This suffers because it was made for television in the 1970's and looks cheap by modern standards. Don't be put off: This is the version that is most true to the spirit and message of the book. It's not a romance; Hugo did not intend to write a love story, no matter how badly Hollywood wishes it were so.
The incident with the clergyman is supremely important and Hollywood destroyed it by making Valjean into a desperate, fugitive, thug. All the other versions of this might be prettier, but they got it wrong.
Also: You will never beat Anthony Perkins for silent, soul-gnawing, desperation. It just can't be done.
The incident with the clergyman is supremely important and Hollywood destroyed it by making Valjean into a desperate, fugitive, thug. All the other versions of this might be prettier, but they got it wrong.
Also: You will never beat Anthony Perkins for silent, soul-gnawing, desperation. It just can't be done.