Victor Hugo's novel is gracefully written but sentimental and crudely moralistic. The movie adaptations are concentrated expressions of these features of the novel. This version is faithfully maudlin and preachy, but there was something timely about it I guess, considering the historical context. What helps it out some is the very good if workmanlike directing, and truly excellent acting by March, Laughton and most of the cast really. For those reasons, it's not a bad watch really.

Although the direction is uninspired, the acting is excellent, particularly by Laughton, in one of his best performances. The Depression era screenplay pulls no punches in depicting class warfare--fitting for the definitive American version of Eugene Debs' favorite novel.

the first part is clumsily edited for abbreviation, causing almost every scene to last about twenty seconds and end unnaturally. the second and third parts carry out a cohesive story much better. it portrays two archetypal characters in conflict and it is most satisfying.

The least anachronistic (and therefore greatest) film version, mostly because Charles Laughton's Javert is such an act of virtuosity. Nervous, bullying, backing off with principle, then lighting in with vengeance, this might be his best performance ever (at least his wife Elsa thought so). Also worth checking out for the class warfare (now back in style), and the fact you'll have to check your pulse after the horse-chase scene.