This production is part of a famous series produced by BBC of all of William Shakespeare's plays. The resulting films, renowned for their loyalty to the text, utilized the best theatrical and television directors and brought highly praised performances from leading contemporary actors. Shakespeare uses one of this favorite devices -- trickery -- in a plot relished by Elizabethan playgoers. The new wife of a young count resorts to chicanery to win...

Hugo's story of escaped convict Jean Valjean, who is aided by a good bishop and pursued relentlessly by the fanatical Inspector Javert, expresses the author's humanitarian interest in the suffering of the common people.