Les Miserables (Cinema Classics Collection) (1935 / 1952)

Now that the long awaited version of the long running musical has finally hit the big screen, it's a worthwhile exercise to go back and look at two celebrated American versions of Victor Hugo's original source material. There are two French versions (1934, 1957) that run almost 4 hours and there is the 1998 Liam Neeson version which is widescreen and in color and will probably appeal more to today's younger audiences. However if you want to get the gist of the story than this DVD is really all you need. If you don't know the book or the musical, check it out on Wikipedia first. It will aid in your enjoyment as well as show you all the changes that were made.Both of these versions were done by Twentieth Century-Fox 17 years apart and they reflect the social currents of what was happening politically in the U.S. at the time. The 1935 version with Frederic March and Charles Laughton reflects the grim realities of the Great Depression and the social unrest that came about as a result of it. The performances by both men are extraordinary and the cinematography and editing heighten the dramatic aspects of the story. In order to fit it into 108 minutes, most of the book's subplots and colorful characters have been removed but then that's the Hollywood way. Once seen though the 1935 version is hard to forget.The same cannot be said of the 1952 version although it is completely engaging while you are watching it. Michael Rennie, fresh from THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, captures Valjean's humanity and is surprisingly effective in the opening scenes as a galley slave. Robert Newton makes for a commanding presence as Javert and reminds us that there was more to him than Long John Silver. Director Lewis Milestone (ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT) directs with a sure and steady hand although the film lacks his signature visual flourishes. The social unrest of the 1935 version has been scaled back although the persecution of Valjean reflects the McCarthy atmosphere of the early 1950s.Even though the 1935 version is the better film overall, I found myself more drawn to the 1952 version with its solid supporting cast that includes Debra Paget and Cameron Mitchell as the lovers. So watch the 1952 film to get a straightforward CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED version of the story and then the 1935 version which goes into greater character development and has the signature 1930s visual style which enhances the material. While neither is the greatest version, they do compliment each other and will go well either before or after you've seen LES MIZ. With two movies here for the price of one, you can't go wrong although it should be pointed out that this is not a two disc set.

Two magnificent versions of this movie. One on each side of the Disc. I love having the 1952 version.When I first saw this movie 15 years back this is the version that I saw. And am glad to now own it.I would also rate the 1935 version 5 Stars with Frederick March, (one of his best films ever) and Sir Charles Laughton who is alsoa great actor. Both versions are 5 STAR and well worth owning. - Here they are on one DVD with one movie on each side of the DVD.

I remembered how wonderful a movie this is from my youth but I was surprised at how really great it is still. The suicide of the villain, Laughton is a point I hadn't remembered. It's a long movie and full of the compassion I so admire in works of art. The scenes with the priest are particularly fine. I read an incomplete version of the long book years ago and don't remember the details or the ending. I have the full-length one and will get to it eventually. No wonder Verdi chose two of Hugo's novels for his operas: 'Luisa Miller" and "Rigoletto".

This set is a mixed bag. Two versions of the classic story of Jean Valjean & Javert, 17yrs. apart in their making. One is superb with the other paling in comparison. Hard to believe both versions made by the same film company. The 1935 Fredrick March, Charles Laughton version is THE quintessential Les Miserables and quite simply the best ever made. Laughton & March are at their best. The mark of a great actor is to be able to portray a real s.o.b. strangled by his own code of ethics and somehow in the process, make you feel sorry for him. Laughton pulls this off with this mesmerizing portrayal of Javert. March will make you cry with his portrayal of Jean Valjean, touch your core with both his humility and humanity, all the while stirring your blood with his triumph of the human spirit. Since this version is only available at this writing as a two version set, it's worth it to get this one superior version over the other, rather than no version at all. Small price to pay for greatness.

***Spoiler Alert***After the Les Miserables musical came out as a movie, I have been wanting to see the older version with Frederick March and Charles Laughton, which was my favorite until the musical came out. Laughton is absolutely brilliant as Javert--and his performance is probably why I wanted my boys to see this version after they saw the musical. Russell Crowe's Javert just didn't give the audience enough depth and explanation for his suicide, while Laughton's haunted performance makes it very clear. I love having the two older versions, though the March/Laughton version is definitely the best. And if you haven't seen the muscial with Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway (who steals the show), do so--it's an amazing movie!

I have been a Les Mis fan for years, having seen the stage play a couple times, I own the Musical movie and have seen almost every film version on it. I remember seeing the 1935 version as a kid back in the 50's and it made a lasting impression, especially Charles Laughton as Javert. I was anxious to see that version again so I picked up this DVD. Although it is a great movie, it just did not have the same effect as the first time I saw it. Still, if you are to have one dramatic version on the works, this is the one to own. I have not yet watched the 1952 version but will eventually get to it. I bought this solely for the older version.

This film, has been updated and the picture quality shows it. Great story ,which is today the talk of the town with the new screen adaption.Its Region 1 so be careful...but a great buy.

Great double-feature, thanks! The 1935 version was my favorite. Although in black and white, I found it to be quite good (image and sound quality). The fact that it is captioned for the hearing impaired added greatly to capture the meaning of the conversation between the actors. All in all, a very pleasurable experience!

Although it is a black & white film, this version of Les Miserables is quite good. The best part is the actors, Fredric March & Charles Laughton, who gave great performances. I have not seen the new version yet, but if you want to compare any version of Les Miserables, view this one.

Livré rapidement. Image et son très bien. Anciennes versions mais, très bons acteurs.

Two big canons!!!!!