Les Mis%C3%A9rables (1978 film)

Les Misrables is a 1978 British television film based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo. The film was written by John Gay, produced by Lew Grade, and directed by Glenn Jordan no relation to star Richard Jordan. The film originally aired on CBS on December 27, 1978.

The film begins with Jean Valjeans theft and then lingers in the Toulon prison where his mistreatment is detailed under the gaze of Javert, who witnesses Valjeans amazing feat of strength in rescuing a man crushed under a boulder. Valjean escapes when saving another convict who had fallen while repairing some battlements. Struggling to survive, he encounters a kindly bishop, who feeds and shelters him. He steals silver plates from the bishop. When Valjean is arrested and brought back to the bishop, the bishop pretends the silver pieces were a gift, dismisses the police, and gives Valjean two silver candlesticks in addition to what he had originally stolen. Valjean is overcome. The bishop tells him he has purchased his soul for God and that his life will now be different.Valjean becomes a prosperous businessman using techniques for the manufacture of black beads that he learned in Toulon and becomes mayor of his town under the name Madeleine. Javert arrives to serve as chief of the local police. He thinks he recognizes Madeleine and notes his use of the Toulon manufacturing method. Madeleine rescues the beggar Fantine, who recounts her history in a few sentences, when Javert is about to punish her, and Javert witnesses Madeleine rescue a man trapped beneath a cart, another astonishing feat of strength. Javert denounces Madeleine to his superiors, but before they can confirm Madeleine is actually Valjean, another man is arrested and charged in Arras with being the escaped convict Valjean. Javert confesses his actions to Madeleine and asks to be dismissed from his position. Madeleine refuses his request and goes to Arras where he wins the release of the falsely accused man by identifying himself as Valjean. ........

Source: Wikipedia