< INDEX < ADAPTATIONS

Los Miserables, 1973

This is a an early Mexican TV adaptation of Les Misérables, very faithful to the original novel. Mexican actor Sergio Bustamante plays a rough, strong, serene and sweet Jean Valjean, one of the best performances of this character. Antonio Passy, a Spanish actor born in Barcelona, plays a Javert very close to Hugo's description: "Javert's face consisted in a blunt nose, with two deep nostrils towards which two enormous sideburns were promoting from his cheeks..." An exact description of Passy's face. The Thérnardiers are extraordinarily portrayed by Magda Guzmán and Carlos Ancira, one of the best stage actors in México. Magda's Madame Thérnardier is an old, redheaded witch, a monster whose yelling terrifies little Cosette. Ancira's Thérnardier is as weak and wretched as V�ctor Hugo could have imagined him, with the face of a knave and philosopher at the same time. Blanca S�nchez is a beautiful and tragic Fantine; Diana Bracho, a pretty and angelic Cosette; and Maria Rojo, a common face in Mexican films, gives Eponine the right touch of tragedy and bravery.

The 20 hour length of the TV-series allowed a presentation of almost the complete novel, with details often suppressed in most other cinematographic and television adaptations, for example Monsiuer Mebuef's episode and Jean Valjean's exit from the convent in an empty coffin. The final scene, with Jean Valjean's death, brings tears to your eyes.

Information provided by Jesús Ibarra. If you read Spanish, visit his excellent website about this and other adaptations of Les Misérables: http://www.geocities.com/miserables1973

Released
1973
Canal 13

Director
Antulio Jimnez Pons

Cast
Sergio Bustamante
(Jean Valjean)
Antonio Passy
(Javert)
Blanca Sánchez
(Fantine)
Edith Gonzáles
(Cosette as a girl)
Diana Bracho
(Cosette)
Ángel Garasa
(Bishop Myriel)
Carlos Ancira
(Thenardier)
Magda Guzmán
(Mrs. Thenardier)
Luis Torner
(Marius)

Duration: 20 one-hour episodes