“Les Miserables” — Stage and Screen

As we prepare for the release of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “Les Miserables,” starring Hugh Jackman and sure-Oscar-bet Anne Hathaway, take a look at the earlier filmed non-musical movie versions.  Both the 1935 & 1952 versions will be shown on Turner Classic Movies today, and there is also the Liam Neeson version from 1998.

The musical theater version has been performed continuously in more than 42 countries since the concert version opened in France in 1980 and is now the world’s longest-running musical. Yes, it has been running longer than its hero, Jean Valjean. There were memorable 10th and 25th anniversary specials on PBS. Slate has compiled a very thoughtful and well-informed list of the best performances in each of the roles.