Les Misérables is a 1978 British made-for-television film adaptation of the 1862 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.

The film was written by John Gay, produced by Lew Grade, and directed by Glenn Jordan.

The narrative is strictly chronological and avoids the digressions required to mirror the novel's structure.

Valjean becomes a prosperous businessman using techniques for the manufacture of black beads that he learned in Toulon and becomes mayor of his town under the name Madeleine.

Madeleine refuses his request and goes to Arras where he wins the release of the falsely accused man by identifying himself as Valjean.

When she completes her education and has become a young woman, Valjean decides they should leave the convent's cloistered premises so she can experience the world.

Valjean and Cosette are strolling in a public garden and pause to listen to radicals denounce the government.

When Marius learns this, he visits his grandfather, Gillenormand, who detests his radical activities, to ask for money.

Gavroche identifies a man on the radical side of the barricade as the undercover police infiltrator, Javert.

[citation needed] The film was produced by Norman Rosemont who specialised in period adaptations of classic novels for television.

The movie was a ratings success, beating Charlie's Angels, and Rosemont found raising finance easier from then on.