Les Misérables

In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread, is released and struggles to find redemption. He breaks parole and assumes a new identity, becoming a wealthy factory owner and mayor. His past, however, haunts him in the form of the relentless Inspector Javert, who is determined to see Valjean return to prison.

This 1935 adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel was a critical and commercial success, praised for its powerful performances, epic scope, and faithful portrayal of the source material. It was considered one of the finest literary adaptations of its time and garnered significant attention during awards season.

• Praise for the compelling performances, particularly Charles Laughton as Jean Valjean.
• Admiration for its sweeping historical drama and faithful adaptation of the classic novel.
• Recognition of its effective direction and grand production values for the era.

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Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Actor (for Fredric March's performance, though he famously shared it with Gary Cooper) and Best Supporting Actor (for Charles Laughton). It also won the National Board of Review Award for Best Picture.

Charles Laughton, who played Jean Valjean, was actually the primary recipient of the Best Actor Oscar nomination and win for this film, although Fredric March was also nominated and awarded for his role as Inspector Javert. Laughton's win is often overlooked in favor of March's dual win.