Les Miserables

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"So long as poverty and misery

still exist on earth,

works such as this may not be in vain."

- VICTOR HUGO

PART ONE:

TEMPEST IN A SKULL

They ought to thank the man.

- A convict doesn't deserve it.

- It's bad enough having to feed him.

You're free.

Your shoulders

earned you that much.

The mayor asked

that you be rewarded

for your little exploit

with the town hall statue.

Your sentence was due

to end October 1st.

We're releasing you today.

Go change

and pick up your passport.

All right.

- Aren't you happy?

- I am.

"Jean Valjean, convict.

Released September 8, 1815.

Profession:
tree trimmer.

Sentenced at the age of 25 to five years'

hard labor on March 2, 1796,

for breaking and entering

and theft.

Additional sentences of 14 years

for four escape attempts.

This man is very dangerous."

Your passport must be stamped

in every town you pass through.

Is that clear?

They have to know who you are.

It's clear.

So it never ends?

After the chains

comes the passport.

Here's your due.

120 francs and 15 sous.

Sign.

I counted 171 francs.

Yours is not to count.

The state counts for you,

and it's never wrong.

Now sign.

Remember:
One repeat offense

and you're back here for good.

I know. Thanks.

- How much?

- Four sous.

That's at least 15 years of pay!

Nineteen years.

And they cheated me.

There's two sous missing.

- Sorry.

Where you headed?

Pontarlier.

There's laboring work there.

It pays well, but it's far.

Far?

The farther, the better.

Nineteen years of hard labor!

I need to exercise these.

I need to walk.

Which way is it?

- Pontarlier?

Head north.

Pass by Grasse, then Riez,

until you get to Digne.

Then head for Brianon.

Once you get there,

ask the way.

- Is that Digne?

- Sure is.

Where's the town hall?

Behind the church.

You can't miss it.

No, thanks.

I have money.

Why can't I get

a meal or bed in this town?

- No one would help?

- They turned me out everywhere.

Did you knock on that door?

- Which one?

- Over there.

Knock on that door.

They'll take you in.

Come in.

Come in, my friend.

It's like this:

My name is Jean Valjean.

I'm a convict.

I stole a loaf of bread

from a bakery.

I was caught and resisted arrest.

I got five years.

I tried to escape four times.

I got another 14 years.

I spent 19 years in prison.

I got out four days ago.

I walked 12 leagues today.

No one will put me up around here

due to my yellow passport.

An old woman said

you'd take me in.

What is this here? An inn?

I can pay.

I have 109 francs and 15 sous

I earned for 19 years of labor.

I'm tired...

and hungry.

Can I stay?

Mrs. Magloire,

set another place.

What?

Didn't you hear what I said?

I'm a convict

just out of prison!

Ever see this paper?

It closes every door to me.

Can you read?

"Nineteen years of hard labor.

This man is very dangerous."

You hear that?

I'm very dangerous!

Mrs. Magloire, make up the bed

in the alcove with fresh sheets.

Sir, we're just about

to have supper.

Your bed will be made up

while you eat.

You're letting me stay?

A bed...

with a mattress and sheets

like ordinary people have?

It's been 19 years

since I slept in a bed.

You invite me to supper

and call me "sir"?

Just who are you?

I'm a priest who lives here.

Set your things down, my friend.

Mrs. Magloire,

this lamp doesn't give much light.

Do be seated.

There seems to be something

missing from this table.

I'll show you to your room.

Good night.

Say, are you crazy?

Putting me next door to you?

A criminal?

How do you know

I'm not a murderer?

That's the Lord's concern.

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