Les Misérables (2012)/Transcript

LES MISERABLES
 Written by
 William Nicholson
 Alain Boublil, Claude- Michel Sch�nberg
 and Herbert Kretzmer
 Adapted from the Stage Musical
 "Les Mis�rables"
 Based on the novel by
 Victor Hugo
 May 20, 2012
 
 BLACK SCREEN 
 SUPERIMPOSE CAPTION: 
 The year is 1815. 
 The French revolution is a distant 
 memory. Napoleon has been defeated. 
 France is ruled by a King again. 
A1 EXT. TOULON PORT - DAY A1 
 RISE UP out of the iron-grey surface of the ocean, seething 
 in the wind, towards the shore. Winter rain slices the air. 
 Ahead, the port of Toulon, home of the French navy. A forest 
 of tall masted warships. 
 The great ships heave at anchor, the wind whipping their 
 rigging. 
 Through the sea spray we see the great ribs of warships 
 under construction, and warships being refitted. 
 SUPERIMPOSE CAPTION: 
 Toulon 
 Home port of the French navy 
1 EXT. TOULON DOCK - DAY 1 
 Storm-lashed sea and driving rain. A great wave rises up
 and hammers down. As it recedes we see the figures of men
 heaving on great ropes, the sea water streaming down over 
 their faces. The harsh storm light catches glints of metal:
 these men are CONVICTS, chained by manacles, heads shaved, 
 wearing red shirts with prison numbers crudely stitched 
 onto them. 
 Now we see that the ropes run up to a ship that is being 
 hauled ashore - a storm-damaged man-of-war, its masts
 broken, rising and falling on the surge.
 As yet another great wave rolls over the convicts, we
 follow the straining ropes down into the base of the 
 slipway, and find the convict JEAN VALJEAN, up to his waist 
 in water, chained by two sets of manacles, as the rain and 
 spray and wind scream round him. A great brute of a man, he 
 seems to feel nothing. 
 
 2.
The convicts sing in time with the rhythmic pulls on the
rope -
 CONVICTS
 Ha - Ha -
 CONVICT 3 
 Ha - Ha -
 Look down, look down
 Don't look them in the eye 
 CONVICTS 
 Look down, look down
 You're here until you die.
 CONVICT 4 
 No God above
 And Hell alone below
 CONVICTS 
 Look down, look down
 There's twenty years to go.
The camera RISES UP to find JAVERT, the officer in charge 
of the convict workforce, looking on, his face rain-lashed 
and expressionless. He stands above the men on the top of
the dock, as lines of convicts labour beneath him on the
steep steps of the dock wall.
Behind Javert, through the storm rain we glimpse a forest of 
half-built ships, their ribbed frames like great skeletons in 
the mist. 
FOREGROUND convicts are at work on another ship that is
almost completed, labouring in the crashing spray.
 CONVICT 2 
 I've done no wrong
 Sweet Jesus, hear my prayer!
 CONVICTS
 Look down, look down
 Sweet Jesus doesn't care.
 CONVICT 5 
 I know she'll wait
 I know that she'll be true -
 CONVICTS
 Look down, look down
 They've all forgotten you. 
 CONVICT 1 
 When I get free
 You won't see me
 Here for dust!
 3.
 CONVICTS
 Look down, look down
 Don't look'em in the eye.
 CONVICT 3 
 How long, O Lord
 Before you let me die?
 CONVICTS 
 Look down, look down
 You'll always be a slave.
 Look down, look down
 You're standing in your grave.
With a last great heave the lines of convicts haul the 
damaged ship onto the slipway. 
CRACK! The stern flagpole of the ship snaps in a vicious gust 
of wind and crashes down into the shallow water near Valjean. 
Javert sees and points his stick at Valjean in silent 
command. Valjean stares back for a beat, defying him. Then he 
drops down into the seething water and re-emerges with the 
great mast in his hands, held over his head. His head breaks 
water with his bitter gaze still on Javert, as he throws the 
mast ashore in a deliberate display of strength. 
Javert nods to the guards, and they begin to form the
chained men into lines to return to their prison. The storm
is passing now, blown by the driving wind.
Javert approaches Jean Valjean. 
 JAVERT
 Now Prisoner 24601. 
 Your time is up
 And your parole's begun.
 You know what that means? 
 VALJEAN
 Yes. It means I'm free.
 JAVERT
 No! It means you get 
 Your yellow ticket-of-leave.
He hands Valjean a folded yellow paper. 
 JAVERT
 This badge of shame
 You'll show it everywhere.
 It warns you're a dangerous man. 
 VALJEAN
 I stole a loaf of bread
 My sister's child was close to
 death
 And we were starving.
 4.
 JAVERT
 You will starve again
 Unless you learn the meaning of
 the law.
 VALJEAN
 I know the meaning of those
 nineteen years
 A slave of the law!
 JAVERT
 Five years for what you did,
 The rest because you tried to
 run.
 Yes, 24601!
 VALJEAN
 My name is Jean Valjean!
 JAVERT
 And I'm Javert!
 Do not forget my name.
 Do not forget me -
 24601!
 He strides away to command the lines of convicts as they're
 marched away. Valjean walks away, hardly able to take in 
 that he is free at last.
 The convicts sing as he goes. 
 CONVICTS
 Look down, look down
 You'll always be a slave.
 Look down, look down
 You're standing in your grave.
2 EXT. ROAD OUT OF TOULON - DAWN 2
 Valjean makes his way up a rising track, a worn knapsack on
 his back. He comes to a stop at the top of the hill, and
 there before him, lit by the rising sun, spreads a wide
 vista of fields and towns and villages, stretching into the
 distance, with the snow capped Alps beyond. Behind and
 below him lies Toulon at the sea's edge. As we hear the
 musical theme ('Freedom is Mine'), we see for the first
 time the darkness in his face give way to a new hope.
 VALJEAN 
 Freedom at last -
 How strange the taste!
 Never forget the years - the waste,
 Nor forgive them for what they've
 done.
 They are the guilty - Everyone!
 The day begins
 (more)
 5.
 VALJEAN (cont'd)
 And now lets see
 What this new world
 Will do for me!
3 SCENE OMITTED 3
4 EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY 4
 Valjean strides down the long rising road, pulling his thin
 coat close round him against the cold winter wind.
 He passes a long line of labourers working. He approaches 
 the OVERSEER. 
 VALJEAN 
 Monsieur can I help? A day's work? 
 The overseer notices shaved hair showing under his cap. 
 OVERSEER 
 Take your hat off. 
 Valjean takes his hat off, revealing his shaved and scarred 
 head. 
 OVERSEER 
 Passport. 
 The overseer scans the yellow paper, and hands it back. 
 OVERSEER 
 No work here. 
5 SCENE OMITTED 5
6 EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - END OF DAY 6
 Valjean slogs on up the rising track into the mountains.
 Snow on the ground here, and darkness falling.
 He looks up and sees ahead a village built on a rock cliff,
 its lights twinkling, the snowy mountains rising behind.
 The tower of its handsome church rises up like a promise of
 refuge. This is Digne.
6A EXT. DIGNE - DUSK 6A
 Valjean enters Digne. As he drinks from the fountain, he sees 
 a guard standing outside the Mairie. 
 6.
6B INT. MAIRIE, DIGNE - DUSK 6B 
 Valjean stands waiting. The officer fastidiously writes down 
 the name of Valjean in his huge ledger and the name of the 
 town in his passport. The officer signs and stamps the 
 passport. 
 OFFICER 
 Valjean. 
 The officer hands back the passport. Valjean leaves. 
6C EXT. DIGNE - DUSK 6C
 Valjean walks down the high street, spies the warm glow of an
 inn and enters.
7 INT. COUNTRY INN, DIGNE - DUSK 7
 Valjean sits in the corner, his hat low over his head. He
 eyes hungrily a group of cart drivers tucking into a roast
 meal by a roaring fire place. The innkeeper serves him a
 beer. As he reaches for it his coat sleeve rides up to
 reveal his wrist, calloused and scarred by manacles. The
 innkeeper eyes him warily. He discusses Valjean with two
 other men, then asks for his paper. Sees the phrase
 "Extremely Dangerous". 
 VALJEAN'S POV - From the yellow paper in the innkeeper's
 hands up to the innkeeper's face. A blank stare, a shrug of
 refusal.
 INNKEEPER
 My inn is full.
7A EXT. DIGNE - NIGHT 7A
 Valjean moves off wearily through the village. As he passes
 down the narrow street, faces peer at him from doorways,
 but the doors close when he goes by. A shadowy figure
 follows him. Word has spread that he's a `dangerous man'.
 Passing the uncurtained window of a cottage, he comes to a
 stop. Through the window he sees a scene that breaks his
 heart: a father at a table by lamplight, his young wife
 before him, his children on either side. Nothing special,
 and yet everything he's never had.
8 EXT. PRISON, DIGNE - NIGHT 8
 He stops at the local jail. An iron chain attached to a bell
 hangs from the prison door. He rings. A grate slides open.
 7.
 VALJEAN
 Jailer. Would you let me stay here 
 for tonight?
 JAILER 
 This is a prison, not an inn. Get
 yourself arrested. Then we will
 open up for you.
 The grate slides shut. As Jean Valjean walks away, some
 children who have been following begin throwing stones at
 him. He threatens them with his stick and they scatter.
8A EXT. DIGNE - NIGHT 8A
 He sees over a garden wall a low doorway in a stone turret. 
 Valjean stoops through the doorway and lies down on some 
 straw. He hears a ferocious growl and sees the head of an
 enormous mastiff. It is a dog kennel.
8B EXT. DIGNE - NIGHT 8B
 Snow falling as Valjean makes his way down the road, hungry,
 weary, moving slowly, his trousers ripped and bloody from
 where the dog has bitten him.
 At the end of a road, the snow-covered church; beside it, a
 dark churchyard. 
9 EXT. CHURCH YARD, DIGNE - NIGHT 9
 Snow-covered gravestones in moonlight. Exhausted, Valjean
 collapses to the ground and huddles himself into the
 shelter of a doorway. 
 A lantern glows in the dark. The lantern approaches,
 throwing shadows. Its little circle of light comes to rest
 on the crumpled figure of Valjean.
 He stirs and opens his eyes.
 VALJEAN'S POV - The glow of the lantern in the darkness.
 Beyond it, the half-seen features of a kind old man. The 
 BISHOP.
 BISHOP
 Come in, sir, for you are weary
 And the night is cold out here.
 Though our lives are very humble
 What we have we have to share.
 Bewildered, fearful, suspicious, Valjean gets up and goes
 with the Bishop into the house by the church. 
 8.
10 INT. BISHOP'S HOUSE - NIGHT 10 
 A simple table on which is laid out bread and wine, with 
 silver cutlery. Two silver candlesticks light the room, 
 illuminating walls painted with religious scenes. The Bishop 
 ushers the bewildered Valjean into the room. The bishop's 
 sister Madame Baptistine stands. Valjean hesitates. 
 BISHOP
 There is wine here to revive you.
 There is bread to make you
 strong.
 There's a bed to rest till
 morning -
 Rest from pain, and rest from
 wrong. 
 BISHOP 
 Sit, my brother.
 The Bishop gestures to the housekeeper Madame Magloire.
 BISHOP
 Madame, set one more place.
 (to Valjean)
 Please sit.
 The Bishop gently takes his arm and draws him into a chair.
 Valjean sits, and the Housekeeper lays food before him.
 Famished, Valjean eats like an animal. The Bishop says a
 short grace.
 BISHOP
 May the Lord bless the food we eat 
 today. Bless our dear sister and 
 our honoured guest.
 (To Valjean)
 Please, eat. Where are you
 travelling to my brother?
 VALJEAN
 Pontarlier.
 BISHOP
 Is that where your family is?
 VALJEAN
 No. The destination is compulsory.
 That is where the Law sends me. I
 have no home.
 BISHOP
 Then let this be your home, for
 as long as you need it.
 9.
11 INT. BEDROOM, BISHOP'S HOUSE - NIGHT 11
 The Bishop leads Valjean to a bedroom where the walls are
 also painted with religious imagery. Across the passage,
 Valjean sees the open door to the Bishop's own bedroom.
 There the Housekeeper is putting the table silver away in a
 cupboard.
 He turns to see a bed made up with clean white linen
 waiting for him. He hasn't slept in such a bed ever in his
 life. But the Bishop is smiling, offering it to him.
 BISHOP
 Sleep well. Tomorrow morning
 before you leave you will have a
 cup of milk from our cows, nice
 and hot.
 The Bishop turns away to go to sleep.
 VALJEAN
 You let me sleep here next to you?
 How do you know I'm not a murderer?
 Valjean laughs a strange laugh.
 BISHOP
 God will take care of that.
 LATER THAT NIGHT -
 Valjean lies on the bed, fully dressed, deeply asleep.
 Outside a dog barks.
 Valjean's eyes snap open. The first thing he sees by the
 light of the moon is an image of God the Father gazing down
 on him from the painted ceiling. In panic, fearing
 judgement, he sits bolt upright. Then he looks round, and
 remembers. He gets out of bed, and opens the door.
 There, across the narrow passage, the door stands open to
 the Bishop's bedroom. In the moonlight, he sees the Bishop
 lying asleep. Above his bed, the cupboard where the silver
 is kept.
 Valjean moves silently into the Bishop's room, holding a 
 metal miner's spike which he pulls from his bag. The floor 
 boards creak. He looks down at the old man, holding his
 breath, but the bishop is peacefully and innocently asleep.
 He reaches up to the cupboard. It is unlocked. The cupboard 
 door opens with a sharp cracking sound. The Bishop, 
 disturbed in his sleep, moves a little. At once Valjean is
 over him, like a wild animal, spike raised to strike should 
 he wake. The Bishop sleeps on. The moon comes out and
 lights up his beautific, smiling face. Valjean is thrown.
 He turns back and opens the cupboard door fully: there is
 the silver.
 10.
 Carefully he picks it out, fearful of every clink. One last 
 look at the sleeping old man, and he makes a run for the
 door.
12 EXT. CHURCHYARD - NIGHT 12 
 Valjean rushes out of the back door of the house. He 
 crosses the graveyard, scrambles over a back wall, and he's 
 gone.
13 INT. BISHOP'S HOUSE - DAY 13 
 The Bishop is coming in from morning Mass in his vestments 
 when the door bursts open and two policemen drag Valjean
 before him. Valjean hangs his head, unable to meet the
 Bishop's eyes.
 CONSTABLE
 Monsignor, we caught the thief
 red-handed! He has the nerve to
 say you gave him all this!
 He upends Valjean's kitbag, and the silver tumbles out.
 The Bishop looks from the silver to Valjean.
 BISHOP
 That is right.
 Amazed, Valjean looks up.
 BISHOP
 But my friend, you left so early,
 You forgot I gave these also.
 Would you leave the best behind?
 The old Bishop is holding out the two silver candlesticks.
 BISHOP
 (to policemen)
 Messieurs, release him.
 For this man has spoken true.
 I commend you for your duty
 Now God's blessing go with you.
 Silenced by the Bishop's gentle tones, the policemen turn
 and leave.
 Valjean, utterly bewildered, takes the silver candlesticks.
 BISHOP
 But remember this, my brother -
 See in this some higher plan.
 You must use this precious silver
 To become an honest man.
 By the witness of the martyrs,
 (more)
 11.
 BISHOP (cont'd)
 By the passion and the blood,
 God has raised you out of
 darkness -
 I have bought your soul for God.
14 INT. CHURCH, DIGNE - DAY 14
 Valjean kneels in the church. 
 He takes out his yellow passport and stares at it. 
 He turns towards the altar, and the crucifix above it.
 VALJEAN
 What have I done?
 Sweet Jesus, what have I done?
 Become a thief in the night
 Become a dog on the run!
 And have I fallen so far
 And is the hour so late
 That nothing remains but the cry
 of my hate?
 The cries in the dark that nobody
 hears
 Here where I stand at the turning
 of the years.
 If there's another way to go
 I missed it twenty long years
 ago.
 My life was a war that could
 never be won.
 They gave me a number and
 murdered Valjean
 When they chained me and left me
 for dead
 Just for stealing a mouthful of
 bread! 
 Yet why did I allow this man
 To touch my soul and teach me
 love?
 He treated me like any other
 He gave me his trust
 He called me brother.
 My life he claims for God
 above...
 Can such things be?
 For I had come to hate the world -
 This world that always hated me!
 Take an eye for an eye!
 Turn your heart into stone!
 This is all I have lived for!
 This is all I have known!
 One word from him and I'd be back
 Beneath the lash, upon the rack.
 Instead he offers me my freedom!
 (more)
 12.
 VALJEAN (cont'd)
 I feel my shame inside me like a
 knife.
 He told me that I have a soul...
 How does he know?
 What spirit comes to move my
 life?
 Is there another way to go?
 Slowly, he examines the yellow passport and raises it high, 
 as if to the altar.
 VALJEAN
 I am reaching, but I fall
 And the night is closing in...
 As I stare into the void -
 To the whirlpool of my sin. 
 Valjean stands and turns, walking fast to the door of the 
 church. 
 VALJEAN 
 I'll escape now from that world - 
 From the world of Jean Valjean. 
 Jean Valjean is nothing now! 
15 EXT. CHURCH, DIGNE - DAY 15
 Valjean comes out of the church into the graveyard and 
 reaches a bell set on the edge of a promontory. Below lies 
 the steep drop down the mountainside to the dark valley 
 below.
 VALJEAN
 Another story must begin! 
 He rips the yellow paper into pieces and throws the pieces
 out over the valley. The scraps flutter in the wind.
 FOLLOW the scraps of yellow paper as they dance in the wind
 then fall away into the void below. One scrap of paper 
 dances upwards in the sunlight. We follow this and 
 accelerate upwards leaving Valjean and the town of Digne 
 far below, towards the sun gloriously breaking through the 
 heavens with the alps beyond. The camera then starts to 
 tumble back down through mist and cloud below - through 
 time and space - down to discover -
16 EXT. ROAD TO MONTREUIL - DAY 16
 The camera hurtling towards three horses riding down a long 
 muddy road on a flat plain towards the walled town of 
 Montreuil-sur-Mer. Montreuil sits on an estuary leading out 
 to the sea. We see ships sitting in low tide on the mud of 
 the estuary along the dockside of the town, and red brick 
 factory buildings. 
 13.
 SUPERIMPOSE CAPTION: 
 Eight years later 
 
 Montreuil-sur-Mer, 1823. 
 The camera closes in to ground level to reveal the 
 horseriders: 
 Javert, flanked by two policemen. 
16A EXT. GATES TO MONTREUIL - DAY 16A 
 As the riders enter the walled town we see the poor clustered 
 around the gates - destitute and sick people clammering to 
 get in. 
 BEGGARS' CHORUS 
 At the end of the day you're
 another day older
 And that's all you can say for
 the life of the poor.
 It's a struggle! It's a war!
 And there's nothing that anyone's
 giving.
 One more day standing about -
 What is it for?
 One day less to be living.
 Javert sees the destitution of the people. Expressionless 
 as ever.
 BEGGARS' CHORUS 
 At the end of the day you're
 another day colder
 And the shirt on your back
 doesn't keep out the chill.
 And the righteous hurry past
 They don't hear the little ones
 crying
 And the plague is coming on fast
 Ready to kill -
 One day nearer to dying!
 TRACK PAST a plague victim, wrapped in a shroud, being thrown 
 onto a cart. 
 The police enter the harbour. 
17 EXT. HARBOUR - MONTREUIL - DAY 17 
 The beggars are pushed back as the gates open and close for 
 the police. 
 14.
 BEGGARS' CHORUS 
 At the end of the day there's
 another day dawning
 And the sun in the morning is
 waiting to rise
 Like the waves crash on the sand
 Like a storm that'll break any
 second
 There's a hunger in the land
 There's a reckoning still to be
 reckoned
 And there's gonna be hell to pay
 At the end of the day!
 Javert looks round at the factory buildings, the boats in 
 the harbour, the poor clamouring behind him, and rides on. 
18 SCENE OMITTED 18 
19 EXT. FACTORY YARD, MONTREUIL - DAY 19
 Heavy carts wait to be loaded with wooden crates of goods.
 Workmen carry the crates out of the factory as the FOREMAN
 strides in through the doors, gesturing to a cart driver, 
 FAUCHELEVENT, who's taking a quick rest on a crate.
19A INT. FACTORY, MONTREUIL - MEN'S SECTION - DAY 19A 
 The foreman passes men packing boxes on tables and loading 
 boxes onto crates. He passes through a door under a first 
 floor office. 
20-22 INT. FACTORY, MONTREUIL - WOMEN'S SECTION - DAY 20-22 
 The long work space is full of tables at which 
 conservatively dressed women are working, making jewelry 
 out of shellac, a black resin which looks like jet. An 
 impressive sight: obviously a very successful business. A
 wooden staircase climbs one wall to a glass-windowed
 business office. The figure of a man within.
 FOREMAN
 (flirtatiously, to women) 
 At the end of the day you get
 nothing for nothing!
 Sitting flat on your bum doesn't
 buy any bread!
 FACTORY WOMAN 4 
 There are children back at home -
 FACTORY WOMAN 2 
 And the children have got to be
 fed.
 15.
 FACTORY WOMAN 7 
 And you're lucky to be in a job -
The Foreman has stopped beside FANTINE, a pretty young woman. 
As he leans over to whisper in her ear Fantine, surprised, 
pricks her finger with her needle. 
 FOREMAN 
 (quietly, to Fantine) 
 And in a bed!
 FACTORY WOMAN 8 
 (to Fantine, as a warning) 
 And we're counting our blessings! 
The Foreman continues his rounds, encouraging the women to 
speed up their work. 
 FOREMAN 
 At the end of the day just be glad 
 to be working
 For a master who cares for the
 lives of the poor. 
 FACTORY WOMAN 7 
 He's a riddle..
 FACTORY WOMAN 4 
 He's no fool..
 FACTORY WOMAN 6 
 He's the answer to anyone's prayer
 FACTORY WOMAN 8 
 And he paid for the brand new 
 school
 FACTORY WOMAN 4 
 It's no wonder they made him the
 mayor!
 FACTORY WOMEN 
 Bless the man who leads the way!
 At the end of the day!
They get on with their tasks, all glancing up at the boss in 
the office above. 
The Foreman returns to Fantine, trying to help her. 
 MAIN FACTORY WOMAN 
 Have you seen how the foreman is
 fuming today 
 With his terrible breath and his
 wandering hands?
 16.
 FACTORY WOMAN 3 
 It's because little Fantine won't
 give him his way.
 FACTORY WOMAN 5 
 Take a look at his trousers,
 you'll see where he stands!
 FACTORY WOMAN 2 
 And the boss, he never knows
 That the foreman is always on 
 heat.
 MAIN FACTORY WOMAN 
 If Fantine doesn't look out,
 Watch how she goes,
 She'll be out on the street! 
The Foreman rings a bell, announcing the end of the work day. 
The women start to take off their overalls and pack up their 
tools for the day. 
 FACTORY WOMEN/FOREMAN 
 At the end of the day its another
 day over
 With enough in your pocket to last
 for a week 
 Pay the landlord, pay the shop 
 Keep on working as long as you're 
 able 
 Keep on working till you drop 
 Or it's back to the crumbs off the
 table 
 Well, you've got to pay your way 
 At the end of the day! 
The women queue up to be paid by the Foreman at the door. 
Fantine has taken out a letter. The main factory woman 
snatches the letter away from Fantine. 
 MAIN FACTORY WOMAN 
 And what have we here, little
 innocent sister?
The letter is passed surreptitiously down the line of women 
workers. 
 MAIN FACTORY WOMAN 
 Come on, Fantine, let's have all
 the news.
 (reading)
 `Dear Fantine, you must send us
 more money,
 Your child needs a doctor,
 There's no time to lose.'
 17.
 FANTINE
 Give that letter to me
 It is none of your business.
 With a husband at home
 And a bit on the side!
 Is there anyone here
 Who can swear before God
 She has nothing to fear?
 She has nothing to hide?
The main factory woman starts to take Fantine's letter over 
to the Foreman. 
Fantine tries to get the letter back. The women scuffle.
The owner enters the factory floor. We see him only from 
behind: a well-dressed prosperous man. 
 VALJEAN
 What is this fighting all about?
 Will someone tear these two
 apart?
 This is a factory, not a circus.
As he sings, the CAMERA MOVES ROUND to discover him. Clean-
shaven, well-fed, transformed: it's Valjean.
 VALJEAN
 Now come on, ladies, settle down.
 I run a business of repute.
Suddenly Valjean sees Javert appear on the first floor 
balcony of his office. His world drops away. 
 VALJEAN
 (to the foreman)
 Deal with this, Foreman. 
 Be as patient as you can. 
He walks back to the stairs up to his office. 
On the factory floor -
 FOREMAN
 Now someone say how this began!
The factory women all turn on Fantine.
 FANTINE/FACTORY WOMAN 5 
 At the end of the day she's the
 one who began it!
 MAIN FACTORY WOMAN 
 There's a kid that she's hiding 
 in some little town.
 FACTORY WOMAN 5 
 There's a man she has to pay 
 18.
 MAIN FACTORY WOMAN 
 You can guess how she picks up
 the extra -
 You can bet she's earning her
 keep
 Sleeping around!
 And the boss wouldn't like it.
 FANTINE
 Yes, it's true there's a child
 And the child is my daughter
 And her father abandoned us,
 Leaving us flat.
 Now she lives with an innkeeper
 man and his wife
 And I pay for the child.
 What's the matter with that?
Fantine continues to defend herself to the Foreman, as the 
women sing - 
 FACTORY WOMEN
 At the end of the day she'll be
 nothing but trouble
 And there's trouble for all when
 there's trouble for one!
 While we're earning our daily
 bread
 She's the one with her hands in
 the butter -
 You must send the slut away
 Or we're all going to end in the
 gutter
 And it's us who'll have to pay
 At the end of the day!
The Foreman pulls Fantine away. 
 FOREMAN
 I might have known the bitch
 could bite!
 I might have known the cat had
 claws!
 I might have guessed your little
 secret!
 Ah yes, the virtuous Fantine
 Who keeps herself so pure and
 clean -
 You'd be the cause, I had no
 doubt
 Of any trouble hereabout.
 You play a virgin in the light
 But need no urging in the night!
 MAIN FACTORY WOMAN 
 She's been laughing at you
 While she's having her men!
 19.
 FACTORY WOMEN 
 She'll be nothing but trouble
 again and again!
 FACTORY WOMAN 5 
 You must sack her today!
 FACTORY WOMEN
 Sack the girl today!
 FOREMAN
 Right, my girl! On your way!
 Below, Fantine turns and calls to Valjean in his office
 above with a pitiful cry.
 FANTINE
 M'sieur Mayor, help me! I have a
 child!
 Valjean hears the cry, but he has other concerns. He turns
 round to face Javert. 
 Javert stares at him.
 On the factory floor below, the Foreman hustles Fantine
 out, as she struggles against him. 
23 INT. FACTORY OFFICE - DAY 23
 Javert bows. 
 JAVERT
 I introduce myself,
 Inspector of Police.
 I've come to take the watch
 I'm here to keep the peace.
 Please know me as Javert.
 I'm here at your command
 With honour due to each.
 With justice in our hands
 No man's beyond our reach.
 Let all beware.
 VALJEAN
 Welcome, sir
 Come guard our laws
 I'm sure we're here
 In common cause.
 Javert turns to look through the high window onto the men's 
 factory floor below. The last men are leaving for the day. 
 JAVERT
 You've done the city proud,
 You've raised their banner high.
 (more)
 20.
 JAVERT (cont'd)
 You manufacture gems
 That anyone can buy
 Your people thrive.
 Valjean shows some demonstration samples of their work.
 VALJEAN
 The dignity of toil
 To stay alive.
 Javert is puzzled. He's sure he recognises Valjean, but
 from where?
 JAVERT
 It seems to me
 We may have met.
 Valjean throws him a sharp glance.
 VALJEAN
 Your face is not a face
 I would forget.
 A CRASH from outside in the yard - shouts -
24 EXT. TRACK LEADING TO FACTORY, MONTREUIL - DAY 24
 Valjean and Javert hurry out across the factory yard and
 down the muddy track beyond to discover -
 A heavily laden cart has toppled onto the cart driver - 
 Fauchelevent, the worker seen before taking a rest on a
 crate.
 The cart driver and the Foreman are trying to lift the cart
 off the crushed man, but it's too heavy, and the ground is
 too soft. Fauchelevent screams as the cart slowly sinks in
 the mud.
 Valjean, Javert and Javert's assistant all hurry to help,
 but they can't get a proper purchase in the spongy ground.
 All the time the cart is sinking further, pushing
 Fauchelevent deeper into the mud that will soon bury him.
 Then Valjean sees a way. At one end the wheels of the cart
 have stopped sinking - the ground is harder here. He throws
 himself under the cart at this higher end, and braces
 himself to lift it from beneath.
 VALJEAN
 Get back! It may fall!
 FOREMAN
 No, Monsieur le Mayor!
 CROWD
 It'll kill you as well!
 21.
Javert stands back and looks on. As he looks, we see a
memory stirring in him.
JAVERT'S POV - Valjean's posture beneath the cart is
exactly the same as the convict beneath the fallen mast.
The same crouching power. The same almost-suicidal
determination.
Valjean sees Javert looking at him, and knows exactly what
he's thinking. For a moment he hesitates. Then he hears
Fauchelevent's choking scream as the mud gags his mouth.
Valjean strains every muscle, and slowly one end of the
cart begins to rise. As soon as it clears the crushed and
gasping man, the others pull him clear.
Valjean lets the cart down again, and climbs out. As he
brushes himself down he finds Javert staring at him.
 JAVERT
 Can this be true?
 I don't believe what I see!
 A man your age
 To be as strong as you are!
 A memory stirs... 
 You make me think of a man 
 From years ago 
 A man who broke his parole.. 
 He disappeared. 
He shakes his head, realising how absurd his suspicions
are.
 JAVERT
 Forgive me, sir.
 I would not dare -
 VALJEAN
 Say what you must.
 Don't leave it there.
Valjean holds Javert's gaze, challenging him to say more. 
Javert is not yet confident enough to continue. 
Valjean goes to help Fauchelevent. 
 VALJEAN 
 Let me help you up. 
Fauchelevent groans as he rises. 
 FAUCHELEVENT
 Monsieur le Mayor, you come from
 God!
 You are a saint!
 VALJEAN 
 No more cart driving for you! 
 22.
 Javert stares. He can't rid himself of his suspicion.
 JAVERT
 Monsieur le Mayor.
 He draws himself up and gives a bow. As he walks away, he 
 discusses something with his assistant. 
25 EXT. HARBOUR, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 25 
 Fantine makes her way to the harbour wall. Beggars shelter in 
 the tunnels under the red brick buildings. 
26 EXT. RED LIGHT DISTRICT, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 26
 Fantine makes her way down wet slimy steps. This leads to an 
 alleyway that runs down to the harbour and three ships lying 
 on the mud at low tide. At the far end, the largest is the 
 rotting hulk of a vast old warship. A single whore sits in a 
 doorway. 
 FANTINE 
 Excuse me, is this where the 
 Pawnbrokers is? 
 WHORE 1 
 (pointing) 
 It's just there. 
 FANTINE 
 Thank you. 
 Drunken sailors spill out into the alleyway below. The 
 first sailor is trying to find the whorehouse. 
 SAILOR 1
 I smell women!
 Smell'em in the air!
 Think I'll drop my anchor
 In that harbour over there!
 They spot Fantine, mistaking her for a whore. Fantine presses 
 on down the steps, trying to ignore the sailors. 
 SAILOR 2
 Lovely ladies! 
 Love `em till your broke! 
 Seven months at sea can make you
 Hungry for a poke!
 The sailors then see whores start to appear from the shadows 
 of warehouse doorways. 
 SAILOR 3
 Even stokers need a little stoke!
 23.
A man with no legs, reacting to the sailors, cranks up an 
organ-grinder and from doorways and overhead windows 
harbour whores appear and tout for business. 
A man selling dentures stands by his cart and we hear 
fragments of his sales pitch. 
 WHORES TOOTH MAN
Lovely ladies Lovely dentures
Waiting for a bite! Guaranteed to bite
Waiting for the customers They clean up real easy
Who only come at night. You can take them out at
Lovely ladies night
Ready for the call, Sell your teeth here make a
Standing up or lying down pretty sum
Or any way at all - Best Tooth Man in the harbour
 
Bargain prices up against the Guaranteed no painful gums
wall! Bargain prices up against the
 wall!
During the above chorus, Fantine sells a locket containing a 
cutting of Cosette's hair to the pawnbroker. 
 PAWNBROKER 
 Hello sweetheart, I'll give you 
 four francs. 
 FANTINE 
 It's worth at least ten. 
The pawnbroker goes back in his shop and Fantine watches the 
whores. 
 FANTINE 
 Alright, five. 
The pawnbroker takes the locket in exchange for the money. 
An old woman leers at Fantine from the shadows, beckoning. 
She approaches Fantine, reaching out to stroke her hair.
 HAIR CRONE 
 What pretty hair!
 What pretty locks you've got 
 there!
 What luck you got.
 It's worth a centime, my dear!
 I'll take the lot!
 FANTINE
 Don't touch me! Leave me alone!
 HAIR CRONE 
 Let's make a price.
 I'll give you all of ten francs.
 Just think of that!
 24.
 FANTINE
 It pays a debt...
 HAIR CRONE 
 Just think of that.
 FANTINE
 What can I do? It pays a debt.
 Ten francs may save my poor
 Cosette.
 The hair crone leads Fantine down to her shop at the base of 
 the stairs. 
 Fantine is sat on a low stool. She bows her head before the 
 hair crone, who at once whips out a razor blade and cuts 
 off her hair at the roots. 
26A EXT. RED LIGHT DISTRICT MONTREUIL - END OF DAY 26A 
 Fantine walks down the steps with short hair, mocked by the 
 voices of the whores on either side. 
 A PIMP and the HEAD WHORE watch her progress as the organ- 
 grinder grinds out the music. 
 Whores sing from the warehouse doorways, from on top of the 
 spars of the ships, writhing around figureheads and from the 
 rotting ship. 
 The few men in the street choose their whores and disappear 
 by the end of the chorus. 
 WHORES TOOTH MAN
 Lovely ladies Lovely dentures guaranteed to
 Waiting in the dark. bite
 Ready for a thick one They clean up real easy
 Or a quick one in the park. You can take them out at
 night
 HEAD WHORE Lovely teeth dear shining
 Long time, short time like the stars
 Anytime my dear! I'll whip em out quite
 Cost a little extra quickly
 If you want to take all year And I won't leave any scars.
 
 WHORES
 Quick and cheap is underneath
 the pier
 Fantine reaches the hair crone. 
 FANTINE 
 Please, you wouldn't have any work 
 for me would you? Please, I sold 
 you my hair. I could do anything. 
 The hair crone points at the head whore and the tooth man. 
 25.
 HAIR CRONE 
 Go and see them. 
 Fantine looks towards the tooth man and the head whore. 
 TOOTH MAN HEAD WHORE
 Come over here, Come here my dear.
 I'll pay well for your youth. 
 I pay ten francs for a tooth.
 Fantine heads to the tooth man. 
 TOOTH MAN 
 You have, my dear,
 The clear advantage of youth. 
 HEAD WHORE 
 (whispers) 
 Just the back ones. 
 TOOTH MAN 
 The pain won't last, 
 You'll still be able to bite. 
 She grabs Fantine's cheeks and forces open her mouth to
 inspect her teeth. 
 TOOTH MAN
 I do it fast,
 I know my business all right.
 It's worth a go.
 The pimp pushes her down. 
 FANTINE
 You'll pay me first
 What I am due.
 TOOTH MAN
 You'll get twice
 If I take two!
 She opens her mouth, and the pincers go in, as everyone 
 gathers round to watch. Fantine screams as the first tooth 
 is removed. 
26B EXT. RED LIGHT DISTRICT MONTREUIL - NIGHT 26B 
 The pimp is passing among the whores, checking that they're 
 all fit for business.
 WHORES 
 God, we're weary, 
 Sick enough to drop!
 LOVELY LADY 1 
 Belly burns like fire,
 Will the bleeding ever stop!
 26.
 PIMP
 Cheer up, deary!
 Show a happy face!
 Plenty more like you here
 If you can't keep up the pace. 
 LOVELY LADY 1 
 Only joking!
 Deary knows her place!
The pimp gestures at Fantine, now slumped in a doorway, her
cropped head in her hands.
A shy captain watches Fantine. The pimp notices. 
 PIMP
 Gimme the dirt -
 Who's that bit over there?
 WHORE 1 
 A bit of skirt,
 She's the one sold her hair.
 HEAD WHORE 
 She's got a kid,
 Sends her all that she can.
 PIMP
 I might've known
 There is always some man.
He moves in on Fantine.
 PIMP
 Lovely lady, come along and join
 us!
 Lovely lady!
Fantine looks up, a trickle of blood in one corner of her
mouth. The whores cluster round her, hands reaching out to
draw her in to their world. On the rotting warship, more 
whores appear out of the gaps of the hull to sing the 
chorus. 
 WHORE 1
 Come on, dearie, why all the 
 fuss? 
 WHORES 
 ... why all the fuss. 
 WHORE 2
 You're no grander than the rest
 of us.
 WHORES 
 ... than the rest of us. 
 27.
 WHORE 3
 Life has dropped you at the
 bottom of the heap.
 WHORES 
 ...at the bottom of the heap. 
Whore 3 bites her fingertip and applies her blood to rouge 
Fantine's cheeks. 
 HEAD WHORE 
 Join your sisters -
 WHORE 1
 Make money in your sleep!
 WHORES 
 ... make money in your sleep. 
 WHORE 2
 That's right, dearie,
 Show him what you've got!
 WHORES 
 ... show him what you've got. 
 WHORE 3
 That's right, dearie,
 Let him have the lot!
 WHORES 
 ...let him have the lot. 
The whores perform for the benefit of Fantine on the orders 
of the head whore, as the head whore leads her towards the 
hulk. 
 WHORES
 Old men, young men, take'em as
 they come!
 Harbour rats and alley cats
 And every kind of scum!
 Poor men, rich men, leaders of
 the land -
 See them with their trousers off,
 They're never quite as grand!
 All it takes is money in your
 hand!
The pimp leads the captain down the middle of the whores to 
Fantine who wears a filthy white dress. The pimp joins the 
captain and Fantine's hands as the head whore officiates - 
like a twisted wedding ceremony. 
 WHORES
 Lovely ladies
 Going for a song,
 (more)
 28.
 WHORES (cont'd)
 Got a lot of callers
 But they never stay for long...
 Fantine puts on a show of courage as she leads the captain 
 into the ship's hulk, which is a brothel. 
 FANTINE 
 Come on, Captain, you can wear your 
 shoes. 
 Don't it make a change to have a 
 girl who can't refuse? 
27 INT. ROTTING SHIP'S HULK, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 27
 Fantine, pale and frail, her bodice loosened, leads the 
 captain down to the damp dregs of the ship. 
 We see the rotting straw mattress within as they enter, 
 then Fantine lays down.
 FANTINE
 Easy money lying on a bed.
 Just as well they never see
 The hate that's in your head!
 Don't they know they're making love
 To one already dead? 
28 INT. ROTTING SHIP'S HULK, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 28 
 CLOSE ON a man's hand leaving money. We hear him exit. MOVE 
 TO FIND Fantine lying alone on the mattress.
 She pulls herself into a sitting position against the head
 of the mattress. She draws her legs up and wraps her arms
 round her knees, huddling against the misery of the world.
 FANTINE
 There was a time when men were
 kind,
 When their voices were soft
 And their words inviting.
 There was a time when love was
 blind
 And the world was a song
 And the song was exciting.
 There was a time...
 Then it all went wrong.
 I dreamed a dream in time gone
 by,
 When hope was high
 And life worth living.
 I dreamed that love would never
 die.
 I dreamed that God would be
 forgiving.
 (more)
 29.
 FANTINE (cont'd)
 Then I was young and unafraid
 And dreams were made and used and
 wasted.
 There was no ransom to be paid,
 No song unsung, no wine untasted.
 But the tigers come at night
 With their voices soft as thunder
 As they tear your hope apart
 As they turn your dream to shame.
 He slept a summer by my side,
 He filled my days with endless
 wonder.
 He took my childhood in his
 stride
 But he was gone when autumn came.
 And still I dream he'll come to
 me!
 That we will live the years
 together...
 But there are dreams that cannot
 be
 And there are storms we cannot
 weather...
 I had a dream my life would be
 So different from this hell I'm
 living -
 So different now from what it
 seemed!
 Now life has killed the dream I
 dreamed.
 As she ends her song, her next customer is waiting. The head 
 whore beyond. 
29 EXT. RED LIGHT DISTRICT, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 29
 Fantine is out on the snow and ice-covered quayside, 
 shivering, waiting for trade. She looks pale and sickly,
 but still attempts an alluring smile.
 She moves past the anchored ships, beneath the bowsprits,
 trying pathetically to attract custom. Then she comes to a
 stop, staring. She has seen and recognised Valjean, some
 way off. He's out in the harbour district. He is talking to 
 a beggar. Before he moves on, he hands over some money. 
 As Fantine watches Valjean on his mission of mercy, a well-
 dressed young man, BAMATABOIS, comes up to her. He arrives 
 with two friends and a valet. 
 30.
 BAMATABOIS
 Here's something new. I think
 I'll give it a try.
 Come closer, you! I like to see
 what I buy.
 The usual price
 For just one slice of your pie. 
 FANTINE
 I don't want you! No! No,
 M'sieur! Let me go!
 BAMATABOIS
 Is this a trick? I won't pay
 more!
 FANTINE
 No, not at all! 
 BAMATABOIS
 You've got some nerve, you little
 slut!
 You've got some gall! 
 It's the same with a tart as it is 
 with a grocer 
 The customer sees what he gets in 
 advance 
 It's not for the whore to say "yes 
 sir" or "no sir" 
 It's not for the harlot to pick and 
 to choose or to lead me a dance! 
He pulls her clothing open and laughingly stuffs snow down 
her cleavage. Fantine reacts with fury. They fall over in the 
snow and Bamatabois laughs. 
 FANTINE
 I'll kill you, you bastard!
 Try any of that!
 Even a whore who has gone to the
 bad
 Won't be had by a rat! 
Fantine scratches Bamatabois across the face. Bamatabois 
touches his face and sees the blood on his fingers. His 
friends drag Fantine against the harbour wall. 
 BAMATABOIS
 (furious but aroused) 
 By Christ you'll pay for what
 you've done!
 This rat will make you bleed,
 you'll see!
 I guarantee I'll make you suffer!
 For this disturbance of the peace
 For this insult to life and
 property!
 31.
Bamatabois suddenly sees that police have arrived. 
 FANTINE
 I beg you, don't report me, sir.
 I'll do whatever you may want. 
 BAMATABOIS
 Make your excuse to the police!
Bamatabois' friend drags Fantine towards the police. It's 
Javert.
 JAVERT
 Tell me quickly what's the story.
 Who saw what and why and where?
 Let him give a full description,
 Let him answer to Javert!
 In this nest of whores and vipers
 Let one speak who saw it all.
 Who laid hands on this good man
 here?
 What's the substance of this
 brawl?
 BAMATABOIS
 Javert, would you believe it? 
 I was walking, it was dark
 When this prostitute attacked me
 You can see she's left her mark!
He shows the blood. Javert turns to Fantine.
 JAVERT
 She will answer for her actions
 When you make a full report.
 You may rest assured, M'sieur,
 That she will answer to the
 court.
Fantine is almost fainting with fear, still racked with
occasional spasms of coughing. Unseen by her, Valjean is
approaching from behind. Javert's assistants pick Fantine 
up. Javert covers his mouth with a handkerchief as he 
approaches Fantine. 
 FANTINE
 There's a child who sorely needs
 me,
 Please, m'sieur, she's but that
 high.
 Holy God, is there no mercy?
 If I go to jail she'll die. 
 JAVERT
 I have heard such protestations
 Every day for twenty years.
 Let's have no more explanations,
 (more)
 32.
 JAVERT (cont'd)
 Save your breath and save your
 tears.
Javert indicates to the two policemen to drag Fantine away. 
Valjean steps out of the shadows.
 VALJEAN
 A moment of your time, Javert.
 I do believe this woman's tale.
 JAVERT
 Monsieur le Mayor! 
 VALJEAN
 You've done your duty. Let her
 be.
 She needs a doctor, not a jail.
 JAVERT
 Monsieur le Mayor! 
Javert looks on, containing his anger, as Valjean reaches
out a hand to Fantine. To Fantine, it's as if he's come to
her in a dream -
 FANTINE
 Can this be?
 VALJEAN
 Where will she end -
 This child without a friend?
He holds Fantine's hands, looking into her face.
 VALJEAN
 I've seen your face before.
 Show me some way to help you.
 How have you come to grief
 In such a place as this?
 FANTINE
 M'sieur, don't mock me now, I
 pray
 It's hard enough I've lost my
 pride.
 You let your foreman send me
 away.
 Yes, you were there
 And turned aside.
 I never did no wrong.
 VALJEAN
 Is it true what I've done -
 FANTINE
 My daughter's close to dying.
 33.
 VALJEAN
 - to an innocent soul?
 FANTINE
 If there's a God above -
 VALJEAN
 Had I only known then!
 FANTINE
 He'd let me die instead.
 VALJEAN
 In His name my task has just begun.
 I will her to the hospital. 
 Valjean picks Fantine up in his arms. 
 Javert is quietly coldly furious.
 JAVERT
 Monsieur le Mayor! 
 FANTINE
 Bring Cosette back to me.
 VALJEAN
 Where is she?
 FANTINE
 At an inn in Montfermeil...
 JAVERT
 Monsieur le Mayor! 
 VALJEAN
 I will see it done! I will send 
 for her immediately! 
 As Valjean and Fantine move away, Javert stares after them, 
 then turns and quietly instructs his assistant to follow 
 after them. 
30 EXT. POLICE STATION, MONTREUIL - DAY 30 
 As Javert walks up the steps to his police station his 
 assistant stops him with an urgent letter. 
 JAVERT'S ASSISTANT
 From Paris, Monsieur.
 Javert seizes it, opens it, and reads. As he reads, his
 expression changes. Appalled, he realizes he's made a
 terrible mistake.
 34.
31 INT. FACTORY, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 31
 Valjean is at his desk in his office, going through his
 papers once everyone else has gone, when Javert enters and 
 stands before him. He looks up.
 JAVERT
 Monsieur le Mayor
 I have a crime to declare!
 I have disgraced
 The uniform that I wear.
 I've done you wrong,
 Let no forgiveness be shown.
 I've been as hard
 On every rogue I have known.
 I'll bear the blame,
 I must be treated
 Just the same.
 VALJEAN
 I don't understand.
 What is this crime, Javert?
 JAVERT
 I mistook you for a convict,
 I have made a false report.
 Now I learn they've caught the
 culprit -
 He's about to face the court.
 Valjean conceals his shock.
 JAVERT
 And of course the thief denies
 it,
 You'd expect that from a con.
 But he couldn't run for ever,
 No, not even Jean Valjean.
 VALJEAN
 You say this man denies it all,
 And gives no sign of
 understanding or repentance?
 You say this man is going to
 trial,
 And that he's sure to be returned
 to serve his sentence?
 JAVERT
 He will pay, and so must I.
 Press charges against me, sir!
 VALJEAN
 You have only done your duty
 It's a minor sin at most.
 All of us have been mistaken 
 You'll return, sir, to your post.
 35.
 JAVERT
 Must I do as you say?
 VALJEAN
 It's your duty to obey!
 Javert is about to protest again, but Valjean raises one
 commanding hand, to indicate his decision is made. Javert
 gives an abrupt bow, and departs.
 Left alone, Valjean paces his office, deeply disturbed.
 VALJEAN
 They think that man is me -
 Without a second glance.
 This stranger they have found -
 This man could be my chance!
 Why should I save his hide?
 Why should I right this wrong?
 When I have come so far
 And struggled for so long?
 If I speak I am condemned.
 If I stay silent, I am damned!
 He goes out onto the balcony that looks down on the empty 
 factory.
 VALJEAN
 I am the master of hundreds of
 workers -
 They all look to me.
 Can I abandon them?
 How would they live
 If I am not free?
 If I speak they are condemned.
 If I stay silent, I am damned!
31A INT. VALJEAN'S HOUSE, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 31A 
 Valjean is sitting staring at the Bishop's candlesticks. 
 Who am I?
 Can I condemn this man to
 slavery?
 Pretend I do not feel his agony?
 This innocent who bears my face,
 Who goes to judgement in my
 place...
 Who am I?
31B INT. VALJEAN'S HOUSE, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 31B 
 Valjean is furiously packing stuff up. 
 36.
 VALJEAN 
 Can I conceal myself for ever
 more?
 Pretend I'm not the man I was
 before?
 And must my name until I die
 Be no more than an alibi?
31C EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT. 31C 
 Close on two horses panting. A stopped carriage in a wide 
 night landscape. The driver is Valjean, hesitating. 
 Must I lie?
 How can I ever face my fellow
 men?
 How can I ever face myself again? 
31D INT/EXT. COURTROOM - NIGHT 31D 
 Valjean hesitates outside the courtroom and in the lobby of 
 the courtroom, pacing back and forth. 
 VALJEAN
 My soul belongs to God, I know,
 I made that bargain long ago.
 He gave me hope when hope was
 gone!
 He gave me strength to journey
 on!
 Who am I?
 Who am I?
 I'm Jean Valjean!
 Valjean pushes through the crowds at the back of the 
 courtroom. 
32 INT. COURTROOM - NIGHT 32 
 The man accused of being Jean Valjean, a wretched down-and-
 out, stands before the JUDGE. He looks uncannily like the 
 real Valjean. Before the judge has a chance to speak, the 
 doors open and Valjean bursts in. Sensation in the court.
 VALJEAN
 And so, your honour, you see it's
 true
 That man bears no more guilt than
 you!
 Who am I?
 24601!
 37.
 The judge is too stunned to respond. The others in the 
 court can't believe what they've just heard. The Mayor of
 Montreuil-sur-Mer, a convict!
 VALJEAN
 If you don't believe me ask
 Inspector Javert. He knows where to
 find me.
 The judge goes over to Valjean and gently leads him out. 
 JUDGE 
 Monsieur le Mayor, you are not 
 well, you must come with me, do you 
 have a carriage outside? Monsieur 
 le Mayor, we must get you home to 
 bed immediately!! 
33 INT. HOSPITAL, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 33 
 The hospital is in the long attic of Valjean's factory. 
 Valjean hurries into the hospital, breathless. He sees a
 nursing sister outside Fantine's room.
 VALJEAN
 Is her daughter with her?
 NURSE
 No, monsieur. Her guardian sent
 this.
 She gives Valjean a note. He reads it with mounting anger.
 VALJEAN
 `Money not enough. Send more.
 Thenardier.' What sort of man is
 this?
34 INT. HOSPITAL, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 34 
 Fantine lies in bed, delirious. She is dressed in pure 
 white. Her eyes are closed. 
 FANTINE
 Cosette, it's turned so cold!
 Cosette, it's past your bedtime!
 You've played the day away
 And soon it will be night.
 Fantine's eyes open and she sees Cosette, playing in the 
 room. She looks healthy and is dressed prettily. 
 Come to me, Cosette, the light is
 fading.
 (more)
 38.
 FANTINE (cont'd)
 Don't you see, the evening star 
 appearing? 
 Come to me, and rest against my 
 shoulder, 
 How fast the minutes fly away and 
 every minute colder? 
Valjean enters, and sees at once that Fantine is close to 
the end. He drops to his knees by her bed.
 VALJEAN
 Dear Fantine, Cosette will be 
 here soon! 
 Dear Fantine, she will be by your 
 side 
 FANTINE
 (trying to get out of bed) 
 Come Cosette, the night has grown 
 so cold! 
 VALJEAN
 (putting her back in bed) 
 Be at peace! Be at peace ever
 more.
 FANTINE
 My Cosette -
 VALJEAN
 - shall live in my protection.
 FANTINE
 Take her now!
She pushes into his hand a scrap of paper on which she's
written her wishes.
 VALJEAN
 Your child will want for nothing.
 FANTINE
 Good m'sieur, you come from God
 in heaven.
 VALJEAN
 And none shall ever harm Cosette
 as long as I am living.
Fantine has stopped looking towards the window. All her
fading strength is now directed towards Valjean. She tries
to reach up to him.
 FANTINE
 Take my hand...
 The night grows ever colder.
 39.
 VALJEAN
 Then I will keep you warm.
He wraps her in his arms.
 FANTINE
 Take my child
 I give her to your keeping.
 VALJEAN
 Take shelter from the storm.
 FANTINE
 For God's sake, please stay till
 I am sleeping...
 And tell Cosette I love her
 And I'll see her when I wake...
Fantine starts to spasm. She sees something over Valjean's 
shoulder. Valjean doesn't realise. Her eyes go glassy as 
she passes away. Valjean then hears the unforgettable voice 
of Javert behind him. 
 JAVERT
 Valjean, at last
 We see each other plain!
 `M'sieur le Mayor'
 You'll wear a different chain!
Valjean stands to face Javert. 
 VALJEAN
 Before you say another word,
 Javert,
 Before you chain me up like a
 slave again,
 Listen to me! There is something
 I must do.
 This woman leaves behind a
 suffering child.
 There is none but me who can
 intercede -
 In mercy's name, three days are
 all I need,
 Then I'll return, I pledge my
 word!
 Then I'll return...
Javert draws his sword and aims it at Valjean. 
 JAVERT 
 You must think me mad!
 I've hunted you across the years.
 Men like you can never change -
 A man such as you!
Valjean breaks a section of timber beam from the roof. 
 40.
The men start to circle each other. 
They sing at the same time, duelling in song.
 VALJEAN
 Believe of me what you will
 There is a duty that I'm sworn to
 do.
 You know nothing of my life -
 All I did was steal some bread.
 You know nothing of the world -
 You would sooner see me dead.
 But not before I see this justice
 done!
 JAVERT
 Men like me can never change.
 Men like you can never change.
 No, 24601!
 My duty is to the law.
 You have no rights.
 Come with me, 24601!
The two men fight. 
 VALJEAN
 I am warning you, Javert,
 I'm a stronger man by far!
 There is power in me yet!
 My race is not yet run!
 JAVERT 
 Now the wheel has turned around -
 Jean Valjean is nothing now.
 Dare you talk to me of crime
 And the price you had to pay.
 Every man is born in sin
 Every man must choose his way.
Javert disarms Valjean and drives him backwards towards an 
attic door. 
 You know nothing of Javert!
 I was born inside a jail.
 I was born with scum like you.
 I am from the gutter too.
Valjean is pushed through the doors out onto a wooden 
loading platform beneath a hoist. Below, the walls of the 
factory lead straight down to the black sea at high tide. 
Javert is triumphant. 
Valjean glances down and pushes back, dropping into the 
darkness of the ocean. 
Javert goes to jump after him and cannot bring himself to do 
it. 
 41.
 Javert stares into the black sea - there is no sign of 
 Valjean. 
34A EXT. HARBOUR, MONTREUIL - NIGHT 34A 
 Javert and various police search the harbourside with 
 lanterns. 
 Valjean, dripping wet, watches from a tunnel under a factory, 
 as Fantine's body wrapped in a shroud is dumped on a cart. 
 They sing to themselves, continuing their duet without 
 knowing. 
 VALJEAN 
 And this I swear to you tonight -
 JAVERT
 There is no place for you to
 hide.
 VALJEAN
 Your child will live within my
 care -
 JAVERT
 Wherever you may hide away -
 VALJEAN
 And I will raise her to the
 light.
 JAVERT/VALJEAN
 I swear to you, I will be there! 
35 EXT. MONTFERMEIL - DUSK 35 
 The village street is bright with booths set up for a Frost
 Fair. Families and visitors are out buying baubles, or 
 laughing at the antics of travelling players. Small girls 
 cluster round a stall that displays prettily-dressed dolls. 
 Amongst them is a prettily-dressed girl of 8 or 9 years: 
 EPONINE. 
 Across the road from this stall stands a shabby inn. A 
 sign lashed to an old cart swinging in the wind reveals the 
 inn to be `The Sergeant of Waterloo'. The inn is still 
 closed despite the small crowd at the fair. 
 MOVE IN on the frosted window of the inn, through which we 
 see a little girl, COSETTE, gazing out at the display of
 dolls.
 42.
36 INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - END OF DAY 36
 Cosette is in the process of sweeping the floor. She's come
 to a stop, gazing out of the window, mesmerized by the 
 sight of the most beautiful doll in the display, and 
 jealous that Eponine can see it and touch it up close. 
 COSETTE
 There is a castle on a cloud
 I like to go there in my sleep.
 Aren't any floors for me to
 sweep,
 Not in my castle on a cloud.
 Cosette gets out from a hiding place in the wall a knotted 
 grimy rag - this is her "doll", the knot is the doll's head. 
 There is a lady all in white
 Holds me and sings a lullaby.
 She's nice to see and she's soft to
 touch 
 (holding doll to her ear 
 and whispering) 
 She says, Cosette, I love you
 very much.
 I know a place where no one's
 lost
 I know a place where no one
 cries.
 Crying at all is not allowed,
 Not in my castle on a cloud. 
 Madame Thenardier comes bustling down the stairs in a bad 
 mood. She glowers at little Cosette and changes the closed 
 sign from "closed" to "open". 
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Now look who's here!
 The little madam herself,
 Pretending once again
 She's been so awfully good!
 Better not let me catch you
 slacking!
 Better not catch my eye!
 Ten rotten francs your mother
 sends me -
 What is that going to buy?
 Now take that pail,
 My little Mademoiselle,
 And go and draw some water from
 the well.
 We should never have taken you in
 In the first place -
 How stupid the things that we do!
 Like mother, like daughter, the
 scum of the street.
 43.
Cosette goes to put the broom away. 
Eponine comes in from outside. 
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 Eponine, come my dear.
 Eponine, let me see you.
 You look very well in that little
 blue hat!
 There's some little girls who
 know how to behave
 And they know what to wear
 And I'm saying thank heaven for
 that!
Madame Thenardier sees that Cosette far from going is 
hiding behind the far wall. We see Cosette's frightened 
eyes peering out from a tiny gap in this wall. 
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 Still there, Cosette?
 Your tears will do you no good!
 I told you to fetch some water
 from the well in the wood.
 COSETTE
 (singing through the gap) 
 Please do not send me out alone.
 Not in the darkness on my own.
Madame Thenardier imitates Cosette as she sings. 
 MADAME THENARDIER
 (singing through the gap) 
 Enough of that, or I'll forget to
 be nice!
 You heard me ask for something,
 And I never ask twice! 
The innkeeper's gang posing as customers who have been 
loitering outside come in, explaining to a fifth man who is a 
newer recruit a story from Monsieur Thenardier's past. Madame 
Thenardier goes outside to open up the rather pathetic frost 
fair stall on the porch of the inn. 
 CUSTOMER 1 
 Mine host Thenardier
 He was there, so they say,
 At the field of Waterloo.
 CUSTOMER 2 
 Got there, it's true,
 When the fight was all through
 But he knew just what to do.
 CUSTOMER 3 
 Crawling through the mud,
 So I've heard it said,
 (more)
 44.
 CUSTOMER 3 (cont'd)
 Picking through the pockets of
 the English dead.
 CUSTOMER 4 
 He made a tidy score from the
 spoils of war.
 We suddenly hear the voice of the landlord, Thenardier. He 
 has been there all the time, asleep on a bench. He wakes 
 from his drunken slumbers and roars out: 
 THENARDIER
 My band of soaks,
 My den of dissolutes,
 My dirty jokes, my always pissed
 as newts,
 My sons of whores,
 Spend their lives in my inn!
 Homing pigeons homing in -
 They fly through my doors,
 And their money's as good as
 yours!
36A EXT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - DUSK 36A 
 Madame Thenardier is trying to sell something unappealing 
 from her stall to a portly looking man when slushy snow 
 from the stall's roof falls on the man's head. Madame 
 Thenardier ushers him inside. 
37 INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - DUSK 37 
 THENARDIER
 Welcome, m'sieur!
 Sit yourself down
 And meet the best
 Innkeeper in town!
 Madame Thenardier pretends to accidentally drop a comb from 
 her hair and the customer helpfully picks it up, allowing 
 Madame Thenardier to pick his wallet from a back pocket as 
 he stands up. Monsieur Thenardier takes his coat which 
 allows the couple to see the customer transfer a pocket 
 watch from coat to jacket pocket. 
 THENARDIER
 As for the rest -
 All of them crooks
 Rooking the guests
 And cooking the books.
 Seldom do you see
 Honest men like me
 A gent of good intent
 Who's content to be -
 He pours a strong drink for the new customer -
 45.
 THENARDIER
 Master of the house!
 Doling out the charm
 Ready with a handshake
 And an open palm
 Thenardier has thieved the pocket watch using his handshake 
 as a distraction. He passes this off to Madame Thenardier. 
 THENARDIER
 Tells a saucy tale
 Makes a little stir
 Customers appreciate a bon-viveur
 Glad to do a friend a favour
 Doesn't cost me to be nice
 But nothing gets you nothing
 Everything has got a little
 price!
 THENARDIER
 Master of the house!
 Keeper of the zoo!
 Ready to relieve'em
 Of a sou or two -
 (serving wine) 
 Watering the wine
37A INT. KITCHEN, INN, MONTFERMEIL - FLASHBACK - DAY 37A 
 Thenardier is pissing into the very wine bottle he's using to 
 serve the customer. 
37B INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - DUSK 37B 
 THENARDIER 
 Making up the weight
 Picking up their knick-knacks
 When they can't see straight
 Everybody loves a landlord
 Everybody's bosom friend!
 I do whatever pleases -
 Jesus! Won't I bleed'em in the
 end!
37C EXT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - DUSK 37C 
 At Madame Thenardier's stall, a frost fair customer is 
 covered by snow, only this time we realise Madame Thenardier 
 is responsible for pushing the snow off the awning with a 
 stick. 
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS 
 Master of the house!
 Quick to catch your eye
 (more)
 46.
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS (cont'd)
 Never wants a passer-by
 To pass him by!
 Madame Thenardier ushers the customer inside. 
37D INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - DUSK 37D 
 Again Madame Thenardier drops her comb in front of the new 
 customer but this time the thieving is foiled by little 
 Cosette who helpfully picks it up. Over the chorus she shouts 
 at little Cosette to get out. 
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS 
 Servant to the poor
 Butler to the great
 Comforter, philosopher and
 lifelong mate
 Everybody's boon companion
 Everybody's chaperone -
 THENARDIER
 But lock up your valises -
 Jesus! Won't I skin you to the
 bone!
 A FAMILY enters the inn. Thenardier fusses over them. 
 THENARDIER
 Enter, messieurs! 
 Lay down yer load
 Unlace yer boots
 And rest from the road.
 This weighs a ton
 Travel's a curse
 But here we strive
 To lighten your purse.
 He's got the father's purse out, and is removing notes. 
 THENARDIER
 Here the goose is cooked
 Here the fat is fried
 And nothing's overlooked
 Till I'm satisfied -
 Food beyond compare 
 Food beyond belief 
38 INT. KITCHEN, INN, MONTFERMEIL - FLASHBACK - DAY 38 
 Thenardier shows off the secrets of the squalid kitchen -
 every possible animal being used to make mince meat. 
 THENARDIER V/O 
 Mix it in a mincer 
 And pretend it's beef
 Kidney of a horse
 (more)
 47.
 THENARDIER V/O (cont'd)
 Liver of a cat 
 Filling up the sausages
 With this and that!
38A INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - DUSK 38A 
 Thenardier serves the disgusting food that we've seen him 
 create in the flashback to the family. 
 THENARDIER
 Residents are more than welcome
 Bridal suite is occupied 
38B INT. BRIDAL SUITE - FLASHBACK - NIGHT 38B 
 A groom and bride consummate their union. 
 Thenardier is going through the groom's trousers. 
 THENARDIER V/O 
 Reasonable charges 
 Plus some little extras on the 
 side. 
38C INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - NIGHT 38C 
 THENARDIER 
 Charge'em for the lice
 Extra for the mice
 Two percent for looking in the
 mirror twice.
 Here a little slice
 There a little cut
 Three percent for sleeping with
 the window shut.
 When it comes to fixing prices
 There are lots of tricks he knows
 How it all increases
 All those bits and pieces -
 Jesus! It's amazing how it grows.
39 EXT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - NIGHT 39
 Thenardier comes out of the inn, backed by a posse of his
 gang of loyal customers, and takes control of a brass band to 
 sing to the Frost Fair. 
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS
 Master of the house!
 Quick to catch your eye
 Never wants a passer-by
 To pass him by!
 48.
 Further down the street, carrying her empty buckets, Cosette
 turns to look sadly back at the cheery sight.
 THENARDIER
 Servant to the poor
 Butler to the great
 Comforter, philosopher and
 lifelong mate
 Everybody's boon companion
 Gives'em everything he's got - 
 The Portly Customer has discovered he's been robbed. He 
 comes out to protest, holding out his emptied wallet. At
 once two of Thenardier's thugs grab him and hustle him off.
 THENARDIER
 Dirty bunch of geezers
 Jesus! What a sorry little lot!
39A INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - NIGHT 39A 
 Madame Thenardier approaches a handsome soldier who is 
 drinking at a table by the fire in the inn. She sits on his 
 lap and gets him to look back at Thenardier, so allowing her 
 to see inside his coat and spot his wallet. 
 MADAME THENARDIER
 I used to dream
 That I would meet a prince
 But God almighty
 Have you seen what's happened
 since?
 `Master of the house'
 Isn't worth my spit!
 Comforter, philosopher
 And lifelong shit!
 Cunning little brain
 Regular Voltaire
 Thinks he's quite a lover
 But there's not much there.
 As Madame Thenardier reaches for the man's groin, she lifts 
 his wallet skillfully and hands it off to Monsieur 
 Thenardier. 
 THENARDIER 
 What a cruel trick of nature
 Landed me with such a louse.
 God knows how I've lasted
 Living with this bastard in the
 house!
 She pulls the young man into a dance, enabling her to steal 
 everything else of value he has. Father Christmas has also 
 been lured from the frost fair and the Thenardiers slit his 
 presents sack and exchange it for a sack containing snow. 
 49.
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS
 Master of the house!
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Master and a half!
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS
 Comforter, philosopher -
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Don't make me laugh!
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS
 Servant to the poor
 Butler to the great -
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Hypocrite and toady
 And inebriate!
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS
 Everybody bless the landlord!
 Everybody bless his spouse!
 THENARDIER
 Everybody raise a glass!
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Raise it up the master's arse!
 THENARDIER/CUSTOMERS
 Everybody raise a glass to the
 master of the house!
40/41 SCENES OMITTED 40/41
42 EXT. WOOD BY THE INN - NIGHT 42
 Cosette has filled her buckets at the well in the wood, and
 is now heading back. Through the dark trees ahead we glimpse
 the cheerful lights of the Frost Fair and the distant inn.
 She goes slowly, because the buckets are heavy. She hums to
 herself to keep her spirits up, a wordless verse of `Castle
 on a Cloud'.
 After a few steps she pauses to rest the weight of the
 buckets.
 Strong arms reach for the buckets and lift them out of her
 hands. She looks up, amazed. There's Valjean.
 VALJEAN
 Hush now, do not be afraid of me.
 Don't cry. Show me where you live.
 (more)
 50.
 VALJEAN (cont'd)
 Tell me, my child, what is your
 name?
 COSETTE
 I'm called Cosette.
 VALJEAN
 Cosette?
 She gazes up at him. Hardly knowing why, the little girl
 trusts this stranger. Valjean picks up the heavy buckets, and
 they head back towards the inn. As they go, they hum `Castle
 on a Cloud' together.
43 INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - NIGHT 43
 Valjean enters with Cosette. Madame Thenardier hurries 
 over. Madame and Monsieur Thenardier try to thieve from 
 Valjean using the same tricks established earlier, but he 
 evades every attempt. Eponine watches silently from a 
 corner.
 VALJEAN
 I found her wandering in the wood
 This little child, I found her
 trembling in the shadows.
 And I am here to help Cosette,
 And I will settle any debt you
 may think proper.
 I will pay what I must pay
 To take Cosette away.
 This is a duty I must heed.
 There is a promise I have made.
 For I was blind to one in need,
 I did not see what stood before
 me.
 Now your mother is with God.
 Her suffering is over,
 And I speak here with her voice,
 And I stand here in her place,
 and from this day, and ever more -
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Let me take your coat, m'sieur!
 VALJEAN
 Cosette shall live in my
 protection. 
 THENARDIER
 You are very welcome here!
 VALJEAN
 I will not forget my vow.
 51.
 THENARDIER
 Take a glass!
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Take a chair!
 VALJEAN
 Cosette shall have a father now.
Thenardier turns to his wife.
 THENARDIER
 What to do? What to say
 Shall you carry our treasure
 away?
 What a gem! What a pearl!
 Beyond rubies is our little girl!
 How can we speak of debt?
 Let's not haggle for darling
 Colette!
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Cosette!
 THENARDIER
 Cosette -
 Dear Fantine - gone to rest -
 Have we done for her child what
 is best?
 Shared our bread - shared each
 bone -
 Treated her like she's one of our
 own!
 Like our own, m'sieur!
 VALJEAN
 Your feelings do you credit, sir.
 And I will ease the parting blow.
 Let us not talk of bargains and
 bones and greed.
He gives Thenardier money.
 VALJEAN
 Now may I say we are agreed?
 MADAME THENARDIER
 That would quite fit the bill
 If she hadn't so often been ill.
 Little dear, cost us dear!
 Medicines are expensive, m'sieur.
 Not that we begrudged a sou -
 It's no more than we Christians
 must do.
Valjean gives more money.
 52.
 THENARDIERS
 One thing more! One small doubt!
 There are treacherous people
 about!
 No offence! Please reflect!
 Your intentions may not be
 correct!
 Valjean hands over more money.
 VALJEAN
 No more! Here's your price!
 Fifteen hundred for your
 sacrifice.
 Come, Cosette, say goodbye.
 Let's seek out some friendlier
 sky.
 Thank you both for Cosette -
 It won't take you too long to
 forget.
 He leads Cosette to the door.
44 EXT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - NIGHT 44
 Valjean lifts Cosette into the waiting cab.
 VALJEAN
 Where I go, you will be.
 COSETTE
 Will you be like a Papa to me?
 VALJEAN
 Yes, Cosette!
 This is true!
 I'll be father and mother to you!
 The cab sets off down the road.
45 INT. INN, MONTFERMEIL - NIGHT 45
 Madame Thenardier takes the bunch of notes from her
 husband's hand and inspects them.
 THENARDIER
 Not bad!
 MADAME THENARDIER
 Not enough!
 Through the open door Thenardier sees a man on horseback 
 rattling up to the inn.
 53.
 MADAME THENARDIER
 There's a copper at the door!
 What the devil have you done?
 Javert strides into the inn.
 JAVERT
 Where's the child Cosette?
 MADAME THENARDIER
 She's gone with a gent,
 Didn't tell us where they went,
 Didn't leave his home address.
 JAVERT
 Did you catch the fellow's name?
 Both Thenardiers shake their heads.
 Javert stares once, contemptuously, round the seedy inn,
 and departs without a further word. Thenardier goes to the
 doorway to watch him leave.
 MADAME THENARDIER
 You're a bloody fool
 Look at what we got.
 THENARDIER
 Should have struck the iron,
 Struck it while it's hot.
 THENARDIER/MADAME THENARDIER
 Next time round we'll be here
 And we're gonna get the lot.
46 EXT. OUTSKIRTS OF PARIS - NIGHT 46
 Valjean's cab, moving fast, passes down the road into the
 city.
 IN CAB - Valjean has one arm round Cosette to protect her
 from the jolting of the cab. He gazes at her as she slips
 into a fitful sleep.
 VALJEAN
 Suddenly I see
 Suddenly it starts
 When two anxious hearts
 Beat as one.
 Yesterday I was alone
 Today you walk beside me
 Something still unclear
 Something not yet here
 Has begun.
 Suddenly the world
 Seems a different place
 Somehow full of grace
 (more)
 54.
 VALJEAN (cont'd)
 And delight.
 How was I to know
 That so much love
 Was held inside me?
 Something fresh and young
 Something still unsung
 Fills the night.
 How was I to know at last
 That happiness can come so fast?
 Trusting me the way you do
 I'm so afraid of failing you
 Just a child who cannot know
 That danger follows where I go
 There are shadows everywhere
 And memories I cannot share
 Nevermore alone
 Nevermore apart
 You have warmed my heart
 Like the sun.
 You have brought the gift of life
 And love so long denied me.
 Suddenly I see
 What I could not see
 Something suddenly
 Has begun.
 He brushes the hair from her face, and satisfies himself
 that she's comfortable. Then he puts his head out of the
 window. At the gate into Paris, soldiers are checking 
 documents of occupants of carriages. 
 Valjean slips out of the carriage with Cosette and makes 
 his way along the wall, away from the gate. 
46A EXT. PARIS BROKEN WALL - NIGHT 46A 
 Valjean finds a section of tumble down wall and climbs over. 
46B EXT. PARIS SLUM STREET - NIGHT 46B 
 Valjean and Cosette make their way down a darkened street. 
46C EXT. PARIS - RIVER SEINE - NIGHT 46C 
 Valjean and Cosette turn down a narrow street, no longer 
 hurrying. 
 The narrow street turns, and opens out onto the river. 
 Valjean stops. There, on the other side of the river, in the 
 light of a lamp, stands Javert. 
 55.
47 SCENE OMITTED 47 
48 EXT. MAZE OF OLD STREETS - NIGHT 48 
 Now Valjean and Cosette are running - down narrow alleys,
 into small dark courtyards, not knowing which way to turn.
 Whenever Valjean thinks they've thrown their pursuer, there
 he is, not far behind. And he's no longer alone. With him
 are a detachment of soldiers. 
 Javert and his team never seem to run. But he's always 
 there.
49 EXT. DEAD END - NIGHT 49
 Valjean and Cosette turn into a street that is walled in by
 high windowless houses. They follow it round a corner to
 find - a dead end. A high wall before them. They're
 trapped.
 Valjean looks round. No way out. Then he sees a nearby lamp
 bracket. Hanging from it is the rope that is used to lower
 the oil lamp for lighting. He tears off the rope and ties
 one end round Cosette, beneath her armpits. Then holding
 the other end, he scales the wall, using the corner to
 brace himself as he rises. Once on the top, he hauls
 Cosette up by the rope. Only then does he turn to look down
 onto the other side.
 A cloister. A building in the middle, windows glowing.
 Grave stones black against the white snow. The sound of
 women's voices, singing a psalm.
 NUNS
 Te lucis ante terminum
 Rerum Creator poscimus
 Ut pro tua clementia
 Sis praesul et custodia...
 Valjean lowers Cosette down into the garden, and drops down
 after her.
 Javert and his men enter the dead end to find them gone.
50 INT. CONVENT CLOISTER - NIGHT 50
 Valjean crouched low, with Cosette in his arms, holding her
 still and quiet until Javert is gone.
 Then he straightens up and looks round. He takes in the
 sound of singing.
 NUNS
 Procul recedant somnia
 Et noctium phantasmata
 (more)
 56.
 NUNS (cont'd)
 Hostemque nostrum comprime
 Ne polluantur corpora...
He goes closer to the windows of the building. Through the
blurry glass he can make out a chapel, and a line of nuns
singing.
Valjean continues and sees a man filling in a new grave.
The man starts as he sees Valjean.
 FAUCHELEVENT
 Who's that?
Valjean jumps, takes Cosette protectively into his arms.
Turns to answer.
 FAUCHELEVENT
 Why, it's Monsieur Mayor!
It's Fauchelevent, now a gardener, still limping from his
injury.
 VALJEAN
 Who are you?
 FAUCHELEVENT
 Don't you remember? The cart fell
 on me! 
 VALJEAN 
 Monsieur Fauchelevent! 
 FAUCHELEVENT 
 You saved my life! You got me
 this job as a gardener!
Valjean gazes at him, and remembers.
 VALJEAN
 Now you can do the same for me.
 We need a place of sanctuary.
 This child and I, we need to
 disappear.
 FAUCHELEVENT
 In this place of Holy Orders
 You are brought to God's domain
 May the sisters grant you shelter
 May their prayers ease your pain.
Valjean and Cosette follow him to the convent.
 VALJEAN
 We'll give thanks for what is
 granted
 What the sisters may ordain
 Here we pray for new beginnings -
 Here our lives can start again.
 57.
 Valjean looks to the heavens. The camera soars into the air
 and heads east as dawn breaks over Paris. We rush low over
 Paris as the sun comes up, towards the Place de la Bastille.
51 EXT. PLACE DE LA BASTILLE, PARIS - DAY 51
 SUPERIMPOSE CAPTION:
 Nine years later
 The dawn light glows on a massive ELEPHANT. The monument,
 made of wood and plaster, now ruined and crumbling, stands
 on a plinth on one side of the wide open square. On the far
 side, the remains of the great fortress that was the
 Bastille. In the middle, scaffolding surrounds a half-built
 triumphal column, which is being erected to celebrate the
 new regime.
 SUPERIMPOSE CAPTION:
 Paris, 1832.
 The streets that run from the square lead in one direction
 to the Paris of power and wealth; in the other direction
 into the slums.
 The camera sweeps in and down to meet the elephant.
 A head pops out of one of the elephant's many holes -
 GAVROCHE, a street urchin. He gives a shrill whistle. At
 once a dozen more street urchins show themselves, from
 every crack in the monument's skin. Agile as a monkey,
 Gavroche drops to the ground, followed by his band.
52 EXT. PARIS BOULEVARD - DAY 52
 FOLLOW GAVROCHE in as he races down a grand boulevard, 
 dodging the crowds of strolling bourgeoisie and beggars,
 weaving in and out of the lines of carriages attempting to
 make their way in either direction. These are the
 conveyances of the rich, fine gilded coaches with matched
 horses and footmen on the back. Virtually at a standstill,
 they lend Gavroche a platform as he leaps from coach to
 coach, a street urchin dancing on the heads of the elite.
 As he goes, the poor on the pavements sing to the stony-
 faced rich in their golden high-sprung glory -
 BEGGARS CHORUS
 Look down and see the beggars at
 your feet!
 Look down and show some mercy if
 you can!
 Look down and see the sweepings
 of the street!
 (more)
 58.
 BEGGARS CHORUS (cont'd)
 Look down, look down,
 Upon your fellow man!
The fine ladies and grand gentlemen in the carriages avert
their eyes, or raise the blinds of their carriage windows
to shut out the sight of the losers of their world.
Gavroche, bounding over their heads, evading the swipes of
liveried footmen, lands on the running board of one 
particularly grand carriage and begs/taunts the RICH 
OCCUPANT. 
 GAVROCHE
 `Ow do you do? My name's
 Gavroche!
 These are my people, here's my
 patch.
 Not much to look at - nothing
 posh!
 Nothing that you'd call up to
 scratch.
 This is my school, my high
 society!
 Here in the slums of St Michel.
 We live on crumbs of humble piety
 Tough on the teeth - but what the
 hell!
 Think you're poor? Think you're
 free?
 Follow me! Follow me!
 BEGGARS CHORUS
 Look down and show some mercy if
 you can!
 Look down, look down, upon your
 fellow man!
STILL RUNNING WITH Gavroche as he hops onto the back of
another very grand carriage, the traffic now moving at 
last, hitching a ride on the back - one or two of his gang 
hop on back of carriage with him, the others run panting 
after to hear his political lecture. 
 GAVROCHE
 There was a time we killed the
 King
 We tried to change the world too
 fast.
 Now we have got another King,
 He is no better than the last.
 This is the land that fought for
 liberty -
 Now when we fight we fight for
 bread!
 Here is the thing about equality -
 Everyone's equal when they're
 dead.
 Take your place!
 (more)
 59.
 GAVROCHE (cont'd)
 Take your chance!
 Vive la France! Vive la France!
53 EXT. LAMARQUE'S HOUSE, PARIS - DAY 53 
 The carriage has reached an arch into a courtyard where a 
 crowd of a couple of hundred is gathered outside a house of 
 sickness. The carriage stops as its occupant wants to watch 
 what is going on. The street is padded with straw. Many eyes 
 gaze up at the draped windows. People cross themselves. A 
 priest is seen hurrying into the house, accompanied by two 
 altar boys. 
 Gavroche jumps off as the carriage stops and joins the crowd. 
 The crowd is made up of citizens of Paris, student 
 revolutionaries, the poor and beggars. The students hand out 
 printed leaflets and try to excite the crowd. 
 STUDENTS/BEGGARS CHORUS 
 Look down and show some mercy if 
 you can! 
 Look down, look down, upon your 
 fellow man! 
 COURFEYRAC 
 When's it gonna end?
 BEGGAR 1 
 When we gonna live?
 JOLY 
 Something's gotta happen now!
 BEGGAR 2 
 Something's gotta give!
 STUDENTS AND BEGGARS 
 It'll come, it'll come, it'll
 come...
 It'll come, it'll come, it'll
 come...
 A student, ENJOLRAS, stands on a raised step, making an 
 impassioned speech with fellow student MARIUS. The occupant 
 of the stopped carriage is MONSIEUR GILLENORMAND, Marius' 
 Grandfather. He is clearly deeply unhappy to see his grandson 
 engaged in such an activity. 
 In the crowd a young street girl, EPONINE, has her eyes fixed 
 longingly on the handsome Marius. 
 ENJOLRAS
 Where are the leaders of the
 land?
 Where are the swells who run this
 show?
 60.
 MARIUS
 Only one man, General Lamarque 
 Speaks for the people here below!
Marius looks towards Lamarque's house behind him.
 ENJOLRAS
 Lamarque is ill and fading fast -
 Won't last a week out, so they
 say.
 MARIUS
 With all the anger in the land,
 How long before the Judgement
 Day?
 ENJOLRAS
 Before we cut the fat ones down
 to size?
 STUDENTS 
 Before the barricades arise?
Mounted Police ride in to break up the crowd. 
 POLICE 
 Look down, look down, don't look us 
 in the eye! 
 Look down, look down, stay here and 
 you die! 
The crowd breaks up. The students shout to the crowd: 
 ENJOLRAS 
 Tomorrow we will return! 
 MARIUS 
 Tell everyone you know 
 COURFEYRAC 
 We will show them! 
 COMBEFERRE 
 Lamarque is the only leader on our 
 side! 
 COURFEYRAC 
 We have a right to pray for 
 Lamarque! 
 JOLY 
 We need more people, then the 
 police will not dare ride against 
 us! 
 MARIUS 
 Vive le General Lamarque! 
 61.
 Marius turns to see his Grandfather staring him down, 
 furious. 
 GILLENORMAND 
 Do you have any idea of the shame 
 you bring on your family! You're 
 behaving like a child. 
 Gillenormand spies a gun poking out of his jacket. 
 Gillenormand turns to get back in his carriage. 
54 INT. GORBEAU TENEMENT 54 
 Through a crack in a door, we see Marius sitting on a tatty 
 mattress in a tiny hovel of a room. He is taking out a 
 hunting rifle from under the mattress, wrapped in a rag. His 
 eye is caught by the ring on his finger. 
 CLOSE ON a signet ring, a family crest. 
 Marius stares at the ring then takes it off his finger. 
 We reveal EPONINE staring at him through the door. 
 EPONINE 
 Hey there Monsieur what's new 
 with you? 
 Haven't seen much of you of late. 
 Planning no doubt to change the 
 world? 
 Plotting to overthrow the state? 
 Still living here in this old sewer 
 Might as well doss down in a ditch 
 You still pretending to be poor 
 Everyone knows your Grandpa's rich 
 Marius rushes down the stairs of the slum, Eponine following. 
 We see glimpses of misery off the stairwell. 
 MARIUS 
 How did you...? 
 EPONINE 
 There's lots of things I know 
 MARIUS 
 Won't take a franc that I've not 
 earned 
 All of those bridges have been 
 burned. 
 EPONINE 
 I like the way you talk Monsieur! 
 MARIUS 
 I like the way you always tease. 
 62.
 Eponine comes to a stop, looking wistfully after Marius.
 EPONINE
 Little he knows -
 Little he sees.
55 EXT. RUE DE LA CHANVRERIE - END OF DAY 55 
 Marius is stopped as he exits the front door of the Gorbeau 
 Tenement by a passing carriage. Once it passes Marius sees 
 two people in the street outside. One is an old gentleman, 
 Valjean. The other is a beautiful young girl, Cosette. The 
 two are giving alms to beggars as they walk back from 
 evening church service. 
 Marius can't take his eyes off Cosette. He's never seen
 anyone so lovely in his life. We hear the instrumental
 foreshadowing of `A Heart Full of Love'.
 As if drawn by Marius's gaze, Cosette looks up and meets
 his eyes. She too is amazed: he's looking at her as if he
 already knows her. A second carriage breaks their held 
 gaze. 
 Marius continues on down the street and when he looks back, 
 at that precise moment Cosette looks at him again. 
 Valjean instinctively puts his arm round her, guarding her
 jealously from this distant boy's gaze. 
 We cut further down the street to an alleyway where the 
 Thenardiers, heavily disguised, are waiting for Valjean's 
 approach with their gang of crooks, Babet, Brujon, 
 Clacquesous, Montparnasse. 
 THENARDIER
 Everyone here, you know your
 place -
 Brujon, Babet, Clacquesous -
 You, Montparnasse, watch for the
 law - 
 With Eponine - take care.
 (Montparnasse hurries over 
 to the doorway where 
 Eponine was watching 
 Marius) 
 You turn on the tears! 
 (to Madame Thenardier who 
 is holding a baby) 
 No mistakes, my dears!
 Thenardier approaches Valjean and lures him into the mouth 
 of the alleyway where Madame Thenardier is sat on the 
 ground holding the crying infant. Cosette is a few steps 
 behind, still entranced by the sight of Marius. 
 63.
 THENARDIER
 Please, M'sieur, come this way.
 Here's a child that ain't eaten
 today.
 Save a life, spare a sou!
 God rewards all the good that you
 do.
As Valjean bends down to look at Madame Thenardier she 
recognizes him. 
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 Wait a bit! Know that face!
 (to Monsieur Thenardier) 
 Ain't the world a remarkable
 place!
 THENARDIER 
 Men like me don't forget -
 You're the bastard who borrowed
 Cosette!
 VALJEAN
 What is this? Are you mad?
 No, Monsieur, you don't know what
 you say!
Thenardier pulls off his disguise. Valjean recognises him. 
 THENARDIER
 You know me! I know you!
 And you'll pay what I'm due.
He signals to his gang. A door opens in the alleyway 
revealing the huge Brujon. The gang move in on Valjean 
menacingly. 
 EPONINE 
 (shouts from up the 
 street) 
 It's the police! Disappear! 
 Run for it! It's Javert! 
The gang spill out into the street to find themselves 
confronted by Javert now with his men. Marius watches, as 
does Gavroche, drawn by the rumpus.
 JAVERT
 Another brawl in the square!
 Another stink in the air!
 Was there a witness to this?
 Well, let him speak to Javert!
He sees man with his arm protectively round a girl but does 
not recognize Valjean as Valjean has averted his face. 
 64.
 JAVERT
 Monsieur, these streets are not
 safe.
 But let these vermin beware,
 We'll see that justice is done!
He turns back on the Thenardier gang in the passage.
 JAVERT
 Look upon this fine collection
 Crawled from underneath a stone.
 This swarm of worms and maggots
 Could have picked you to the
 bone!
 I know this man over here,
 I know his name and his trade.
 And on your witness, m'sieur,
 I'll see him suitably paid.
He turns back to find Valjean and Cosette gone. 
 JAVERT
 But where's the gentlemen gone?
 And why on earth did he run?
 THENARDIER
 You will have a job to find him!
 He's not all he seems to be -
 And that girl he trails behind
 him
 She's the child he stole from me!
Marius, equally baffled, goes off in search of them.
 JAVERT
 Could it be he's that old
 jailbird
 That the tide now washes in?
 Heard my name and started
 running...
 All the omens point to him.
Thenardier, listening, hears this all with great interest.
So Valjean is a crook like him.
 JAVERT
 And the girl who stood beside
 him,
 When I turned they both had gone.
 Could he be the man I've hunted?
 Could it be he's Jean Valjean?
 THENARDIER
 In the absence of a victim,
 Dear Inspector, may I go?
 And remember when you've nicked
 him
 It was me what told you so.
 65.
 JAVERT
 (to himself)
 Let the old man keep on running
 I will run him off his feet!
 (to the crowd)
 Everyone about your business!
 (to Gavroche) 
 Clear this garbage off the
 street!
Gavroche is sitting on a horse trough and falls back into it 
when Javert surprises him. 
He is furious. He sings to Javert's departing back, and to 
Marius who is close by. 
 GAVROCHE
 That inspector thinks he's
 something
 But it's me who runs this town!
 And my theatre never closes
 And the curtain's never down!
 Trust Gavroche! Have no fear!
 You can always find me here! 
 EPONINE
 Cosette! Now I remember...
 Cosette! How can it be?
 We were children together.
 Look what's become of me.
She turns back to find Marius gazing down the street.
 MARIUS
 Eponine! Who was that girl?
 EPONINE
 That bourgeois two-a-penny thing!
 MARIUS
 Eponine, find her for me!
 EPONINE
 What will you give me?
 MARIUS
 Anything!
 EPONINE
 Got you all excited now,
 But God knows what you see in
 her.
 Aren't you all delighted now? 
 No, I don't want your money, sir.
 66.
 MARIUS 
 Eponine, do this for me,
 Discover where she lives.
 But careful how you go -
 Don't let your father know.
 Eponine! I'm lost until she's
 found.
 EPONINE
 You see? I told you so!
 There's lots of things I know!
 Eponine, she knows her way
 around.
56-61 SCENES OMITTED 56-61 
62 EXT. PARIS POLICE HQ - NIGHT 62
 WIDE of the Police Headquarters on the Isle de la Cite: a 
 huge bureaucracy. The camera finds Javert standing inside 
 looking out of a door leading onto the roof. As he sings 
 he walks out onto the roof and stands by the symbol of the 
 HQ, a monumental stone eagle. He looks down at the lights
 reflected in the river below. Then up at the great city.
 Javert too has a God, and this is his prayer.
 JAVERT
 There, out in the darkness
 A fugitive running
 Running from God
 Fallen from grace -
 God be my witness
 I never shall yield
 Till we come face to face -
 Till we come face to face...
 He knows his way in the dark
 Mine is the way of the Lord
 Those who follow the path of the
 righteous
 Shall have their reward
 And if they fall
 As Lucifer fell -
 The flame!
 The sword!
 Stars in your multitudes!
 Scarce to be counted
 Filling the darkness
 With order and light -
 You are the sentinels
 Silent and sure
 Keeping watch in the night -
 Keeping watch in the night...
 You know your place in the sky
 You hold your course
 (more)
 67.
 JAVERT (cont'd)
 And your aim
 And each in your season
 Returns and returns
 And is always the same
 And if you fall
 As Lucifer fell
 You fall
 In flame!
 And so it must be, and so it is
 written
 On the doorway to paradise
 That those who falter
 And those who fall
 Must pay the price!
 Lord, let me find him
 That I may see him
 Safe behind bars!
 I will never rest till then!
 This I swear
 This I swear by the stars!
 Javert stands silhouetted against the stars, his arms
 raised up to the night sky.
63 EXT. RUE DE LA CHANVRERIE - NIGHT 63 
 Marius comes down the street, his mind full of thoughts of 
 Cosette.
64 INT. CAF� MUSAIN - NIGHT 64 
 Marius arrives at the first floor front room. Here a group 
 of students are cleaning rifles and sharing their
 excitement at the coming revolution: ENJOLRAS, COMBEFERRE,
 COURFEYRAC, JOLY, GRANTAIRE, FEUILLY, PROUVAIRE and others.
 ENJOLRAS 
 Well, Courfeyrac! Do we have all 
 the guns? 
 Joly, Prouvaire! Our time is 
 running short! 
 COURFEYRAC 
 Students, workers, everyone! 
 There's a river on the run! 
 Like the flowing of the tide, 
 Paris is coming to our side! 
 COMBEFERRE 
 Enjolras! At Notre Dame
 The sections are prepared!
 68.
 FEUILLY
 At Rue du Bac
 They're straining at the leash!
 ENJOLRAS 
 Grantaire, put the bottle down! 
 Did we get the guns we need? 
 GRANTAIRE 
 Give me brandy on my breath 
 And I'll breathe them all to death! 
 ENJOLRAS 
 The time is near...
 So near it's stirring the blood
 in their veins.
 And yet beware! 
 Don't let the wine go to your
 brains.
 For the army we fight is a
 dangerous foe
 With the men and the arms that we
 never can match.
 It is easy to sit here and swat
 them like flies
 But the National Guard will be
 harder to catch.
 We need a sign
 To rally the people
 To call them to arms
 To bring them in line!
Joly turns goes over to Marius at the back, a faraway look 
on his face.
 JOLY
 Marius, wake up!
 What's wrong today?
 You look as if you've seen a
 ghost.
 GRANTAIRE
 Some wine, and say what's going
 on!
They sit. 
 MARIUS
 A ghost, you say? A ghost maybe!
 She was like a ghost to me -
 One minute there - then she was
 gone!
 GRANTAIRE
 I am agog! I am aghast!
 Is Marius in love at last?
 I've never heard him Ooh and Aah.
 You talk of battles to be won
 (more)
 69.
 GRANTAIRE (cont'd)
 And here he comes like Don Juan!
 It is better than an opera!
They burst into laughter. But Enjolras isn't smiling.
 ENJOLRAS
 It is time for us all
 To decide who we are.
 Do we fight for the right
 To a night at the opera now?
 Have you asked yourselves
 What's the price you might pay?
 Is this simply a game
 For rich young boys to play?
 The colours of the world
 Are changing day by day -
 Red - the blood of angry men!
 Black - the dark of ages past!
 Red - a world about to dawn!
 Black - the night that ends at
 last!
 MARIUS
 Had you seen her today
 You might know how it feels
 To be struck to the bone
 By a moment of breathless delight!
 Had you been there today
 You might also have known
 How the world may be changed
 In just one burst of light
 And what was right seems wrong
 And what was wrong seems right!
 GRANTAIRE
 Red!
 MARIUS
 I feel my soul on fire!
 GRANTAIRE
 Black!
 MARIUS
 My world if she's not there!
 STUDENTS
 Red!
 MARIUS
 The colour of desire!
 STUDENTS
 Black!
 70.
 MARIUS
 The colour of despair!
 ENJOLRAS
 Marius, you're no longer a child -
 I do not doubt you mean it well
 But now there is a higher call!
 Who cares about your lonely soul?
 We strive towards a larger goal -
 Our little lives don't count at
 all!
 ENJOLRAS 
 Red! 
 STUDENTS 
 The blood of angry men! 
 ENJOLRAS 
 Black! 
 STUDENTS 
 The dark of ages past! 
 Red - a world about to dawn!
 Black - the night that ends at
 last! 
A scuffle at the door - Gavroche struggling with the
barman. Courfeyrac lets him through. 
 GAVROCHE
 Listen! Listen to me!
 COURFEYRAC 
 Listen, everybody!
 GAVROCHE 
 General Lamarque is dead!
Enjolras turns to his companions.
 ENJOLRAS
 Lamarque is dead...
 Lamarque... His death is the hour
 of fate.
 The people's man...
 His death is the sign we await!
 On his funeral day they will
 honour his name
 With the light of rebellion
 ablaze in their eyes.
 From their candles of grief we
 will kindle our flame.
 On the tomb of Lamarque shall our
 barricades rise!
 The time is here!
 (more)
 71.
 ENJOLRAS (cont'd)
 Let us welcome it gladly with
 courage and cheer!
 STUDENT 
 Let us take to the street with no
 doubt in our hearts
 COURFEYRAC 
 But a jubilant shout!
 LESGLES 
 They will come one and all!
 STUDENTS 
 They will come when we call!
 As the students sing, Eponine enters wanting to talk to 
 Marius. Marius sees her. 
65 INT. VALJEAN'S HOUSE, RUE PLUMET - NIGHT 65 
 Cosette is pacing in her bedroom. It's a pretty room, the 
 best room in this small summer house. Her shutters are 
 open, giving a view of a wild unkempt garden. She looks at 
 herself in a mirror, aware of her looks perhaps for the 
 first time. 
 COSETTE 
 How strange -
 This feeling that my life's begun
 at last!
 This change -
 Can people really fall in love so
 fast?
 What's the matter with you,
 Cosette?
 Have you been too much on your
 own?
 So many things unclear -
 So many things unknown...
 In my life
 There are so many questions and
 answers
 That somehow seem wrong.
 In my life
 There are times when I catch in
 the silence
 The sigh of a faraway song
 And it sings
 Of a world that I long to see -
 Out of reach
 Just a whisper away
 Waiting for me!
 Does he know I'm alive?
 Do I know if he's real?
 (more)
 72.
 COSETTE (cont'd)
 Does he see what I see?
 Does he feel what I feel?
 In my life
 I'm no longer alone -
 Now the love in my life
 Is so near...
 Find me now! Find me here!
Valjean knocks and opens her door. He closes her shutters. 
 VALJEAN
 Dear Cosette,
 You're such a lonely child.
 How pensive, how sad you seem to
 me.
 Believe me, were it within my
 power
 I'd fill each passing hour.
 How quiet it must be, I can see,
 With only me for company.
 COSETTE
 There's so little I know
 That I'm longing to know
 Of the man that you were
 In a time long ago...
 There's so little you say
 Of the life you have known,
 Why you keep to yourself,
 Why we're always alone.
 So dark! So dark and deep,
 The secrets that you keep!
 In my life
 Please forgive what I say
 You are loving and gentle and
 good.
 But papa, dear papa,
 In your eyes I am still like that
 child
 Who was lost in a wood.
 VALJEAN
 No more words -
 No more words.
 It's a time that is dead.
 There are words
 That are better unheard,
 Better unsaid.
 COSETTE
 In my life
 I'm no longer a child and I yearn
 For the truth that you know
 Of the years... Years ago!
 73.
 Valjean leaves and goes into his own bedroom. A simple wooden 
 shack at the back of the summerhouse, Valjean himself lives 
 with spartan simplicity - he has given the best room to 
 Cosette. 
 Cosette follows. Valjean sits on his bed, his back to 
 Cosette. 
 VALJEAN
 You will learn.
 Truth is given by God
 To us all in our time,
 In our turn. 
66 EXT. RUE PLUMET - NIGHT 66 
 Marius rushes down the street, Eponine following. At the 
 far end is the walled garden behind which lies Valjean's 
 house. 
 MARIUS
 In my life
 She has burst like the music of
 angels
 The light of the sun!
 And my life seems to stop
 As if something is over
 And something has scarcely begun!
 Eponine, you're the friend
 Who has brought me here.
 Thanks to you I am one with the
 Gods
 And heaven is near!
 And I soar through a world that
 is new,
 That is free! 
 EPONINE
 Every word that he says
 Is a dagger in me!
 In my life
 There's been no one like him
 anywhere,
 Anywhere, where he is
 If he asked... I'd be his!
 MARIUS/EPONINE
 In my life
 There is someone who touches my
 life -
 MARIUS
 (sees Cosette in the 
 garden) 
 Waiting near!
 74.
 EPONINE
 Waiting here! 
 MARIUS
 A heart full of love!
Cosette sees Marius. She comes up the garden path towards 
him. She sees Eponine by Marius's side. 
 MARIUS 
 A heart full of song!
 I'm doing everything all wrong -
 Oh God, for shame -
 I do not even know your name.
 Dear Mad'moiselle,
 Won't you say?
 Will you tell?
Cosette holds the wrought-ironwork of the gate with both 
hands, eyes on Marius. Eponine looks on and suffers. Marius 
wraps his hands round Cosette's. 
 COSETTE
 A heart full of love!
 No fear, no regret!
 MARIUS
 My name is Marius Pontmercy.
 COSETTE
 And mine's Cosette.
 MARIUS
 Cosette... I don't know what to
 say -
 COSETTE
 Then make no sound.
 MARIUS
 I am lost -
 COSETTE
 I am found!
 MARIUS
 A heart full of light -
 COSETTE/MARIUS
 A night bright as day -
 MARIUS
 And you must never go away,
 Cosette - Cosette!
 COSETTE
 This is a chain we'll never
 break.
 75.
 MARIUS
 Do I dream?
 COSETTE
 I'm awake.
 MARIUS
 A heart full of love -
 EPONINE
 He was never mine to lose
 Why regret
 What could not be?
 COSETTE
 A heart full of you -
 EPONINE
 These are words he'll never say
 Not to me, not to me
 Not for me!
 MARIUS
 A single look and then I knew!
 COSETTE
 I knew it too!
 EPONINE
 His heart full of love...
 MARIUS
 From today -
 EPONINE
 He will never feel this way.
 COSETTE
 Every day...
 MARIUS/COSETTE
 For it isn't a dream -
 Not a dream
 After all!
Valjean comes to the door.
 VALJEAN
 Cosette! Cosette! 
Cosette turns and runs in to the house.
Valjean walks down the overgrown garden path to the gate. 
Marius moves quickly away, instinctively nervous of
discovery, and hides behind the wall. 
 76.
Valjean peers into the shadows. He senses that perhaps
Cosette has been talking to someone. He looks pensive.
Valjean returns inside. 
Cosette has dropped a keepsake through the gate. Marius picks 
it up. 
Marius makes his way back down the street, filled with 
thoughts of his love. Completely forgetting Eponine is there. 
Shadows move up the street from the other direction. It's 
Thenardier and his gang. They gather at the wrought-iron
gate.
 MONTPARNASSE
 This is his lair!
 I've seen the old fox around.
 BABET
 He keeps himself to himself
 He's staying close to the ground.
 THENARDIER
 I smell profit here!
 Ten years ago
 He came and paid for Cosette.
 I let her go for a song.
 It's time we settled the debt.
 This'll cost him dear.
 BRUJON
 What do I care
 Who you should rob?
 Gimme my share!
 Finish the job!
 THENARDIER
 You shut your mouth!
 You'll get what's yours!
Brujon starts working on the gate lock. He finds Eponine
lurking in the shadows.
 BRUJON
 What have we here?
 THENARDIER
 Who is this hussy?
 BABET
 It's your brat Eponine!
 Don't you know your own kid?
 Why's she hanging about here?
 77.
 THENARDIER
 Eponine, get on home!
 You're not needed in this.
 We're enough here without you.
 EPONINE
 I know this house, I tell you!
 There's nothing here for you!
 Just the old man and the girl.
 They live ordinary lives.
 THENARDIER
 Don't interfere!
 You've got some gall!
 Take care, young miss,
 You've got a lot to say!
 BRUJON
 She's going soft!
 CLACQUESOUS
 Happens to all!
 MONTPARNASSE
 Go home, Eponine!
 Go home, you're in the way!
 They huddle round the garden gate, which is now broken
 open.
 EPONINE
 I'm gonna scream! I'm gonna warn
 them here!
 THENARDIER
 One little scream and you'll
 regret it for a year!
 He goes to the gate and opens it.
 Eponine screams. 
67 SCENE OMITTED 67 
68 INT. RUE PLUMET, PARIS - NIGHT 68
 Valjean, now in his own bedroom, hears the scream and turns
 to the window.
69 EXT. RUE PLUMET - NIGHT 69
 Thenardier and his gang shrink into the shadows, as
 Eponine's scream ends at last.
 78.
 THENARDIER
 Make for the sewers!
 Get underground!
 Leave her to me,
 Don't wait around!
 He turns on Eponine and slaps her hard across the face. 
 THENARDIER
 You wait, my girl!
 You'll rue this night! 
 I'll make you scream!
 You'll scream all right!
 His men have levered up a grating, and now Thenardier and
 the gang disappear down into the sewers.
70 INT. VALJEAN'S HOUSE - RUE PLUMET, PARIS - NIGHT 70 
 Valjean comes running into Cosette's room. Valjean takes 
 her in his arms.
 VALJEAN
 My God, Cosette!
 I heard a cry in the dark.
 I heard the shout of angry voices
 in the street.
 COSETTE
 Three men I saw beyond the
 wall...
 Three men in shadow moving fast!
 VALJEAN
 This is a warning to us all!
 These are the shadows of the
 past!
 He moves away to his own bedroom. 
 VALJEAN
 Must be Javert.
 He's found my cover at last.
 I've got to get Cosette away
 Before he returns.
 He comes back to Cosette. 
 VALJEAN
 We must get away from shadows
 That will never let us be.
 Tonight we leave Cosette! 
 COSETTE 
 To where? 
 79.
 VALJEAN 
 Rue de L'Homme Armee. 
 COSETTE 
 No! No! 
 VALJEAN 
 And then a ship across the sea. 
 VALJEAN
 Hurry, Cosette! Prepare to leave,
 And say no more.
 Tonight we'll away! 
 COSETTE 
 (overlapping) 
 No! Please no! We can't go! 
 VALJEAN 
 Hurry, Cosette!
 It's time to close another door
 And live another day!
 Valjean leaves to start packing. 
 Feverishly, Cosette scribbles a letter. 
71 SCENE OMITTED 71 
72 EXT. GARDEN, RUE PLUMET - NIGHT 72
 Cosette hurries down the garden to the gate, and goes to 
 put the folded letter in the grill where her and Marius' 
 hands entwined. Then she sees Eponine. Eponine steps 
 forward. She thrusts her letter into her hand. 
 COSETTE
 Please give this to Marius! He
 must know where to find me.
 She runs back inside.
73 EXT. RUE PLUMET/BRIDGE/RUE DE LA CHANVRERIE - NIGHT 73 
 Eponine crumples up the letter. 
 She walks sadly away down the street.
 Rain is just starting to fall.
 EPONINE
 And now I'm all alone again -
 Nowhere to turn, no one to go to.
 Without a home, without a friend,
 (more)
 80.
 EPONINE (cont'd)
 Without a face to say hello to.
 The city goes to bed
 And I can live inside my head.
 On my own
 Pretending he's beside me
 All alone
 I walk with him till morning
 Without him
 I feel his arms around me
 And when I lose my way I close my
 eyes
 And he has found me.
She crosses a bridge over the river.
 EPONINE
 In the rain
 The pavement shines like silver
 All the lights
 Are misty in the river
 In the darkness the trees are
 full of starlight
 And all I see is him and me
 forever and forever!
 And I know it's only in my mind -
 That I'm talking to myself and
 not to him.
 And although I know that he is
 blind,
 Still I say there's a way for us.
 I love him
 But when the night is over
 He is gone - the river's just a
 river.
 Without him the world around me
 changes -
 The trees are bare and everywhere
 The streets are full of
 strangers.
 I love him
 But every day I'm learning
 All my life I've only been
 pretending.
 Without me, his world will go on
 turning
 A world that's full of happiness
 That I have never know.
 I love him
 I love him
 I love him
 But only on my own.
 81.
 Her solitary journey has brought her to the Gorbeau slum. 
 She goes inside. 
73A INT. GORBEAU TENEMENT - NIGHT 73A 
 Eponine stands outside Marius' door. She opens the letter, 
 reads it, then hides it in her pocket. She pushes open 
 Marius' door. Marius looks up. 
 EPONINE 
 I came to tell you she's gone.
 MARIUS
 Gone? What do you mean? 
 EPONINE 
 She's gone to England. 
 Marius sets off at a run towards the Rue Plumet. 
74 EXT. RUE PLUMET - NIGHT 74
 Marius finds the gate broken open, sees the house beyond
 dark and deserted. He pushes in to the garden, up to the
 house windows, sees the rooms empty within. He stands
 staring, in shock.
 Eponine has followed him, and watches him in silence.
75 SCENE OMITTED 75 
76 INT. CARRIAGE - NIGHT. 76 
 Valjean and Cosette sit on either side of the carriage, 
 apart, staring out of their respective windows. A stark 
 contrast to the carriage scene when Valjean sang to Cosette 
 as a little girl. 
 VALJEAN
 One day more!
 Another day, another destiny.
 This never-ending road to
 Calvary.
 These men who seem to know my
 crime
 Will surely come a second time -
 One day more!
77 EXT. RUE PLUMET - NIGHT 77
 Marius by the empty house.
 82.
 MARIUS
 I did not live until today - 
 How can I live when we are parted? 
78 INT. CARRIAGE - NIGHT 78 
 VALJEAN
 One day more! 
 COSETTE
 Tomorrow you'll be worlds away
 And yet with you my world has
 started!
79 EXT/INT. RUE PLUMET/CARRIAGE - NIGHT 79 
 INTERCUT between Eponine at the gate, Cosette and Valjean
 in the carriage, and Marius in the dark garden. 
 EPONINE
 One more day all on my own...
 MARIUS/COSETTE
 Will we ever meet again?
 EPONINE
 One more day with him not
 caring...
 MARIUS/COSETTE
 I was born to be with you!
 EPONINE
 What a life I might have known...
 MARIUS/COSETTE
 And I swear I will be true!
 EPONINE
 But he never saw me there.
80 INT. CAF� MUSAIN GROUND & 1ST FLOOR/EXT. RUE DE LA 80 
 CHANVRERIE - NIGHT 
 Enjolras and the students have a production line under way
 for making bullets. The rifles are now stacked and ready
 for the uprising. Grantaire is downstairs flirting with a 
 BARMAID. MADAME HUCHELOUP the proprietress of the Cafe 
 Musain is sewing a red revolutionary flag to help the 
 students. 
 ENJOLRAS
 One more day before the storm!
 83.
 INTERCUT WITH Marius walking back sadly through the Rue de 
 la Chanvrerie. Eponine follows him at a distance. 
 MARIUS
 Do I follow where she goes?
 ENJOLRAS
 At the barricades of freedom!
 MARIUS
 Shall I join my brothers there?
 ENJOLRAS
 When our ranks begin to form -
 MARIUS
 Do I stay and do I dare?
 ENJOLRAS
 (from top of stairs, for 
 Grantaire's benefit) 
 Will you take your place with me? 
 Grantaire rather reluctantly goes upstairs. 
 ALL
 The time is now!
 The day is here!
 One day more!
81 INT. PARIS POLICE HQ - NIGHT 81
 Javert is briefing a hundred uniformed police about the
 coming day in a grand ornate old room at Police
 Headquarters.
 JAVERT
 One day more to revolution.
 We will nip it in the bud.
 We'll be ready for these
 schoolboys.
 They will wet themselves with
 blood!
82 INT. CARRIAGE - NIGHT 82 
 VALJEAN
 One day more!
83 INT. CAF� MUSAIN - GROUND & 1ST FLOOR - NIGHT 83 
 Monsieur and Madame Thenardier are in the ground-floor bar, 
 slyly watching a student smuggling some rifles up the 
 stairs disguised in a piece of cloth. 
 84.
 Joly takes a tray and collects empty tankards. As he 
 ascends the stairs, Madame Hucheloup tries to get him to 
 give the tankards back. 
 THENARDIERS
 Watch'em run amuck!
 Catch'em as they fall!
 Never know your luck
 When there's a free-for-all.
 Here a little dip,
 There a little touch -
 Most of them are goners
 So they won't miss much!
 The drinkers in the bar raise their glasses to the students
 with their rifles. The students appeal to them. Grantaire
 is drunk already. Joly starts to melt the tankards in a pot 
 to make more bullets. Marius enters the ground floor and 
 takes the red flag from Madame Hucheloup that she has just 
 finished. The citizens on the ground floor join the 
 students. 
 STUDENTS/CROWD 
 One day to a new beginning!
 Raise the flag of freedom high!
 Every man will be a king!
 Every man will be a king!
 There's a new world for the
 winning!
 There's a new world to be won!
 Do you hear the people sing?
 Marius enters the first floor to join them at last. 
 MARIUS
 My place is here!
 I fight with you!
84 INT/EXT. RUE DE L'HOMME ARMEE/RUE DE LA CHANVRERIE/CAF� 84 
 MUSAIN GROUND & 1ST FLOOR/POLICE STATION - NIGHT 
 Valjean and Cosette arrive at their new hideout - 
 Marius ties the red flag onto a flagpole - 
 VALJEAN
 One day more!
 COSETTE/MARIUS
 I did not live until today
 How can I live when we are
 parted?
 Eponine outside the caf�, gazing longingly towards Marius -
 EPONINE
 One more day on my own...
 85.
 Javert in the police station to his men -
 JAVERT
 I will join these people's heroes
 I will follow where they go.
 I will learn their little
 secrets,
 I will know the things they know.
 VALJEAN/JAVERT
 One day more!
 MARIUS/COSETTE
 Tomorrow you'll be worlds away
 And yet with you my world has
 started.
 JAVERT
 One more day to revolution
 We will nip it in the bud
 We'll be ready for these
 schoolboys -
 THENARDIERS
 Watch'em run amuck
 Catch'em as they fall
 Never know your luck
 When there's a free-for-all!
 VALJEAN
 Tomorrow we'll be far away.
 VALJEAN/JAVERT
 Tomorrow is the judgement day.
 ALL
 Tomorrow we'll discover
 What our God in heaven has in
 store -
 One more dawn!
 One more day!
 One day more!
 We pull back from Enjolras and Marius holding their flag at 
 the first floor window with the students beyond them to see 
 that citizens have spilled out of the Cafe Musain into the 
 street and have all joined in the final chorus. 
85 EXT. PARIS STREETS - DAY 85
 All is still. Then comes the soft beating of draped drums.
 The tramp of feet.
 All down the streets, waiting, the silent faces of the
 poor. Among them we see Enjolras, Marius, and the radical
 students.
 86.
Police and national guardsmen control the growing crowds. 
Now into view come the leaders of a great FUNERAL
PROCESSION. An entire battalion of infantry, marching with
weapons reversed. A column of black-suited dignitaries
carrying branches of laurel. A division of Cavalry rides in 
front, behind a section of military drummers who drum a 
military tatoo. 
INTO FRAME comes a team of black horses stepping slowly, 
black plumes nodding, drawing behind them a gun carriage 
draped in the tricolour flag. On the carriage stands a 
COFFIN. 
Softly, in time with the drums, the watching people begin 
to sing.
 CROWD
 Do you hear the people sing
 Singing the song of angry men?
 It is the music of a people
 Who will not be slaves again!
The police and guardsmen look round to see who is singing
so subversively, but they can't be sure where it's coming
from. The singing grows stronger.
 CROWD
 When the beating of your heart
 Echoes the beating of the drums
 There is a life about to start
 When tomorrow comes!
The dignitaries become aware of the singing, and glance
uneasily from side to side. 
 CROWD 
 Will you join in our crusade?
 Who will be strong and stand with
 me? 
 Beyond the barricade
 Is there a world you long to see?
As the coffin on its carriage draws level with the students, 
Enjolras suddenly steps out in front of the horses drawing 
the carriage and waves the red flag, stopping the horses and 
the procession. 
 ENJOLRAS 
 Then join in the fight
 That will give you the right
 To be free!
The students break the ranks of the crowd and surround the 
coffin carriage. 
 87.
 STUDENTS/CROWD
 Do you hear the people sing
 Singing the song of angry men?
 It is the music of a people
 Who will not be slaves again!
 When the beating of your heart
 Echoes the beating of the drums
 There is a life about to start
 When tomorrow comes!
Enjolras, Marius and Courfeyrac and other students climb 
onto the top of the carriage as the horses and led by 
Combeferre. 
 ENJOLRAS
 Will you give all you can give
 So that our banner may advance?
 COURFEYRAC 
 Some will fall and some will live
 Will you stand up and take your
 chance?
 ENJOLRAS/MARIUS/COURFEYRAC 
 The blood of the martyrs
 Will water the meadows of France!
The crowd supports them and surround the coffin carriage, 
blocking the attempts of the police to intervene, singing
with passion.
 STUDENTS/CROWD
 Do you hear the people sing
 Singing the song of angry men?
 It is the music of a people
 Who will not be slaves again!
 When the beating of your heart
 Echoes the beating of the drums
 There is a life about to start
 When tomorrow comes!
Enjolras, the students, and the impassioned crowd have now
become the procession. They turn off the main street away 
from the expected course of the funeral procession. 
Gavroche's elephant looms over this side street. Gavroche 
and his gang jump down from the elephant to join in. 
As the procession turns off, the calvary division gallop 
ahead and disappear round a corner. 
 STUDENTS/CROWD
 Will you join in our crusade?
 Who will be strong and stand with
 me?
 Somewhere beyond the barricade
 Is there a world you long to see?
 Do you hear the people sing?
 (more)
 88.
 STUDENTS/CROWD (cont'd)
 Say, do you hear the distant
 drums?
 It is the future that we bring
 When tomorrow comes!
 The students and crowd come face to face with the calvary. On 
 one side, muskets of the infantry poke through the broken 
 down fence surrounding the elephant. Other infantry have 
 taken up position in a cafe opposite, upending tables to 
 provide cover. 
 There is a tense, prolonged silence. Then suddenly one 
 nervous SOLDIER lets off a round. It hits a middle aged 
 kindly looking WOMAN CITIZEN in the crowd around the coffin 
 carriage. The crowd is furious. Students charge the soldier, 
 grab his musket and knock him down with the hilt of the gun. 
 More shots ring out. The cavalry charges. The funeral 
 explodes into a riot. The people of Paris turn on the
 dragoons, the National Guards, the police. More squadrons
 of dragoons charge into the crowd, sabres unsheathed. Women
 run screaming in terror. 
 ENJOLRAS
 To the barricades!
 STUDENTS/CROWD
 To the barricades! To arms! To
 arms!
 Some students fire weapons into the air, some into the 
 cavalry and at the infantry. Enjolras knocks a calvary 
 officer off his horse and Marius jumps on the horse. 
 The students break away and race off through the cafe into 
 a side street where citizens begin to erect a barricade. A 
 cavalry rider gives chase and is shot by one of the 
 students and falls through the window of an upended 
 carriage. The students, with Marius on horseback, race to 
 the slums. 
86 EXT. RUE DE LA CHANVRERIE/INT. CAFE MUSAIN - DAY 86 
 FOLLOW the students as they burst into their home street. 
 They have been joined by a motley collection of citizens 
 including burghers and an old eccentric man FATHER MABEUF 
 who works as hard as anyone. They raid a fencing shop and a 
 gun shop for weapons, they force wives to give up their 
 husbands' muskets and chalk up the debt to the revolution 
 on their front doors, they encourage homeowners to 
 contribute furniture sometimes appearing at high windows to 
 help overcome any reluctance. Soon the street is raining 
 tables, chairs, mattresses, sofas. They smash streetlamps. 
 They set to work to build their barricade. Students 
 commandeer an omnibus which is overturned to form the 
 barricade's heart. Three students arrive in the street 
 hauling an uprooted tree. 
 89.
They pull up paving stones, rip boards, timbers and front 
doors from house and shop-fronts, pull down buttresses, and 
raid the Cafe Musain, systematically stripping it of every 
item of furniture despite the lamentations and 
protestations of Madame Hucheloup and her barmaid. 
As the barricade rises they bring down from the first floor 
of the cafe the rifles and ammunition they've gathered, to 
prepare to defend their chosen ground. A student stands on 
a stone post distributing weapons. They line the first and 
second floor front rooms with paving stones to create 
protected shooting positions. The inside of the barricade 
is built neatly with steps up made from paving stones. The 
outside is a crazy knarled mess. 
 ENJOLRAS
 Here upon these stones
 We will build our barricade.
 In the heart of the city
 We claim as our own
 Each man to his duty
 And don't be afraid.
A man in worker's clothing is helping build the growing 
barricade,. He wears the insignia of the rebels, and keeps 
his head down.
 ENJOLRAS
 Wait!
 I will need a report
 On the strength of the foe.
The man who's just arrived looks up. It's Javert.
 JAVERT
 I can find out the truth!
 I know their ways,
 Fought their wars,
 Served my time
 In the days
 Of my youth.
He slips away through the barricade, which is still rising.
 PROUVAIRE
 See! The people unite!
 GRANTAIRE
 Pray your right
 COMBEFERRE
 Dogs will bark!
 GAVROCHE
 Fleas will bite!
 LESGLES
 They will do what is right.
 90.
87 EXT. BARRICADE - DUSK 87
 The barricade is now complete: an impressive wall up to 
 twelve feet high, with one heavily guarded section that can 
 be wheeled open to allow access. Two smaller barricades 
 protect the left and right side of the cafe. Enjolras 
 climbs halfway up the main barricade and turns to his 
 little army. Grantaire prises the final piece of Madame 
 Hucheloup's furniture from her arms - her favourite sewing 
 armchair - and adds it to the barricade. As the men sing 
 she steals it back defiantly. 
 ENJOLRAS
 Red, the blood of angry men!
 ALL
 Black, the dark of ages past!
 Red, a world about to dawn!
 Black, the night that ends at
 last!
87A EXT. BARRICADE - NIGHT 87A
 It is night. The students have been waiting for hours.
 A single flaming torch atop the barricade caged in by cobbles
 underlights a fluttering red flag.
 There is no sign yet of any opposition.
 A boy climbs down from sentry duty on the barricade. Marius 
 realizes its Eponine. She sits down with her back to him. 
 MARIUS
 Hey, little boy, what's this I see? 
 God Eponine the things you do! 
 EPONINE 
 I know this is no place for me, 
 Still I would rather be with you! 
 MARIUS
 Get out before the trouble 
 starts! 
 Get out, `Ponine, you might get 
 shot! 
 EPONINE
 I've got you worried now, I have! 
 That shows you like me quite a 
 lot... 
 MARIUS 
 Get Out! 
 Joly, sentry on the main barricade, sees a figure approach. 
 91.
 JOLY
 He's back!
Javert, still in his disguise as a rebel, is let back
through the guarded `gate' into the barricaded street.
 JAVERT
 Listen, my friends,
 I have done as I said.
 I have been to their lines,
 I have counted each man.
 I will tell what I can.
 Better be warned
 They have armies to spare
 And our danger is real -
 We will need all our cunning
 To bring them to heel.
 ENJOLRAS
 Have faith!
 If you know what their movements
 are
 We'll spoil their game.
 There are ways that a people can
 fight -
 We shall overcome their power!
 JAVERT
 I have overheard their plans.
 There will be no attack tonight.
 They intend to starve you out
 Before they start a proper fight -
 Concentrate their force,
 Hit us when it's light -
 GAVROCHE
 Liar!
They all look up. There's Gavroche, on the top of the
barricade.
 GAVROCHE
 Good evening, dear Inspector.
 Lovely evening, my dear!
 I know this man, my friends.
 His name's Inspector Javert!
 So don't believe a word he says
 Cause none of it's true.
 This only goes to show
 What little people can do. 
Guns swing round to aim at Javert. He stares back in
defiance.
Gavroche comes dancing down the barricade to Courfeyrac's 
delighted embrace.
 92.
 COURFEYRAC
 Bravo, little Gavroche!
 You're the top of the class!
Gavroche grabs Grantaire's red cap and puts it on his own
head, mimicking the students.
 PROUVAIRE
 So what are we going to do
 With this snake in the grass?
Enjolras faces Javert.
 ENJOLRAS
 Tie this man and take him
 To the tavern in there!
 The people will decide your fate,
 Inspector Javert!
 JAVERT
 Shoot me now or shoot me later -
 Every schoolboy to his sport!
 Death to each and every traitor!
 I renounce your people's court!
 ENJOLRAS
 Take this man. Bring him through.
 There is work we have to do.
Javert is led into the cafe. As they pass through the front 
door only one student is holding Javert. Seizing his 
opportunity, Javert breaks free and the students have to 
subdue him by force. Javert is on his knees and is being tied 
to the staircase. 
 ENJOLRAS 
 When are they coming!? 
Silence. 
Suddenly, out of the darkness, the students and citizens at
the barricade here an ominous distant sound. The sound of
marching feet, hundreds of men, marching in unison. First
soft, then building louder and louder, closer and closer.
Boots on cobbles. The sound comes right into the end of the
street.
Enjolras and all the students man the main barricade. 
Silence.
They peer over the barricade. In the pitch blackness, all
they can make out is hundreds of gossamer thin slivers. These
are bayonets and musket barrels dimly lit by the reflection
from the torch.
A voice shouts out from the darkness.
 93.
 ARMY OFFICER
 Who's there?
At the same time we hear the clatter of guns being levelled.
 ENJOLRAS
 French Revolution.
 ARMY OFFICER
 Fire!
A flash turns all the facades of the street bright crimson as
though the door of a furnace has suddenly open and shut.
A dreadful explosion bursts over the barricade. The red flag
falls, the pole sliced through. Bullets richochet off the
cornices of the houses, bore into the barricade and wound
several men.
 ENJOLRAS
 (as students return fire) 
 Comrades, do not fire back! Do not 
 waste powder! 
In the darkness, the clang of ramrods in muskets - the troop 
reloading weapons. 
Enjolras picks up the fallen flag and is about to take it up 
when the old man Father Mabeuf who has seen many 
insurrections before this takes the flag and runs up onto the 
top of the barricade. 
 ARMY OFFICER
 Who's there? Get down!
 MABEUF 
 Vive la France!
 ARMY OFFICER
 Fire!
A second volley.
Father Mabeuf falls down dead. While everyone is reacting to 
the dead old man and the wounded, the men are distracted from 
noticing that some French soldiers have used the cover of
darkness to creep down the street.
All at once the FIRST FULL ATTACK begins. Shouts and the
rattle of gunfire as SOLDIERS throw themselves up and over
the barricade. The students run for their guns and return
fire. They are taken by surprise. All could be lost in the
first instant. Some soldiers make it up to the top of the
barricade, where they're driven back by the fierce
resistance of the defenders. Eponine sees one soldier
aiming his rifle at Marius - she throws herself in front of
Marius just as the rifle fires - and Marius is safe.
 94.
They are being overrun. Panic ensues. The gun battle is
fierce. Marius in a flash of inspiration realises all is lost 
unless they do something. He drags a barrel of gunpowder to
the top of the barricade, grabs the torch and with a face of
deadly resolve he tips the torch towards the barrel.
 MARIUS
 Clear out or I'll blow up the
 barricade!
Everyone freezes.
 ARMY OFFICER
 Blow it up then and take yourself
 with it!
 MARIUS
 And myself with it!
Marius brings the torch closer to the powder keg.
But already the soldiers have cleared out.
Marius comes down from the barricade. 
 FEUILLY 
 (to Marius) 
 Thank you! 
 LESGLES 
 What were you thinking! 
As everyone surrounds Marius in amazement he spots Eponine
lying propped against the barricade.
 MARIUS
 Eponine! What have you done?
He kneels by her side. Eponine is dying.
 EPONINE
 Here... It's from Cosette...
 I kept it from you...
With a struggle she pulls the letter out of her pocket, and
pushes it into his hand.
 EPONINE
 Don't be too hard on me...
Marius is shocked to find blood pouring from her wound.
 MARIUS
 Eponine, you're hurt!
 You need some help!
Rain begins to fall.
 95.
 EPONINE
 Don't you fret, M'sieur Marius -
 I don't feel any pain.
 A little fall of rain
 Can hardly hurt me now.
 You're here - that's all I need
 to know
 And you will keep me safe
 And you will keep me close
 And rain will make the flowers
 grow...
 MARIUS
 But you will live, Eponine - Dear
 God above!
 If I could close your wounds with
 words of love -
 EPONINE
 Just hold me now, and let it be.
 Shelter me... Comfort me...
 MARIUS
 You will live a hundred years
 If I could show you how...
 I won't desert you now...
 EPONINE
 The rain can't hurt me now...
 This rain will wash away what's
 past
 And you will keep me safe
 And you will keep me close
 I'll sleep in your embrace at
 last.
Marius tries to comfort Eponine in his arms. 
 MARIUS
 Hush-a-bye, dear Eponine
 You won't feel any pain
 A little fall of rain
 Can hardly hurt you now
 I'm here.
 EPONINE
 So don't you fret, M'sieur Marius
 I don't feel any pain
 A little fall of rain
 Can hardly hurt me now...
 MARIUS
 I will stay with you
 Till you are sleeping.
 EPONINE
 That's all I need to know
 And you will keep me safe
 (more)
 96.
 EPONINE (cont'd)
 And you will keep me close
 And rain..
 Will make the flowers...
 Grow...
 Eponine dies in Marius's arms.
 Marius looks up at the others, his eyes full of tears.
 ENJOLRAS
 They were the first to fall. 
 The first to fall upon this 
 barricade.
 MARIUS
 Her name was Eponine!
 Her life was cold and dark, yet
 she was unafraid!
 COMBEFERRE
 We fight here in her name...
 PROUVAIRE
 She will not die in vain...
 LESGLES
 She will not be betrayed...
 They pick up Eponine's body and carry her into the tavern.
 COURFEYRAC 
 (to Gavroche) 
 Are you alright? 
 GAVROCHE 
 That was my sister. 
88 EXT. BARRICADE - NIGHT 88
 Marius reads the letter Eponine has given him. He takes out
 pencil and paper and writes a note. Looking round, he sees
 Gavroche.
 MARIUS
 Gavroche! Do you know the Rue de
 l'Homme Arm�?
 GAVROCHE
 Course I do!
 MARIUS
 Will you take this for me?
 He holds out his note.
 97.
89 INT. INN, RUE DE L'HOMME ARMEE, PARIS - NIGHT 89 
 The LANDLADY climbs the stairs, followed by Gavroche. The 
 landlady indicates the door, and Gavroche knocks boldly.
 The door opens a crack to reveal a cautious Valjean.
 GAVROCHE
 Letter for Cosette.
 VALJEAN
 I'll take it.
 Gavroche holds out the letter with one hand, not quite
 giving it, the other hand open for a tip.
 Valjean gives him a coin, which he pockets as he hands over
 the letter.
 GAVROCHE
 Something for you, something for
 me. Who needs charity?
90 INT. VALJEAN'S ROOM, LODGING HOUSE - NIGHT 90 
 ON VALJEAN - As he reads the note.
 VALJEAN
 `Dearest Cosette, you have
 entered my soul
 And soon you will be gone.
 Can it be only a day since we met
 And the world was reborn?
 If I should fall in the battle to
 come
 Let this be my goodbye.
 Now that I know you love me as
 well
 It is harder to die.
 I pray that God will bring me
 home
 To be with you.
 Pray for your Marius.
 He prays for you.'
 He looks up, deeply distressed. He can't bear the thought
 of losing Cosette.
 VALJEAN
 They haven't got a chance, these
 boys
 They almost certainly will die
 She'll be alone
 And she will need me all the more
 And we will go on as before 
 When he is gone
 I dare not think like this
 I must find this boy
 98.
91 EXT. PARIS STREETS - NIGHT 91
 Valjean walks the streets, not caring where he goes,
 struggling with his tormented thoughts. He sees a barricade
 being dismantled. And bodies.
 Suddenly he knows what he's going to do. He sees a dead
 soldier. He takes his jacket and swiftly pulls it on.
 He continues on his way in the dark.
 Looking up he sees that he's been walking all the time
 towards the very barricade where Marius waits.
 Now looking like a soldier, he passes unchallenged through
 their lines, and into the shadows.
 As he passes, he notices two soldiers climbing up onto the 
 rooftops.
92 EXT. BARRICADE - NIGHT 92
 Glimpses through the barricade of a lone figure approaching
 from the far end of the narrow street.
 The figure comes into lamp light. It's Valjean, in the
 soldier's jacket. The student sentries level their guns.
 Gavroche jumps up.
 VALJEAN 
 Don't shoot! 
 JOLY
 Here comes a man in uniform!
 What brings you to this place?
 VALJEAN
 I come here as a volunteer.
 JOLY
 Approach and show your face!
 PROUVAIRE
 You wear an army uniform.
 VALJEAN
 That's why they let me through.
 The student sentries open the slot in the barricade to let
 Valjean enter.
 JOLY
 You've got some years behind you,
 sir.
 VALJEAN
 There's much that I can do.
 99.
 JOLY
 You see that prisoner over there?
He points to Javert, in a dark corner, his hands tied.
 GRANTAIRE
 A volunteer like you!
 COMBEFERRE
 A spy who calls himself Javert!
 GRANTAIRE
 He's going to get it too! 
Javert looks up and meets Valjean's eyes. A steady shared
look.
 GAVROCHE 
 Don't shoot! I know him! He's no 
 soldier! 
Suddenly Valjean spots a couple of snipers creeping over the 
roofs to gain an angle of attack on them. They are aiming at
Enjolras. Swiftly Valjean grabs a gun and shoots up at them 
sending them scattering. Quickly other students join in and
the snipers are driven back.
There is a burst of gunfire from both ends of the street as a 
brief fire fight ensues. 
The snipers have disappeared. 
Enjolras turns to Valjean. 
 ENJOLRAS
 For your presence of mind,
 For the deed you have done,
 I will thank you, M'sieur,
 When our battle is won.
 MARIUS
 Thank you, M'sieur.
 VALJEAN
 Give me no thanks, M'sieur.
 There's something you can do.
 ENJOLRAS
 If it is in my power.
 VALJEAN
 Give me the spy Javert!
 Let me take care of him.
Javert hears this with grim satisfaction.
 100.
 JAVERT
 The law is inside out.
 The world is upside down.
 ENJOLRAS
 Do what you have to do -
 The man belongs to you.
He turns to his little army.
 ENJOLRAS
 The enemy may be regrouping!
 Hold yourselves in readiness!
 Come, my friends, back to your
 positions!
 The dawn is breaking fast.
Valjean takes Javert out the back of the Cafe Musain. He 
carries a knife. 
 VALJEAN
 We meet again...
 JAVERT
 You've hungered for this all your
 life.
 Take your revenge.
 How right you should kill with a
 knife.
Valjean uses the knife to cut Javert free.
 VALJEAN
 You talk too much.
 Your life is safe in my hands.
 JAVERT
 Don't understand...
 VALJEAN
 Get out of here.
 JAVERT
 Valjean, take care!
 I'm warning you.
 VALJEAN
 Clear out of here!
 JAVERT
 Once a thief, forever a thief.
 What you want, you always steal.
 You would trade your life for
 mine.
 Yes, Valjean, you want a deal!
 Shoot me now for all I care -
 If you let me go, beware!
 You'll still answer to Javert!
 101.
 VALJEAN
 You are wrong, and always have
 been wrong.
 I'm a man no worse than any man.
 You are free, and there are no
 conditions -
 No bargains or petitions.
 There's nothing that I blame you
 for.
 You've done your duty, nothing
 more.
 No doubt our paths will cross
 again.
He raises his gun and points it at Javert.
 VALJEAN
 Go!
As Javert goes, he raises the gun barrel and fires a single
shot into the air. 
 ENJOLRAS
 Courfeyrac, you take the watch -
 They may attack before it's
 light.
 Everybody keep the faith,
 For certain as our banner flies,
 We are not alone -
 The people too must rise!
Marius is manically working to raise the height of one of the 
smaller barricades. 
 ENJOLRAS 
 Marius, rest.
Grantaire drunkenly starts singing a drinking song and it is 
taken up more seriously by Feuilly. Bottles are passed round. 
 GRANTAIRE 
 Drink with me to days gone by! 
 FEUILLY 
 Sing with me the songs we knew!
 PROUVAIRE
 Here's to pretty girls
 Who went to our heads!
 JOLY
 Here's to witty girls
 Who went to our beds!
 102.
 STUDENTS
 Here's to them -
 (Marius sings to
 Valjean)
 And here's to you!
 GRANTAIRE
 Drink with me to days gone by!
 Can it be you fear to die?
 Will the world remember you when
 you fall?
 Can it be your death
 Means nothing at all?
 Is your life just one more lie?
 Grantaire glares at Enjolras and enters the cafe. 
 ALL
 Drink with me
 To days gone by!
 To the life
 That used to be!
 At the shrine of friendship
 Never say die...
 Let the wine of friendship
 Never run dry!
 Here's to you
 And here's to me!
 Valjean is moving through the cafe when he hears Marius 
 through a window. He moves to the window. Marius sits beneath 
 it. 
 MARIUS
 Do I care if I should die
 Now she goes across the sea?
 Life without Cosette
 Means nothing at all..
 Please don't weep, Cosette,
 Should Marius fall.
 Will you weep, Cosette,
 For me?
 Valjean listens to Marius's song, and he's moved. 
93 EXT. BARRICADE/ INT. CAFE MUSAIN - NIGHT 93 
 Look-outs keep watch at either end of the barricaded
 street. Many of the rest of the rebels are sleeping. 
 Valjean paces, unable to sleep, inside the cafe. Dead 
 bodies are lined up on the ground floor. He comes to a 
 stop, and gazes on Marius as he sleeps through the window. 
 VALJEAN
 God on high
 Hear my prayer
 (more)
 103.
 VALJEAN (cont'd)
 In my need
 You have always been there.
 He is young
 He's afraid
 Let him rest
 Heaven blessed.
 Bring him home
 Bring him home
 Bring him home!
 He's like the son I might have
 known
 If God had granted me a son.
 The summers die
 One by one
 How soon they fly
 On and on
 And I am old
 And will be gone.
 Bring him peace
 Bring him joy
 He is young
 He is only a boy.
 You can take
 You can give
 Let him be
 Let him live, 
 If I die, let me die
 Let him live
 Bring him home
 Bring him home
 Bring him home!
 Valjean is now kneeling next to the sleeping Marius. 
 CRANE UP AND UP - Seeing the little world of the barricaded
 street now surrounded by waiting soldiers - and the streets
 round them packed with soldiers in their thousands, so many
 that we know the little band can never win.
 CRANE UP AND UP until the barricade and the army that
 entraps it has become a small pool of darkness in the
 centre of the bright lights of Paris.
94 EXT. PARIS - DAWN 94
 The sun still below the rooftops. Every house is tightly
 shuttered.
95 INT. CAFE MUSAIN - DAWN 95 
 Grantaire is fast asleep in the upstairs room, dead drunk.
 104.
96 EXT. BARRICADE - DAWN 96
 Enjolras re-enters the barricade through the secret gate.
 He has been on a reconnaissance. He looks at the street. No 
 one is stirring, but for a single shutter which opens a
 crack - a face peeps - and it closes again. Below him the
 students are up and getting ready.
 ENJOLRAS
 The people have not stirred.
 COURFEYRAC 
 Yet we will not abandon those 
 Who still live in fear.
 ENJOLRAS 
 The people have not heard,
 Yet we will not abandon those who
 cannot hear.
 Let us not waste lives!
 Let all who wish to 
 Go from here!
 There is silence. Uncertainty. Yet no one moves to go. 
 GAVROCHE 
 (from top of barricade) 
 Do you hear the people sing 
 GAVROCHE/COURFEYRAC 
 Singing the song of angry men 
 STUDENTS/CITIZENS 
 (joining) 
 It is the music of the people 
 Who will not be slaves again 
 When the beating of your heart 
 Echoes the beating of the drums 
 There is a life about to start 
 When tomorrow comes! 
 Under this: 
 
 FEUILLY
 Enjolras! Ammunition's short. 
 MARIUS
 I will go into the streets.
 There are bodies all around.
 Ammunition to be had.
 Lots of bullets to be found.
 ENJOLRAS
 I can't let you go. 
 105.
 VALJEAN
 Let me go!
 He's no more than a boy.
 I am old.
 I have nothing to fear.
Gavroche is already climbing the barricade under cover of
the smoke.
 GAVROCHE
 I volunteer!
 COURFEYRAC
 Come back, Gavroche! Don't you
 dare!
 JOLY
 Someone pull him down right now!
 GAVROCHE
 Look at me, I'm almost there!
 GAVROCHE
 Little people know
 When little people fight
 We may look easy pickings
 But we've got some bite!
 So never kick a dog
 When he's just a pup -
 We'll fight like twenty armies
 And we won't give up!
The rays of the rising sun break through, lighting up
Gavroche.
 GAVROCHE
 So you'd better run for cover
 When the pup grows -
Crack! A musket shot. Gavroche falls face down onto the
barricade.
 COURFEYRAC
 No-o!
He runs up the barricade, seizes Gavroche's body in his
arms, convulsed with grief, and brings it back through the
gate in the barricade.
At the other end of the street Javert has appeared. He sees
this gate. And talks to the Army Officer.
As the smoke from the muskets clears horses are revealed
drawing field artillery into position. The Army Officer is
lining up the big guns carefully.
 106.
 ARMY OFFICER
 You at the barricades listen to
 this!
 The people of Paris sleep in
 their beds!
 You have no chance,
 No chance at all!
 Why throw your lives away?
Enjolras gazes on his pitifully small group.
 ENJOLRAS
 Let us die facing our foes!
 Make them bleed while we can!
 COMBEFERRE
 Make'em pay through the nose!
 COURFEYRAC
 Make'em pay for every man!
 ENJOLRAS
 Let others rise to take our place
 Until the earth is free!
The sun now appears above the rooftops of the city.
And the big guns fire - BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The bombardment hits the barricade, rocking it. In its wake 
a massive barrage of musket fire.
The big gun has been lined up with the gate and has burst
right through in the first hit.
Bullets fly, and every few moments another cannon ball
smashes into the piled debris. Javert is glimpsed among the
attackers.
Enjolras and the students throw themselves onto the
barricades, firing at the attackers, handing their rifles
down to others to be re-loaded, firing again.
Valjean moves among them, tending to the wounded, lifting
down the dead, regardless of his own safety.
Marius takes a bullet, and crumples and falls. Valjean runs
towards him -
CRASH! The latest cannonade bursts a hole in the barricade
and now the soldiers are storming through. The hard core of
student fighters retreat, firing as they go, into the Caf�
Musain.
 107.
97 INT. CAF� MUSAIN - DAY 97
 Students and soldiers fight in the caf�, on the stairs, up
 the stairs to the upper room. Students driving back the
 pursuing soldiers hack away at the staircase, smashing it
 to fragments - the soldiers below fire up at them -
 students fall, their bodies caught on the jagged remnants
 of the stairs. Grantaire is still unconscious from drink.
98 EXT. BARRICADE - DAY 98
 Valjean has Marius in his arms and is hiding him from the
 onrush of the soldiers -
99 INT. CAF� MUSAIN - DAY 99
 The students' ammunition has run out, they're hurling
 sticks and bottles - but the soldiers have found a way to
 clamber up, shooting as they come, and one by one the
 students are falling.
100 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE CAF� MUSAIN - DAY 100
 Valjean carries Marius away from the carnage. A soldier
 challenges him. One violent blow from Valjean sends the
 soldier flying -
101 INT. CAF� MUSAIN - DAY 101
 The soldiers break through at last to the upper room, to find
 there's only Enjolras still alive. He stands by the window,
 knowing he will die now, proud and unafraid. Seeing him the
 soldiers hesitate. The sudden silence wakes Grantaire from
 his drunken slumber.
 GRANTAIRE
 Long live the republic!
 He sees Enjolras with the muskets raised against him.
 Grantaire goes and joins him. Enjolras smiles, and raises his
 now-ragged red flag.
 The rifles blaze. Grantaire drops back to the ground.
 Enjolras falls back -
102 EXT. BARRICADE - DAY 102
 Enjolras falling backwards out of the window, until he
 hangs upside down, the red flag still in his hands,
 streaming like blood down the wall.
 108.
 PULL BACK to see the street littered with corpses, and the
 remains of the barricade, and soldiers scouring the rubble
 for any last pockets of resistance.
 BACK AND BACK to come to a stop looking at the wide scene.
 INTO FRAME walks Javert, grimly surveying the victory of
 law over rebellion.
103 EXT. BACK ALLEY - DAY 103
 Valjean carries Marius down a long narrow alley that runs
 between the backs of tall houses. The alley turns a corner -
 and there ahead is a dead end. Behind him, the stamp of
 soldiers' boots. Ahead, no way out.
 Then his searching gaze falls on an iron grating in the
 ground. A storm drain.
 ON THE SOLDIERS - As they come round the corner into the
 end of the alley. They look round. It's empty.
 SOLDIER
 Nothing here!
 The soldiers depart. A moment of silence.
 Then into the alley's end steps Javert. Not so easily
 fooled. He walks all the way to the end, and looks round.
 He sees the drain at his feet. He sees the signs that the
 grating has been lifted.
 He stoops, and tries to lift it. It's far too heavy for
 him.
 He straightens up and looks round, calculating. Where does
 the drain lead?
104 INT. PARIS SEWERS - DAY 104
 Valjean is pulling Marius after him down a tight sloping
 pipe, where dark water races. Suddenly they start to slide,
 then drop through a vent into a wide sewage tunnel. Faint
 light reflecting off the slime of curving tunnel walls. The
 skitter of rats. Sodden forms floating by: dead bodies.
 Valjean carries Marius down the tunnel, moving as fast as
 he can, losing strength all the time. He reaches an
 intersection where four sewers meet. Light falls through
 distant gratings. One of the four sewers is dry. Here he
 lets his burden down, and himself sinks to the slimy ground
 to rest. He lets his eyes close.
 A voice echoes in the shadows.
 109.
 THENARDIER
 Here's a hint of gold
 Stuck into a tooth -
 Pardon me, m'sieur,
 You won't be needing it no more.
 Shouldn't be too hard to sell.
A figure coming closer. A sewer thief, robbing corpses. No
sign of life in either Valjean or Marius.
 THENARDIER
 Well, someone's got to clean'em
 up, my friends,
 Before the little harvest
 Disappears into the mud.
 Someone's got to collect their
 odds and ends
 When the gutters run with blood.
Now we see the thief is Thenardier. He finds a ring on
Marius's finger and pulls it off.
 THENARDIER
 Here's a tasty ring
 Pretty little thing
 Heart's no longer going
 And he's lived his little time,
 But his watch is ticking yet.
 It's a world where the dog eats
 the dog.
 Where they kill for the bones in
 the street.
 And God in his heaven,
 He don't interfere
 Cos he's dead as the stiff at my
 feet!
 I raise my eyes to see the
 heavens
 And only the moon looks down.
 The harvest moon shines down!
Valjean wakes, rears up, seizes Thenardier by the arm,
slams him against the sewer wall.
 VALJEAN
 How do I get out of here?
 THENARDIER
 There! That way!
Valjean drops him, picks Marius up once more, and sets off.
Thenardier stares after them, grinning. He's sent then the
wrong way.
LATER - Valjean in the sewers, Marius on his back, and
they're sinking ever deeper into the slimy water.
 110.
 As he feels himself sink, Valjean holds Marius up in his
 arms and forges on, chest deep, lifting the younger man
 above his head. Still he sinks, until his face is half-
 submerged and he's gagging in the filth. He stumbles, and
 suddenly he's sunk beneath the surface, and Marius is
 dropping -
 Then up he bursts again, face black with slime, eyes
 burning with his refusal to be beaten.
 LATER - Valjean staggers down the endless sewers, Marius on
 his back. But all the time he can hear, closer now, the
 rushing sound of the river.
 Round a bend and at last - moonlight ahead. 
 He drags himself on through the shallow running water
 towards the moonlight. 
 He reaches the exit at last. Before him the river.
105 EXT. RIVER EMBANKMENT, PARIS - NIGHT 105 
 Valjean, crusted with slime, heaves Marius out of the sewer
 onto the embankment that runs beside the river.
 He looks up. There, staring at him, is Javert.
 Valjean rises slowly. Heaves Marius up onto his back once
 more. The strain of the night is showing. He's a man near
 the end of his strength.
 VALJEAN
 It's you, Javert!
 I knew you wouldn't wait too
 long.
 The faithful servant at his post
 once more.
 This man's done no wrong.
 And he needs his family's care.
 JAVERT
 I warned you I would not give in!
 I won't be swayed!
 VALJEAN
 Another hour yet
 And then I'm yours
 And all our debts are paid.
 JAVERT
 The man of mercy comes again
 And talks of justice!
 111.
 VALJEAN
 Come, time is running short -
 Look down, Javert!
 He's standing in his grave!
He starts to move past Javert.
Javert draws his pistol and holds it to Valjean's head.
 JAVERT
 One more step and you die.
Valjean meets his eyes. That old battle of will against
will.
 VALJEAN
 Then I die.
He starts walking past Javert. Javert's hand trembles as it
holds the pistol.
Valjean keeps walking. Javert wills himself to shoot, but
he just can't do it. Frustrated, enraged with himself, he
lowers the gun.
 JAVERT
 Take him, Valjean,
 Before I change my mind!
 I will be waiting...
 24601!
He turns away, trembling now all up and down his body. He
stares into the river. Valjean is gone now. He's alone.
 JAVERT
 Who is this man?
 What sort of devil is he?
 To have caught me in a trap
 And choose to let me go free?
 It was his hour at last
 To put a seal on my fate
 Wipe out the past
 And wash me clean off the slate!
 All it would take
 Was a flick of his knife
 Vengeance was his
 And he gave me back my life!
He begins to move away along the embankment, up steps,
towards a bridge. He's unaware of everything except the
turmoil in his brain.
 JAVERT
 Damned if I live in the debt of a
 thief!
 Damned if I yield at the end of
 the chase!
 (more)
 112.
 JAVERT (cont'd)
 I am the law and the law is not
 mocked!
 I'll spit his pity right back in
 his face!
 There is nothing on earth that we
 share!
 It is either Valjean or Javert!
 How can I allow this man
 To hold dominion over me?
 This desperate man that I have
 hunted...
 He gave me my life! He gave me
 freedom!
 I should have perished by his
 hand
 It was his right...
 It was my right to die as well...
 Instead I live... But live in
 hell!
He moves up from the embankment onto the bridge. Here he
stands, looking down at the dark water of the night river.
The Seine forms a whirlpool here, where violent currents
swirl round the piles of the bridge.
 JAVERT
 And my thoughts fly apart
 Can this man be believed?
 Shall his sins be forgiven?
 Shall his crimes be reprieved?
 And must I now begin to doubt
 Who never doubted all those
 years?
 My heart is stone and still it
 trembles...
 The world I have known is lost in
 shadow
 Is he from heaven or from hell?
 And does he know
 That granting me my life today
 This man has killed me even so?
He climbs up onto the parapet, reaching his arms up to the
night sky.
 JAVERT
 I am reaching but I fall
 And the stars are black and cold
 As I stare into the void
 Of a world that cannot hold...
 I'll escape now from that world
 From the world of Jean Valjean
 This is nowhere I can turn...
 There is no way to go on...
 113.
 He reaches higher, turning his body, twisting, as if he
 wants some angel from on high to save him - and so,
 turning, he falls into the river. The swirling eddies close
 over him. And he's lost.
106 EXT. STREET OUTSIDE CAF� MUSAIN - DAY 106
 Soldiers are dismantling the last of the barricade. Women
 move about the street, seeking their dead loved ones among
 the bodies that still litter the barricade. These are both
 the middle-class mothers of the students - Enjolras's
 mother, Grantaire's sister - and the working women of the
 slums for whom they died, united now in their grief.
 WOMAN 1
 Did you see them
 Going off to fight?
 WOMAN 2
 Children of the barricade
 Who didn't last the night.
 WOMAN 3
 Did you see them
 Lying where they died?
 Someone used to cradle them
 And kiss them when they cried.
 WOMAN 4
 Did you see them lying side by
 side?
 WOMAN 5
 Who will wake them?
 WOMAN 6
 No one ever will.
 WOMAN 2
 No one ever told them that
 A summer day can kill.
 WOMAN 7
 They were schoolboys
 Never held a gun
 Fighting for a new world that
 Would rise up like the sun.
 WOMAN 3
 Where's that new world
 Now the fighting's done?
 The women move off to go about their day's business.
 114.
107 INT. MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE, PARIS - DAY 107
 CLOSE ON MARIUS - He's waking from the nightmare, finding
 himself in a fine bed, with clean linen. He looks round: a
 handsome room.
 GILLENORMAND
 Marius! You've come back to us!
 Marius recognises the old man anxiously watching him: his
 grandfather, Monsieur GILLENORMAND.
 MARIUS
 Grandfather...
 He struggles to rise, but he lacks the strength. His
 grandfather's face shows only love and concern.
 GILLENORMAND
 Rest, Marius. No more harsh words
 between us. I just thank God
 you're alive.
 Timidly the old man comes closer to the bed. Tears form in
 Marius's eyes. Encouraged, the old man takes Marius's hand
 in his.
 GILLENORMAND
 You've come home. To all of us.
 The distant voices of the mourning women -
 WOMEN (O.S.)
 Round and round
 And back where you began...
108 INT. CAF� MUSAIN - DAY 108
 Marius makes his way slowly up the stairs to the upper
 room. He's still weak from his wounds. He enters the room
 where his friends died, and looks round. He sinks into a
 chair.
 MARIUS
 There's a grief that can't be
 spoken
 There's a pain goes on and on
 Empty chairs at empty tables
 Now my friends are dead and gone.
 He sees the bloodstain on the wall beneath the window sill.
 The blood of Enjolras.
 MARIUS
 Here they talked of revolution
 Here it was they lit the flame
 Here they sang about tomorrow
 (more)
 115.
 MARIUS (cont'd)
 And tomorrow never came...
 From the table in the corner
 They could see a world reborn
 And they rose with voices ringing
 And I can hear them now!
 The very words that they had sung
 Became their last communion
 On the lonely barricade at dawn.
 He looks out of the window at what's left of the barricade.
 He seems to see again the brave doomed defence, the smoke
 and the gunfire, the young men falling.
 MARIUS
 Oh my friends, my friends,
 forgive me
 That I live and you are gone
 There's a grief that can't be
 spoken
 There's a pain goes on and on...
 Phantom faces at the window
 Phantom shadows on the floor
 Empty chairs at empty tables
 Where my friends will meet no
 more.
 Oh my friends, my friends, don't
 ask me
 What your sacrifice was for
 Empty chairs at empty tables
 Where my friends will sing no
 more.
 Slowly he rises from the chair and turns to the doorway.
 There stands Cosette, waiting for him.
109 INT. MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE, PARIS - DAY 109
 Cosette holds Marius, supporting him, as he enters the
 house.
 COSETTE
 Every day
 You walk with stronger step,
 You walk with longer step.
 The worst is over.
 MARIUS
 Every day
 I wonder every day
 Who it was brought me here
 From the barricade.
 Cosette leads him into the room where Valjean and
 Gillenormand wait.
 116.
 COSETTE
 Don't think about it, Marius!
 With all the years ahead of us!
 I will never go away
 And we will be together
 Every day.
 Every day
 We'll remember that night
 And the vow that we made.
 As Valjean and Gillenormand look on, Marius and Cosette
 sing their love to each other.
 COSETTE
 A heart full of love
 A night full of you
 The words are old
 But always true.
 VALJEAN
 She was never mine to keep
 She is youthful, she is free...
 MARIUS
 Cosette, Cosette!
 COSETTE
 I saw you waiting and I knew -
 GILLENORMAND
 Thank God, thank God you are here!
 Thank God, thank God you are home!
 MARIUS
 Waiting for you!
 At your feet!
 COSETTE
 At your call!
 VALJEAN/GILLENORMAND
 Love is the garden of the young
 Let it be
 Let it be!
 A heart full of love
 This I give you this day.
 MARIUS/COSETTE
 And it wasn't a dream
 Not a dream after all.
110 INT. PARLOUR, MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE - DAY 110
 Marius stands before Valjean, alone in this more private
 room.
 117.
 MARIUS
 M'sieur, this is a day
 I never can forget.
 Is gratitude enough
 For giving me Cosette?
 Your home shall be with us
 And not a day shall pass
 But we will prove our love
 To you, whom we shall call
 A father to us both,
 A father to us all.
 VALJEAN
 Not another word, my son.
 There's something now that must
 be done...
He's prepared himself to make this confession, but it's
still hard.
 VALJEAN
 There lived a man whose name was
 Jean Valjean.
 He stole some bread to save his
 sister's son
 For nineteen winters served his
 time
 In sweat he washed away his
 crime.
Marius hears this with shock.
 VALJEAN
 Years ago,
 He broke parole and lived a life
 apart...
 How could he tell Cosette and
 break her heart?
 It's for Cosette this must be
 faced:
 If he is caught, she is
 disgraced...
 The time has come to journey on,
 And from this day he must be
 gone!
 Who am I?
 Who am I?
 MARIUS
 You're Jean Valjean!
Marius can't conceal that he's disturbed by this
revelation.
 118.
 MARIUS
 Monsieur, you cannot leave!
 Whatever I tell my beloved
 Cosette
 She will never believe me.
 VALJEAN
 Make her believe
 I have gone on a journey
 A long way away.
 Tell her my heart was too full
 for farewells -
 It is better this way.
 Promise me, Monsieur, Cosette
 will never know...
 MARIUS
 I give my word.
 VALJEAN
 ...What I have spoken, why I must
 go.
 MARIUS
 For the sake of Cosette, it must
 be so.
111 EXT. MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE, PARIS - DAY 111 
 A waiting cab. Valjean comes out of the modest lodging
 house and gets in. The cab rattles away down the street.
 IN THE CAB - Valjean sits gazing far away at nothing. Then
 his weary eyes close.
112 INT. MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE, PARIS - DAY 112
 Cosette gazes at Marius, bewildered by what she has just
 learned.
 COSETTE
 Where's he gone without a word
 That wouldn't be his way to go
 MARIUS
 All he asked for me to say
 He's on a journey, far away.
 Dear Cosette, he loves you so
 Perhaps he will return some day.
 Cosette comes into Marius's arms, tears in her eyes.
 COSETTE
 He can't leave us now
 What's our wedding day
 Without him giving me away?
 "LES MISERABLES" BLUE REVISIONS 20.5.2012 119.
112A EXT. MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE, PARIS - DAY 112A
 Marius and Cosette, newly married, are walking towards
 Marius' house through an aisle created by wedding guests.
 Carriages line the street.
 WEDDING GUESTS
 Ring out the bells
 Upon this day of days!
 May all the angels
 Of the Lord above
 In jubilation
 Sing their songs of praise!
 And crown this blessed time
 With peace and love!
113 SCENE OMITTED 113
114 INT. MARIUS'S FAMILY HOUSE, PARIS - DAY 114
 Waltz music plays as Marius and Cosette lead the dancing at
 the wedding reception.
 As the dance proceeds, two extraordinary figures enter, and
 start helping themselves to the drink and the food. They
 are Thenardier and his wife, dressed up for high society. 
 MAJORDOMO
 The Baron and Baroness du Thenard
 They look round as the dance continues, highly satisfied with 
 themselves and see Marius. 
 Thenardier makes a mock-formal bow. 
 THENARDIER 
 I forget where we met... 
 Was it not at the Chateau Lafarge 
 Where the Duke did that Puke 
 Down the Duchess's decolletage? 
 MARIUS 
 No, `Baron du Thenard', 
 The circles I move in are humbler 
 by far... 
 Go away, Thenardier! 
 Do you think I don't know who you 
 are? 
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 He's not fooled! 
 Told you so! 
 Show M'Sieur what you've come here 
 to show. 
 Tell the boy what you know! 
"LES MISERABLES" BLUE REVISIONS 20.5.2012 119A.
 THENARDIER
 Pity to disturb you at a feast
 like this
 But 500 francs surely wouldn't
 come amiss.
 MARIUS
 In God's name say what you have
 to say.
 MADAME THENARDIER
 (to Thenardier)
 He speaks. 
 (to Marius)
 You pay!
 THENARDIER 
 What I saw, clear as light, 
 Jean Valjean in the sewers that 
 night, 
 Had this corpse on his back 
 Some boy he'd killed in a viscious 
 attack. 
 I was there, never fear! 
 Even found me this fine souvenir! 
 He shows off his ring. Marius stares in astonishment. 
 MARIUS 
 I know this! This was mine! 
 This is surely some heavenly sign! 
 Thenardier steals the ring back. 
 THENARDIER 
 And there's more! Mark this well - 
 It was the night that the 
 barricades fell. 
 MARIUS 
 Then it's true! Then I'm right! 
 Jean Valjean was my saviour that 
 night! 
 Thenardier looks past Marius to where Cosette stands among 
 their friends. He lowers his voice. 
 THENARDIER 
 Jean Valjean - the old con. 
 You pay up and I'll say where he's 
 gone. 
 He takes out money and reluctantly presses it into 
 Thenardier's hands. Madame Thenardier takes the money before 
 Thenardier has safely pocketed it. 
"LES MISERABLES" BLUE REVISIONS 20.5.2012 120.
 MARIUS 
 Not so loud! Here's for you.
 God forgive us the things that we
 do.
 MADAME THENARDIER
 How's about some extra
 On a day so glad
 Our little orphan girl
 She hasn't done so bad. 
 Raised in a convent
 Cash to spare - 
 We want our share.
 Marius hands over yet more money to Madame Thenardier. 
 THENARDIER 
 Quite the little nun, ain't she! 
 CRACK! Thenardier sinks to the ground, felled by a powerful 
 blow from an angered Marius. The band stops playing. 
 MARIUS 
 Where is he? 
 THENARDIER 
 (cowardly voice) 
 The convent. 
 Marius rushes to Cosette and we see him telling her where 
 Valjean is. They hurry away. 
 Thenardier clambers to his feet, helped by his wife. He 
 gestures to the band to continue. They stand by the tiered 
 wedding cake. As Thenardier recovers his composure, Madame 
 Thenardier steals one then two pillars from the cake so it 
 collapses on the floor. She then pushes it under the table 
 with her foot. 
"LES MISERABLES" BLUE REVISIONS 20.5.2012 121.
 
 THENARDIER
 Ain't it a laugh?
 Ain't it a treat?
 Hob-nobbin' here
 Among the elite?
 Here comes a prince
 There goes a Jew
 This one's a queer
 But what can you do? 
 (pulling Madame Thenardier 
 onto the dance floor) 
 Paris at my feet!
 Paris in the dust!
 And here's me breaking bread
 With the upper crust -
 As he pivots Madame Thenardier, stolen silver drops out from 
 Madame Thenardier's dress. The music stops dead in the 
 clatter. The Thenardiers look up, as if implying that the 
 silver dropped from the ceiling. The dance continues. 
 Monsieur Gillenormand motions to the Majordomo to remove 
 these unwanted guests. 
 THENARDIER 
 Beggar at the feast! 
 Master of the dance!
 Life is easy pickings
 If you grab your chance!
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 Everywhere you go 
 Law-abiding folk
 Doing what is decent
 THENARDIER 
 But they're mostly broke! 
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 Singing to the Lord on Sundays
 THENARDIER 
 Praying for the gifts he'll send - 
 THENARDIER/MADAME THENARDIER
 But we're the ones who take it -
 We're the ones who make it in the
 end!
 The Thenardiers are carried off, singing as they go. 
 THENARDIER 
 Watch the buggers dance 
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 Watch'em till they drop!
"LES MISERABLES" BLUE REVISIONS 20.5.2012 121A.
 THENARDIER/MADAME THENARDIER 
 Keep your wits about you
 And you stand on top!
 THENARDIER 
 Masters of the land 
 MADAME THENARDIER 
 Always get our share 
 THENARDIER/MADAME THENARDIER 
 Clear away the barricades 
 And we're still there! 
 We know where the wind is blowing 
 Money is the stuff we smell - 
 And when we're rich as Croesus, 
 Jesus! Won't we see you all in 
 hell! 
 As they are thrown out, the Thenardiers steal a tiara and a 
 candlestick. 
 "LES MISERABLES" BLUE REVISIONS 20.5.2012 122.
 
115 EXT. CONVENT, PARIS - NIGHT 115
 IN ON A WINDOW - Where two candle burn.
116 INT. CONVENT CHAPEL, PARIS - NIGHT 116
 Valjean prays in the chapel, on his knees. He's very weak.
 Next to the crucifix on the altar are Valjean's two silver
 candlesticks, in which two candles burn.
 VALJEAN
 Alone I wait in the shadows
 I count the hours till I can
 sleep.
 I dreamed a dream Cosette stood
 by
 It made her weep
 To know I die...
 Alone at the end of the day
 Upon this wedding night I pray
 Take these children, my Lord, to
 thy embrace
 And show them grace...
 God on high
 Hear my prayer
 Take me now
 To thy care
 Where you are
 Let me be
 Take me now
 Take me there
 Bring me home
 Bring me home!
 VALJEAN is joined by the ghost of Fantine. She takes his hand
 as he prays.
 FANTINE
 M'sieur I bless your name...
 VALJEAN
 I am ready, Fantine...
 FANTINE
 M'sieur lay down your burden...
 123.
 VALJEAN 
 At the end of my days... 
 FANTINE 
 You raised my child in love, 
 VALJEAN 
 She's the best of my life... 
 FANTINE 
 And you will be with God. 
116A EXT. CONVENT CLOISTERS - NIGHT 116A
 Cosette and Marius rush round the cloisters and enter the
 chapel in the middle of the cloisters.
116B INT. CONVENT CHAPEL - NIGHT 116B
 The sound of the door opening. Valjean looks round. It's
 Cosette entering, followed by Marius.
 VALJEAN
 Cosette?
 Tears form in his eyes. Cosette goes to him, kneels before
 him, takes him in her arms.
 COSETTE
 Papa, papa, I do not understand -
 Are you all right? Why did you go
 away?
 VALJEAN
 Cosette, my child! Am I forgiven
 now?
 Thank God, thank God, I've lived
 to see this day!
 Marius comes to him.
 MARIUS
 It's you who must forgive a
 thoughtless fool!
 It's you who must forgive a
 thankless man!
 It's thanks to you that I am
 living,
 And again I lay down my life at
 your feet.
 Cosette, your father is a saint!
 When they wounded me
 He took me from the barricade,
 Carried like a babe,
 And brought me home to you!
 124.
 VALJEAN
 Now you are here
 Again beside me
 Now I can die in peace
 For now my life is blessed...
 COSETTE
 You will live, papa
 You're going to live
 It's too soon
 Too soon to say goodbye.
 VALJEAN
 Yes, Cosette, forbid me now to
 die!
 I'll obey
 I will try...
He holds out a letter for her.
 VALJEAN
 On this page
 I write my last confession.
 Read it well
 When I at last am sleeping.
 It's the story
 Of one who turned from hating
 A man who only learned to love
 When you were in his keeping.
Cosette takes the letter and kisses it.
 COSETTE
 I know it, papa.
Valjean turns back, face shining, towards the table where
the candles burn in the silver candlesticks. There he sees
three ghosts waiting for him. The ghost of the Bishop. The
ghost of Fantine. And beyond her, watching Marius with
love, the ghost of Eponine.
Fantine comes towards him, reaching out her hands.
 VALJEAN
 I'm ready now, Fantine.
 FANTINE
 Come with me
 Where chains will never bind you
 All your grief
 At last, at last behind you
 Lord in heaven
 Look down on him in mercy -
 VALJEAN
 Forgive me all my trespasses
 And take me to your glory!
 125.
 Cosette embraces Valjean, weeping.
 Valjean reaches up his hands, and lets the ghost of Fantine
 take them.
 FANTINE/EPONINE
 Take my hand
 I'll lead you to salvation
 Take my love
 For love is everlasting...
 VALJEAN/FANTINE/EPONINE/BISHOP
 And remember
 The truth that once was spoken:
 To love another person
 Is to see the face of God...
 Led by Fantine, Valjean walks out of the Chapel towards the
 cloister.
 What remains is Cosette, her head cradled in the lap of the
 man who has just died.
 The walls of the cloisters are covered in votive candles.
 The Bishop of Digne waits in front of the candles. Now
 Valjean's strong and young again. Before they reach the
 wall of candles, all three are gone.
 As they disappear we CRANE UP, high over the cloister, high
 over the walls of the Convent and we see the Paris streets
 outside. Fires are burning and debris is scattered in the
 streets. Dawn is breaking.
 From far away, the sound of an approaching crowd -
117 EXT. PLACE DE LA BASTILLE - DAY 117
 THE CAMERA MOVES over the cobbles as the light of the
 rising sun reveals the devastation left by a bitter street
 battle. Past the remains of a barricade.
 The distant sound of an approaching march.
 SUPERIMPOSE CAPTION:
 Sixteen years later
 Paris, 1848.
 From far off, the swelling sounds of the approaching march
 become the words of a song.
 MARCHERS
 Do you hear the people sing
 Lost in the valley of the night?
 It is the music of a people
 Who are climbing to the light
 For the wretched of the earth
 (more)
 126.
 MARCHERS (cont'd)
 There is a flame that never dies
 Even the darkest night will end
 And the sun will rise.
As THE CAMERA RISES we see we're in the Place de la
Bastille. The triumphal column has long been completed, but
the great elephant is sadly dilapidated and has become
incorporated into an immense barricade - three stories
high, seven hundred feet long. Down all the streets that
converge on the square we now see the multiple victory
marches approaching. They cheer and beat drums as they
climb up to the top of the barricade.
SUPERIMPOSE CAPTIONS:
 The people of Paris have risen in
 their tens of thousands.
 The King has fled. A new Republic
 is born.
There in the forefront of one column march Marius and
Cosette.
 MARCHERS
 They will live again in freedom
 In the garden of the Lord
 They will walk behind the plough-
 share
 They will put away the sword
 The chain will be broken
 And all men will have their
 reward!
As the marchers come nearer we begin to realise how many
there are: thousand upon thousand. And there marching among
them we see ghosts from the past - Enjolras and the
students who died - and Fantine - and Eponine -
And out of the crumbling elephant peers another ghost: the
grinning face of Gavroche. He climbs out to dance on the
elephant, as the crowd fill the square.
 MARCHERS
 Will you join in our crusade?
 Who will be strong and stand with
 me?
 Somewhere beyond the barricade
 Is there a world you long to see?
As the marchers converge, there watching them are
Thenardier and his wife. Thenardier gives the marchers a
wave of greeting. Survivors to the last.
 MARCHERS
 Do you hear the people sing?
 Say, do you hear the distant
 drums?
 (more)
 127.
 MARCHERS (cont'd)
 It is the future that they bring
 When tomorrow comes!
Now among the marchers we see the ghost of Valjean, singing
with the rest atop the barricade, amongst the waving red
flags.
 MARCHERS
 Will you join in our crusade?
 Who will be strong and stand with
 me?
 Somewhere beyond the barricade
 Is there a world you long to see?
 Do you hear the people sing?
 Say, do you hear the distant
 drums?
 It is the future that they bring
 When tomorrow comes...
 Tomorrow comes!
END CREDITS
Category:Transcripts
Category:Universal Pictures Transcripts