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Episode 1

Episode 1 of 6

Classic drama. In war-torn France, convict Jean Valjean and seamstress Fantine must decide their futures. Valjean's past continues to haunt him. Fantine meets the love of her life.

In 1815, France is on its knees after defeat at the battle of Waterloo. Jean Valjean is nearing the end of his sentence at the prison hulks in Toulon after serving 19 years for a petty crime, and is released by ambitious prison guard Javert. Javert has formed a deep personal hatred of Valjean, a resentment he will continue to bear.

Life as an ex-convict is brutal and Valjean sees prejudice at every turn. Valjean is haunted by his past. An encounter with the wise bishop of Digne forces him to consider his own morality, and the kind of life he wishes to lead.

Little Marius Pontmercy is being raised by his grandfather, old royalist Monsieur Gillenormand. Marius's father Baron Pontmercy, a colonel in Napoleon's army, is accidentally saved from death at Waterloo by a passing looter, ThΓ©nardier. Pontmercy confronts his father-in-law Gillenormand over his parental rights with tragic consequences.

Meanwhile beautiful Parisian seamstress Fantine is taken out dancing by her friends. They meet some handsome bachelors, and Fantine is drawn to the charming Felix. Fantine's friends worry her naivety may prove dangerous.

59 minutes

Last on

Sun 30 Dec 2018 21:00

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Credits

Role Contributor
Jean Valjean Dominic West
Javert David Oyelowo
Fantine Lily Collins
Gillenormand David Bradley
Bishop Derek Jacobi
Thenardier Adeel Akhtar
Felix Tholomyes Johnny Flynn
Pontmercy Henry Lloyd-Hughes
Nicolette Emma Fielding
Mabeuf Donald Sumpter
Favorite Charlotte Dylan
Zephine Ayoola Smart
Blachevelle Matthew Steer
Fameuil Reece Ritchie
Madame Magliore Hayley Carmichael
Fantine's Concierge Liz Carr
Petit-Gervais Henry Lawfull
Little Marius Raphael Bishop
Old Lady Annie Firbank
Inn Keeper Andrew Paul
Genderme Ashley Artus
Sergeant Chris Brooker
Daphne Anna Andresen
Prison Hulk Guard Gordon Wilkins
Chenildieu Darren Kent
Writer Andrew Davies
Producer Chris Carey
Director Tom Shankland
Executive Producer Faith Penhale
Executive Producer Bethan Jones
Executive Producer Andrew Davies
Executive Producer David Oyelowo
Executive Producer Dominic West
Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton
Executive Producer Eurydice Gysel
Author Victor Hugo
Composer John Murphy
Director of photography Stephan Pehrsson
Production Designer Richard Bullock
Costume designer Marianne Agertoft
Make-up Designer Jacqueline Fowler
Line Producer Di Barton
Production Company Lookout Point
Production Company Czar TV

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