Educational Classic Film Series The Art of Adaptation presents “Les Miserables” (1935)

This film series is open to the public of all ages and is free.

Les Miserables is the final feature in The 2026 “The Art of Adaptation” Educational Classic Film Series.

Les Miserables, legendary 20th Century Pictures producer Darryl Zanuck’s 1935 epic retelling of Victor Hugo’s most celebrated novel, screens FREE on Sunday afternoon, May 17 from 1:30 to 4 pm in the Library’s Winn Room.

Les Miserables – Victor Hugo’s epic tale of grace and redemption

Directed by Richard Boleslawski, the remarkable achievement of this 1935 adaptation is how perfectly W.P. Lipscomb’s taut 108-minute screenplay confidently captures the core of one of the greatest novels of the 19th century in what one critic called “a miracle of concision.” Hugo’s broad themes of love, grace and justice are set against the epic struggle between the story’s antagonists. Yet what sets this retelling apart is how deftly the screenplay reveals the internal thoughts, emotions, and experiences of Jean Valjean and Javert that shaped both the characters and, ultimately, the shared destinies of these two men.

The lead performance by Frederick March as paroled convict Jean Valjean is among the most memorable of his 40-year cinematic career. And rarely, if ever, has any film actor matched Charles Laughton’s portrayal of a man possessed by a disturbing psychological menace he is helpless to either understand or overcome, Inspector Javert.

All CIFF Educational Classic Film Program screenings are FREE and open the public.