Les Misérables *** (1952, Robert Newton, Michael Rennie, Debra Paget, Edmund Gwenn, Sylvia Sidney, Cameron Mitchell, Elsa Lanchester, James Robertson Justice, Joseph Wiseman) – Classic Movie Review 3147

Robert Newton gives an entertaining, lip-smacking performance as the sneering, over-law-abiding cop Inspector Javert in this well-acted, thoroughly enjoyable if not especially distinguished screen version of the Victor Hugo tale.

Michael Rennie perhaps is less exciting as the hounded hero Jean Valjean in this oft-filmed yarn of social injustice and despair. It also stars Debra Paget, Edmund Gwenn, Sylvia Sidney, Cameron Mitchell, Elsa Lanchester, James Robertson Justice, Joseph Wiseman.

Lewis Milestone’s 1952 movie comes complete with Joseph LaShelle’s lovely colour cinematography but the 1935 version with Charles Laughton, Fredric March and Cedric Hardwicke is probably still the best.

Also in the cast are Rhys Williams, Florence Bates, John Rogers, Charles Keane, Merry Anders, John Dierkes, Norma Varden and Queenie Leonard.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 3147

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