tell a lie, but I think Mr. Madeleine will go for your child himself.

In any case, it can't be done.

He'll be sentenced tomorrow night.

I won't have the carriage before 5:00 in the morning.

Can my horse manage it?

Impossible.

If I can get to Amiens, I can catch the post to Paris...

My coin, mister, please. Give me back my coin!

My 40-sous coin!

That's all behind me!

They can't hunt me forever.

I'm a different man now.

I'm Mr. Madeleine, mayor of Montreuil.

I built all these factories.

I did some harm, I did some good, but more good than harm.

I have obligations toward my town.

If God permitted all this...

it means Jean Valjean is dead.

Jean Valjean is dead.

Yes, Jean Valjean is dead.

For three apples stolen from an orchard, Champmathieu will be punished with a three-month sentence.

For the crimes of Jean Valjean, repeat offender, he will be imprisoned for life.

What's that?

Who dared to say that?

Jean Valjean is dead!

Dead!

There's nothing left of Jean Valjean!

He's dead!

What is it?

It's 5:00, sir. The carriage is outside.

The carriage?

I'll be right down.

MR. LAFFITTE, BANKER RUE VIVIENNE, PARIS

He's had his oats? Yes, sir.

A full ration? Double.

Can he do 20 leagues in one day? 20 leagues!

He can, but... Fine, fine.

Twenty leagues? Where's he going?

I fear another attack during the day.

She could leave us without seeing her child again?

I'm afraid so.

Mr. Madeleine won't be back until tomorrow night.

If she's still with us, couldn't the sight of her child...?

It's possible.

But still...

My baby?

Did you say Cosette?

Is she coming? Yes, Fantine.

But calm down.

Has Mr. Madeleine left yet?

When did he go?

How long have I slept?

Will he bring my little girl soon?

Tell me he'll be here soon.

Good Sister... is it true? Will he be here soon?

You must ask the doctor.

Yes, he'll surely be back tonight.

Around midnight.

Midnight?

That late?

What time is it?

10:00 in the morning.

10:00 in the morning?

He'll be back around midnight?

That's...

That's such a long time.

If I fall asleep, will you wake me up when she gets here?

Don't worry.

I'll know anyway.

I'll know when my little girl comes.

It's the mayor of Montreuil! He's gone mad!

What's coming up? The Valjean case.

I thought there was a child k*ller. That's already over.

The prosecutor is no slouch.

He had his death sentence in 15 minutes. It's the Valjean case now.

All rise.

The court is in session.

Is it far to Arras? Another league.

No, sir, I'm absolutely certain. This man's name is not Champmathieu.

He's the ex-convict Jean Valjean.

He served 19 years for theft and tried to escape four times.

As a warder in Toulon, I had a lot of trouble with him.

I repeat: I formally recognize him.

Speak!

Your Honor, I would like to point out to the inspector that the accused Champmathieu has quite a fine head of hair.

What of it?

Convicts don't have hair.

Silence! What's your point?

This is my point, Your Honor.

Depending on whether it is thinning or bushy, hair can change the aspect of one's face.

Would the inspector like to see a demonstration of my point?

In that case...

I remain at the court's disposal.

Silence!

I am particularly familiar with the question.

I have been a hairdresser in Arras for 27 years and a specialist in hairpieces.

I even had the honor last week of receiving the Assistant Prosecutor.

Silence!

Silence... or I'll have the court emptied.

Inspector, you've heard the jury member. What is your answer?

I've spoken my mind. This man is Jean Valjean. I've nothing to add.

The court thanks you for your offer but it won't be necessary.

Does the jury have serious questions for the inspector who must return to duty in Montreuil-sur-Mer?

The court thanks Inspector Javert. You may step down.

The prosecution has the floor.

Gentlemen... we have here not only a highwayman, but, we know now, an ex-convict, a hardened criminal.

In a word, the terrible Jean Valjean, who has evaded the law for the past eight years.

Have my horse ready to leave in an hour.

An hour? Do as I say.

The boy will take me to the courthouse.

Poor thing. You can tell he doesn't do the trotting.

I rest my case.

You will recognize, gentlemen of the jury, that you must be rigorous to be just.

The defense has the floor.

Can't I say nothing?

You wish to make a declaration? Do I ever!

Speak, Champmathieu.

What I got to say is this:

I'm old Champmathieu.

I used to be a cartwright in Paris.

I worked for Mr. Baloup.

I earned 30 sous a day.

Not a whole lot when you're 52.

My bosses took advantage of my age.

On top of which, I had a daughter who did... who washed laundry down at the river.

This gentleman wishes to sit in on the session.

"Mr. Madeleine, Mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer.'

Show him in.

The poor girl had never been dancing.

She was a good girl.

A very good girl.

Just ask Mr. Baloup in Paris.

Now you've gone and got me all mixed up!

Order in the court!

Accused, the evidence against you is serious and could entail grave consequences.

Have you anything of substance to tell us?

If so, speak.

First of all...

This is counsel's chamber.

That door over there leads directly into the courtroom behind the judge's bench.

On two occasions Mr. Javert saw through his good-natured mask and recognized the dangerous criminal.

This man is Jean Valjean. No doubt remains.

Gentlemen, in all good conscience, you must find him guilty.

Fear of a judicial error mustn't stop you.

Champmathieu never existed.

Mr. Madeleine, don't abandon me!

Where are you?

Hear me before I go.

My darling Cosette...

Tomorrow she'll have no one.

She'll be all alone.

You promised, Mr. Madeleine.

I entrust her to you. Have pity on her. Protect her.

Love her.

Love her, Mr. Madeleine.

Do not be taken in, gentlemen of the jury, by this man's attitude.

His stupidity is feigned.

His lack of understanding is calculated.

His bewilderment fools no one.

You are obviously not Champmathieu.

You are, without any doubt, the convict Jean Valjean, hiding under the name Jean Mathieu, Mathieu being his mother's maiden name.

You moved to the Auvergne.

You lived in Faverolles.

And you climbed into the Pierron orchard and stole their apples!

That's not true! I didn't steal nothing.

There are days I don't eat.

I found a fallen branch with apples on it, and I picked it up. That's all!

And for that I've been in jail for three months now.

I picked up something lying on the ground. That's all!

You say I'm Jean Mathieu, that I'm Jean Valjean.

Never heard of 'em.

I know Mr. Baloup, on the Boulevard de l'Hôpital in Paris.

You think you're clever, telling me where I was born.

Not everybody's got a house to be born in.

My pa and ma lived on the road.

When I was little, people called me "my boy."

Now that I'm old, they call me "old man."

Those are my Christian names.

Take that as you want!

Sure, I was in Faverolles and the Auvergne.

Does that make me a convict?

My name is Champmathieu. I'm a cartwright.

I know Mr. Baloup, and that's that!

I'm fed up with all this!

You'll make me lose my temper, damn it!

Your Honor, in view of the confused but cunning denials of the accused, who wishes to make us think him mad, but who will not succeed...

Your Honor, I must protest against the intolerable insinuations of the prosecution.

If you'll permit me, counselor, we ask the court to recall convicts Brevet, Cochepaille and Chenildieu to be questioned one last time as to the accused's identity.

Summon Brevet, Cochepaille and Chenildieu.

Brevet, your loss of civic rights prevents your taking an oath.

But even a man degraded by the law can retain a sense of honor and equity.

It is that sense that I address in this decisive moment.

There's still time to retract your testimony if you've made a mistake.

Will the accused rise.

Brevet, look closely at the accused.

Think back and tell us in all good conscience if you still recognize this man as your former prison mate, Jean Valjean.

Sure, Your Honor. I was the first to recognize him.

It's him all right. I recognize him perfectly.

If that don't beat all!

Be seated.

Accused, remain standing.

Come forward, Chenildieu.

You heard my question to Brevet.

Do you recognize the accused as your former prison mate Jean Valjean?

Do I! We spent five years shackled together.

He's Jean Valjean.

Be seated.

Huh?

Come forward, Cochepaille.

You heard my question to Brevet and Chenildieu.

Do you recognize the accused as Jean Valjean?

No doubt about it, Your Honor. It's Jean Valjean, alias "the Jack" due to his strength.

Well, I'll be!

Silence!

Accused, is that all you have to say: "Well, I'll be!"?

Silence or I'll empty this courtroom!

Brevet, Cochepaille and Chenildieu, look over here.

Don't you recognize me?

Members of the jury, release the accused.

Your Honor, order my arrest.

He's not the man you want. I am.

I am Jean Valjean.

Members of the jury, you all know, by reputation at least, the esteemed Mr. Madeleine, mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer.

The strange and distressing incident that has just disturbed this court can only inspire a feeling that we needn't give voice to.

What's taking so long? I've been waiting an hour.

I have to be in Montreuil.

Will the Amiens coach wait? You'll make it.

Going to Montreuil?

Ask my customer to take you. He just came from there.

He won't dawdle.

Where did he go? The courthouse.

I understand how you feel, Your Honor.

I understand you, and I thank you.

But I'm not mad.

You were about to make a terrible mistake.

Release this man.

I'm fulfilling an obligation in asking you that.

I alone see clearly here. I speak the truth.

I robbed Monseigneur Myriel. That's true.

I robbed the Savoyard boy. That's true.

But the fault may not have been all mine.

Hear me out, members of the jury.

A man who has sunk as low as I had has nothing to blame Providence for and no advice to give society.

But, you see, the infamy I attempted to rise above can only be called...

an abomination.

It is jails that make jailbirds.

Ponder that, if you will.

In the desk of my study you'll find the coin I stole from the Savoyard boy seven years ago.

You don't believe me?

Do those three still not recognize me?

Well, I recognize them.

Brevet, remember the checked woolen suspenders you wore?

Chenildieu, there's a deep scar on your right shoulder where you burned it on a red-hot stove to erase the mark for "forced labor for life."

But it's still legible.

Answer me. Isn't that right?

That's right.

Cochepaille, in the bend of your left arm, there's a date in blue letters burned into your skin.

It's the date of the Emperor's landing at Cannes:

March 1, 1815.

Pull up your sleeve.

As you can see, I am Jean Valjean.

I won't disturb this court any longer.

I have an important duty to fulfill, a pledge I made to a dying woman.

I will not run away or k*ll myself.

The prosecutor knows who I am and where to find me.

He can have me arrested as he sees fit.

Mr. Prosecutor, I remain at the court's disposal.

Jean Valjean!

What? They set you free?

Of course!

I'm old Champmathieu. They can't keep me here.

But they didn't keep the other man either.

What other man?

Jean Valjean.

They didn't believe him. Isn't that the funniest thing?

He's gone? Sure is.

They don't know their line of business too good.

They don't believe nobody.

I tell them I'm old Champmathieu, and they call me a liar.

The other fellow says he's Jean Valjean, and they call for a doctor.

But a fellow knows who he is, don't he?

They're a bit dense.

No, justice won't be flouted like this.

They've issued a warrant to rearrest the man at all costs.

They talking about me?

Did they change their minds?

If they find another fellow to confuse me with, they might arrest me all over again.

I'm leaving.

You don't get lucky every day.

If they'd asked Mr. Baloup, none of this would've happened.

Sister, it's Mr. Madeleine with Cosette.

Where is Cosette?

Calm down, Fantine.

Go back to sleep.

I was held up by another duty.

I'm going to get Cosette.

I'll care for her from now on.

I swear it.

I have a warrant for your arrest, Jean Valjean.

What is it, Mr. Madeleine?

The farce is over.

Come along.

I'll go with you, Javert.

But I warn you not to disturb me for the moment.

Sweet Mother Mary Right next to my stove I placed a cradle with ribbons interwove The Lord can give me his brightest star But I prefer the child you gave me by far

Fantine, I swear.

Do your duty, Javert.

But nothing will prevent me from doing mine.

Give this to the priest, Sister.

He's to donate what I leave here to the poor.

It's a very meager share.

The rest is in Paris. It will be for Cosette.

Someone just came in here. It was Sister Simplice.

Let me by. See for yourself.

Too late! Leave me, Sister.

Go and hide.

What are you doing here, Sister?

I came for a letter that Mr. Madeleine left for the priest.

Are you alone in this room?

Listen to me, Sister. I know you never lie.

Isn't that right? But it's my duty to insist.

There's no more Mr. Madeleine, only a certain Jean Valjean, who just escaped from the Montreuil jailhouse.

Didn't you know?

We're looking for him. Have you seen him?

All right. Excuse me, Sister.

END OF FILM ONE