After serving a draconian prison term for stealing bread, Jean Valjean is released. He resorts to petty crime, but Bishop Myriel teaches him a valuable lesson.

Now a mayor and a factory owner, Valjean hires the single mother Fantine. Trouble leads to a reunion with Javert.

Valjean saves an innocent man at great personal cost. Again evading justice, he tracks down Fantine’s daughter, Cosette.

Now a young woman, Cosette moves to Paris with Valjean. She meets handsome law student Marius, who unwittingly brings a nightmare to life.

As revolution sweeps Paris, Valjean and Cosette hide out, Marius searches for Cosette, and Javert tracks Valjean.

Valjean intercepts Marius at the barricades. Cosette's story reaches its conclusion. So does Javert’s.