Los Misérables, 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 Víctor Hugo could have imagined him, with the face of a knave and philosopher at the same time. Blanca Sánchez is a beautiful and tragic Fantine; Diana Bracho, a pretty and angelic Cosette; and Maria Rojo, a common face in Mexican films, gives Éponine 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.

Now that's an impressive collection! I wish I had it! How many times have you seen the show?