Courtesy of Masterpiece on PBS
MASTERPIECE on PBS has today announced that its epic adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables will premiere on Sunday, April 14th at 9pm ET on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
An all-star cast portrays some of the most famous characters in literature – Dominic West (The Affair, The Wire) as Jean Valjean, David Oyelowo (Selma) as Javert, Lily Collins (Rules Don’t Apply) as Fantine, Olivia Colman (The Crown, The Night Manager) as Madame Thénardier, Josh O’Connor (The Crown, The Durrells in Corfu) as Marius, Derek Jacobi (Last Tango in Halifax, Gladiator) as Bishop Myriel – and the list goes on. This six-part television event is written by Andrew Davies (Pride & Prejudice). Les Misérables is a Lookout Point and BBC Studios co-production for BBC One and MASTERPIECE on PBS. |
I have read the book twice and look forward to reading it again and consider it amongst the two or three finest novels ever written. If you have never read it, I envy you; it is a life changing experience. And do read the original translation by Charles Wilbur; it was released in 1863, within a year of the French publication. Victor Hugo approved of the translation. Avoid the modern “relevant” translations – they are awful.
Looks very atmospheric, with an interesting cast (and quite good costumes). All I know is the musical, and at that not even the stage version, only the movie (which, unlike some, I enjoyed). I’ve got to get down and read this novel! (Yeah, right.)
I read it in high school. It’s actually a really great book.
I’ve always heard as much and I really do mean to read it. This series and you have inspired me. Thanks.