Les Miserables (2018) s01e04 Episode Script
Episode 4
1 I've dedicated myself to pursuing not only the obvious offences, but the hidden ones.
WEAKLY: Cosette! I'll find her.
If we were to part with her, we'd want some compensation.
Are you my papa? If you want me to be.
Marius Pontmercy, my grandson.
Let me spend some time with my little boy.
Never! He will be brought up to curse your very name.
Mon père? There was a man called Thenardier, he saved my life.
If you ever meet him, you do the best you can.
This man is Jean Valjean.
I beg you, care for this child.
Police! He will never get away! You may stay here but you will be able to see the child everyday.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER IN FRENCH.]
[WHISPERING AND GIGGLING.]
[WHISPERING CONTINUES.]
Look at Marie Claire, she can't wait until Friday.
What's happening on Friday? Well, she's leaving, of course.
Oh, I didn't realise it was so soon.
Don't you wish you could, Cosette? I don't know.
All the pretty dresses and parties.
Dancing and falling in love! And getting engaged! And doing that.
- Jermaine! - Well, I'm only saying.
Look.
That's my cousin.
Isn't he handsome? I'll be seeing him on Saturday.
Oh, poor Cosette.
Why poor me? You're going to be a bride of Christ, aren't you? Look.
Such a shame, you're far too pretty for that.
Girls! No more chatting! [GIRLS WHISPER PRAYERS.]
[BELL CHIMES.]
Oh! Father, not too tight! You'll squash all the breath out of me.
Why? Are you such a fragile little thing then? You forget your own strength sometimes.
Forgive me.
I just cherish our Saturday afternoons so much.
Come on.
What is it? Come on, speak.
Am I really going to take the veil? Well, that's what we discussed with the abbess and Sister Simplice.
Have you changed your mind? No.
I don't know.
I'm sorry, please don't be cross with me.
I could never be cross with you.
It's just I've seen nothing of the world yet.
You have seen the world.
The inn at Montfermeil and that family.
Lies, violence, cruelty, that's the world.
I don't believe it's all like that.
I thought I thought we'd found a home here together where you could grow up and I could grow old.
And you could grow old and I'd die here and we'd never be separated.
I'd be locked away and I don't want that.
The police force of Paris has established a standard of excellence that is an example for the rest of France and the world.
I call upon Inspector Javert to accept the medal of honour for his exceptional achievements as a thief-taker.
It's a great honour, sir.
Reflects well on us all.
I can take no pleasure in it.
Not while that man is free.
Beg your pardon, sir, what man? You know the man, Pierre Madeleine, Jean Valjean, whatever else he calls himself now, that man.
Well, that's one man out of hundreds.
That was a decade ago.
- He may have been dead for years.
- No.
No.
I am convinced that he is still alive and here in Paris, laughing at us.
I shall never be at peace until he is back in chains.
- [MAN GRUNTS.]
- Monsieur.
Thank you, young man.
I've seen you at Mass, haven't I? Yes.
Monsieur Pontmercy, isn't it? Yes.
Marius Pontmercy.
My name is Mabeuf.
Could we speak a few moments? I used to watch a poor man who came here regularly to see his child.
It was the only way he could, because of a family arrangement.
Little boy knew nothing of it.
There was a rich old father-in-law who threatened to disinherit the boy if the father made any contact with him.
So, the father always stayed behind that pillar there.
I'd watch him gaze at his son and weep.
Poor man so adored that child.
It's a very touching story, monsieur.
He was one of Napoleon's bravest colonels.
His name was Pontmercy.
Your father.
"Saved ten Cossacks and saved the life of his corporal.
" "27 bone splinters extracted from his left arm alone.
" And listen to this one.
"A ship carrying General Guibert "ran into a hornets' nest of eight English ships.
"Rather than flee or hide, Sub Lieutenant Pontmercy "ran the tricolour up the flag staff and sailed proudly past.
" I never knew.
You lied to me.
You told me lies about my father.
I am your father.
Don't talk nonsense.
I have discovered that my father was a humble and heroic man who died forgotten and neglected because of you.
I never knew him because of you.
And I never knew him and never wanted to, or any of his kind.
They were all villains, murderers, revolutionaries and thieves, all of them.
Traitors who betrayed their king.
Then I say down with the King.
What did you just say? I said down with the King.
Young man, I see that you and I cannot remain under the same roof any longer.
Get out! I never want to see you again.
Now what have you done? He He'll be back with his tail between his legs, you You mark my words.
I fear for you.
The world outside has changed.
There is anger and unrest in the streets.
What about that police officer, the one who came here? Thank you for your concern, sister.
I've everything prepared.
[HUBBUB.]
[THEY IMPLORE.]
[YELLING.]
[WOMAN WEEPS.]
Is it really ours, Papa? Come and have a look inside.
This is Toussaint.
Mademoiselle.
Bonjour.
A piano! - Thank you.
- Monsieur.
[SHE PLAYS.]
[DOGS BARK.]
God, look at this place.
Well, better apologise and make your peace with Grandad, then.
- No, I shall never go back there.
- Look.
- Bonjour, mademoiselles.
- There you go.
- All home comforts.
- You're disgusting.
Yeah, I know.
Right, why don't you get settled in and come and have a drink at the Cafe Musain later? Thank you, Courfeyrac, you're a good friend.
Just the thing for a studious young man.
What is it you're studying at the university? Law, madame.
Well, then, you'll understand that as the principal tenant I am empowered to see that you behave yourself.
No young ladies in your room except by special permission.
Of course.
Thank you.
I'll leave you to settle in now.
- Bonsoir, monsieur.
- Bonsoir.
- [ROWDY SINGING.]
- Bonsoir, monsieur.
Marius! Yes.
How are you? Here he comes.
Large as life, our very own pet royalist, Pontmercy.
Let me introduce you to these fellows.
Grantaire, Enjolras, Bossuet.
I have to say, first, I'm not royalist any more.
What are you now then? I'm a Bonapartist and a Democrat.
Now, that's a step in the right direction.
Napoleon was a defender of the Republic before he made himself Emperor.
Well, have a drink.
Yes, have a lot of drinks.
[THEY SING AND CHANT.]
I say down with all nations and down with all kings.
What about emperors? An emperor is just a king by another name, only worse.
I won't have it.
Napoleon made this country great.
He brought reforms through his conquests.
What a joy to serve under such a man as that.
What could be greater? To be free.
I want to be a citizen of the Republic, not a subject of a king or an emperor.
One day we'll all be fighting to the death about that, on one side or another.
And what side will you be on, my friend? [KNOCKING.]
Psst, monsieur.
Monsieur, over here.
Look through the peephole.
[SHE HUMS A TUNE.]
[HE CHUCKLES.]
Do you want to see more, monsieur? No, I Show's over.
Nighty-night.
Papa, what was my mother like? Don't make me speak of it.
She was one of my workers - and I dismissed her.
- What for? For nothing, for concealing the truth.
What truth? About you.
And after that, she fell into poverty and she was ill and I tried to make amends, but it was too late and she died.
So, now you see why I want to protect you.
I don't want you to suffer in the way that she did.
So were you planning to keep me locked away here? No, no, I Yes, Papa, this isn't what we discussed at the convent, or did I misunderstand? You don't know what the world is like, Cosette.
You've said that before but I want to see for myself.
I'm lonely here, Papa.
It was better in the convent.
At least I had the other girls to talk with.
[SHE BEGINS PLAYING.]
All right, all right, I understand.
Tomorrow we can go to the Luxembourg Gardens.
Oh, thank you, Papa! Papa, I need new clothes.
Everyone looks so smart here.
If you say so.
Papa! - Now, Monsieur - Fauchelevent.
Monsieur Fauchelevent, it has been quite a pleasure for me to dress your young friend.
My niece.
Well, yes, your niece, of course she is.
Such a lovely figure, it would be a shame not to show it off, I'm sure you'll agree with me.
Mademoiselle, come.
Come, come, come.
There.
Turn, turn.
Do you like it, Papa? Papa, that's so charming.
Er, I preferred you in your old one, but if it pleases you.
Men, what do they know? Shall we show him the others? [MUSIC PLAYS.]
[INAUDIBLE.]
What about? Give me some of those letters.
Monsieur, s'il vous plait - Mademoiselle! - Merci, monsieur.
- That's for you and no-one else, all right? Tres genereux.
Thank you.
It's not mine, it's my father's.
Oh Forgive me.
What's your name? Cosette.
Marius Pontmercy.
Well, thank you again.
My pleasure, delighted to meet you, mademoiselle.
Goodbye.
There was no need to go running after him.
Who was that? Oh, I don't know, just a young man.
Papa, what's the hurry? It's turning chilly, I want to get home.
What's the matter? My wrist, it's sore, you were holding it so tightly.
Forgive me.
Here, let me kiss it better.
Why did you get into such a state? Cosette, you have to understand not everyone you meet has your best interests at heart.
But nor is everyone I meet a villain, surely? No, but there are plenty of young men about, pleasant enough in manner and appearance, whose sole aim in life is to debauch young women.
Debauch, what does that mean? To To lead them astray.
Well, I don't think Marius was that sort.
How do you know his name? Well, he told me his name and he asked me mine.
- What's wrong with that? - And you told him? - Yes.
- You told him your name? He didn't mean any harm.
What makes you think you know that? You know nothing of the world.
Because you want to protect me from knowing anything.
I'll tell you one thing, we won't be going back to the Luxembourg Gardens for a while.
This place is like a prison.
You have no idea what a prison is.
[ROWDY LAUGHTER.]
Oh, come on, get that down you, huh? Un Deux, trois Any better? I'm worse, if anything.
But does anybody else know a better cure for love? - Revolution.
- [THE OTHERS LAUGH.]
Come on, soldiers who spilled their blood for France are living as beggars.
I mean, your own father, a hero, died a pauper.
Look at the slums, look, look at the children starving, while a fat king sits on the throne.
Paris is a tinderbox, it'll only take a spark to set it off.
That's it.
Put your passion into the fight for freedom, then once the regime has withered away, equality for all.
We can all take turns on that nice girl of yours.
He's joking.
I apologise, truly, sincerely.
I have felt what you are feeling now.
An emptiness and despair.
We must struggle, we must overcome these feelings.
How? We could take him to the Chaumiere at Sceaux.
You know, the place where all the lost women can be found.
- You might even find yours there.
- Excellent idea.
We will all go.
You can count me out, I've got better things to do with my time, and so should you.
Count me out too.
No chance.
You're coming, even if we have to drag you.
Gah! Come on.
[LAUGHTER AND CHATTER.]
[VIOLIN AND PERCUSSION PLAY.]
Just stop.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Cosette! Cosette! Do you want me? For you, I make a special price.
No, no, sorry.
Dommage.
Who'd have thought to find you here? [MUSIC AND CHATTER INTENSIFIES.]
[REVERBERATING LAUGHTER AND CHATTER.]
Get out of here, you good for nothing whelp! All right, I'm going.
All right, monsieur? [CREAKING.]
[HE BREATHES SHARPLY.]
- Kiss it.
- No! - You know you want to.
- No! Oh, monsieur.
Kiss it.
[HE GASPS.]
[HE GASPS LIGHTLY.]
[HE EXHALES.]
[BELL CHIMES.]
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
I was thinking of walking out to watch the sunrise.
Thought you might like to come with me.
To the Luxembourg Gardens? No.
Make ready.
I'll wait for you.
Why this place, Papa? There's something I wanted you to see.
[DISTANT SHOUTING.]
What's that? [RAISED VOICES.]
[WHIPPING.]
Papa, who are those men? [RAISED VOICES.]
They're convicts.
From the prison hulks.
Can they really be men? [WHIPPING.]
Yes, they're men.
They're men like me.
[SHOUTING AND GROANING.]
Cosette.
I think if I crossed paths with one of those men, I would die, just from looking him in the face.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
What are you doing here? What do you want? It's a bit chilly in here.
Can I get in with you? No.
[SHE LAUGHS.]
[SHE HUMS.]
[SHE HUMS.]
[HE GROANS LIGHTLY.]
I've got a letter for you.
Really, who from? My dad.
Give it here.
- Jondrette.
Is that your name? - Sometimes it is.
He says your family is starving.
Is that true? We don't eat often, monsieur.
Go fetch my purse.
There, on the table.
Here.
I can spare that much.
You don't have to.
He tries it on with everyone.
It's for you, not him.
Here.
Thanks.
How do you live in this place? I live like this.
Get what I can, how I can.
I go out in the evenings and sometimes don't come back at night.
Do you know what I mean? Five francs! A shiner! You're a star! Are you sure? - I'm sure.
- What a gent.
Merci, monsieur, mille fois.
Au revoir, monsieur.
This is too stale for you now.
Can I have it? Thanks.
[BABY CRIES.]
[HE MUMBLES INDISTINCTLY.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
You know what? That Monsieur Marius is a gent.
[HE LAUGHS.]
I knew that letter was a good one.
It wasn't your letter that done it.
I done it.
I told him my tale and he took pity on me.
He likes me, Monsieur Marius.
- Did he do you, then? - No, he's not like that.
- He's all pure at heart.
- Come here.
Come here, there's a good girl.
- What have you got in that hand? - Nothing.
- Come on, open up.
- Show your pa what you've got.
[HE LAUGHS.]
That was for me, not you.
Argh! Thieving whelp.
You're a thieving old bugger! I hate you.
Any more of that and you'll really get one.
- I'm not scared of you.
- Oh, yeah? All right, you've been a clever girl.
Just don't get above yourself.
Scum, the lot of them, swanning around in their golden coaches.
What about me, eh? Eh? Suffering here in squalor.
Get him here.
Can you do that? Eponine, Azelma? The old fellow with the young daughter? Yeah, that's the one.
You said he looked like a soft touch.
And don't come back without an answer.
Oy! Those terrible men.
To think of the things they must have done to be punished so.
Why did you take me there? Was it because you were angry with me? - No.
- Did you want to frighten me? No, no, Cosette, no.
I Monsieur, Mademoiselle.
My poor father has written you a letter.
Please read it and take pity on us.
- A letter for me? - He knows you're a kind man.
You have nothing more than this to wear? No, sir, this is it.
I know the house.
We'll come.
Tell your father we'll be there later.
Pa will be so happy when I tell him.
- Papa.
- What? I don't think we should go.
Why not? That girl, I just have a bad feeling about her.
Her family needs help, Cosette, and I can give it.
You wish to know what the world is like, well, you can come too.
[INDISTINCT STREET CHATTER.]
[BARKING.]
They're coming.
Ah! Douse the fire, Rosalie.
You, light candles.
And you, break a window.
Well, go on! Put your fist through it! Go on! Monsieur, monsieur, s'il vous plait.
Merci, monsieur.
[SMASHING AND SCREAMING.]
Oh, Azelma! [SCREAMING.]
Don't cry.
It'll only make him more angry.
No, no, no, on the contrary, on the contrary, bawl the place down.
We want him to see suffering.
You, in bed.
That's it, that's it.
Aw, good girl, keep quiet.
[CRYING AND SCREAMING.]
Aw! [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Go on.
Brave girl.
Monsieur.
Mademoiselle.
[GASPING.]
Oh, welcome, welcome, sir, to my humble abode.
Oh, and your charming daughter too, come on, come in.
Come on.
[HE LAUGHS.]
I brought you some clothes, monsieur.
Some woollen stockings, blankets.
Oh, my angelic benefactor is more than generous.
A thousand thanks, kind sir.
No, no, no, I wish, I wish woollen stockings could pay the rent, but I thank you, with all my Papa.
[SHE GASPS.]
I see you're much to be pitied, monsieur.
Fabantou.
Did you not sign your letter Genflot? My name is Genflot-Fabantou.
Of course.
You see, monsieur, all I have to cover myself is this chemise.
And my wife's sick, and my daughter injured.
And six months rent in arrears.
That's 60 francs.
If it's not paid by tonight, we're all out on the street.
Once I was a respected man, and then one day, a man came and stole my daughter from me.
Oh, if I could meet that man again, I'd have something to say to him.
Do you know what I'm saying? Oh, Mademoiselle! It's such a shame for such as one as you to be exposed to such unpleasantness.
I have five francs about me.
There's people in the city that would pay a lot more than that to see you, I'm sure.
- I'm taking my daughter home.
- Don't forget your coat, Monsieur.
I'm leaving it.
It's yours.
I'll return this evening at six o'clock with 60 francs.
Noble sir, we'll be expecting you.
Don't forget this.
[HE GASPS.]
Cosette.
Are you going back there to that man? Excuse me.
I have to go back, to get him out of our lives.
I won't let him hurt you.
Rue Plumet.
Oui, monsieur.
Oh! [HE GASPS.]
Oh, you're down in the dumps.
What's the matter? You brought them here, didn't you? The old man and the girl.
Yeah, what about it? So you know where they live.
Well, I don't know the actual house, Monsieur Marius.
But you could find out for me, couldn't you? Depends.
What do I get? Anything you want.
Well, anything for you, Monsieur Marius.
But he may not live very long, the old man.
What do you mean? My dad's up to no good.
Got to go.
[APPROACHING VOICES.]
Ah, evening, monsieur.
All right? Oh, if you hear a bit of noise later on, don't worry, we're having a little party for a few friends.
- Bonsoir, monsieur.
- Bonsoir.
Right, tonight's the night.
He thinks he can get away with 60 francs.
He's got millions stashed away.
We'll put the screws on him and get the lot.
You two, clear out, I want you out of the way.
- What, her with her bad hand? Fresh air will do it good.
GO ON, HOP IT! Get off.
Go on.
Did you recognise him? Him? The man who took the girl.
Oh, my God! That horrible fine young lady that looked at my girls with pity in her eyes? Her, has to be.
I would give her a good kick in the guts with my clogs on, I would.
Yeah, well, you may, my dear, with my blessing.
I've got a couple of pals coming round and we'll have some fun with them, and then we'll take his money.
All of it.
[HE LAUGHS.]
And then what? I think we'll have to do him in, my dear.
The Gorbeau Tenement, you say? Yes, you know it? I do.
Take these.
Go home, hide in your room, keep watch.
Let them carry on for a while.
We have to apprehend them in commission of a crime.
You say you're a lawyer, you'll understand that.
I'm a law student, Inspector.
Well, you'll just have to do.
When it's gone far enough, fire a shot, in the air.
Are you frightened? Er, I'm a little nervous.
Well, everything depends on you.
Six o'clock, you say? [THUNDER.]
[SNORING.]
- Right, all set? - All set.
Right, well, I'll warm this up a bit.
For our friend, eh? [BELL TOLLS.]
[SHE MUTTERS PRAYERS.]
Hail Mary.
[BELL TOLLS.]
[THUNDER.]
HORSES' HOOVES APPROACH HORSES' HOOVES STOP [HE GASPS LIGHTLY.]
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Right, this is it.
Oh, I knew you wouldn't let us down.
God bless you, sir.
[DOOR SHUTS.]
[HE GROANS.]
Where's the child that was injured? Her sister's taking her to the doctor.
We thought it best.
Children, more expense, they're a hole in your wallet, aren't they, eh? Here.
That should cover your rent and your immediate expenses.
There's more where that came from.
Paris is not the right place for you and your family.
You should move to the countryside.
I can help you with that.
Yeah, that's very That's very thoughtful of you, monsieur, certainly.
I'll certainly consider your kind offer, but do you like paintings? Well - Who is he? - Just a neighbour.
As I was saying, if you like art, I have a painting I might be induced to sell to the right buyer.
Just neighbours.
Now feast your eyes on this.
A masterpiece by my own hand.
Depicting Sergeant Thenardier, the hero of Waterloo.
And where's this hero now, eh? HERE, IN THIS VERY ROOM! It was I, Thenardier, who saved the life of Colonel Pontmercy, and never had so much as a word of thanks for it, and you were the bastard that stole my little girl.
Seize him, boys! Tie him down.
[GROANING.]
Gah! [HE GASPS.]
I'm a reasonable man.
I don't want a lot.
200,000 francs should do it.
You wouldn't want no harm to come to your pretty daughter now, would you? Eh? Is that what you call her? My friend Montparnasse could slip up behind her in the park and cut her throat.
[THEY LAUGH.]
I'd slit yours, too, for two sous.
[HE GASPS.]
You dare to threaten my Cosette.
[GRUNTING.]
Grab him! [GRUNTS AND SHOUTS.]
Ow! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
You think you can do anything to impress me? Look! [HISSING.]
[GROANING.]
What? Ah, ah! Now do your worst! [SMASHING AND CLANKING.]
[BARKING.]
[INDISTINCT VOICES.]
[GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Grab him! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Grab him! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Come on! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Hit him in the face! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Come on! Take them away.
Lock them up.
Put down your weapons and surrender.
[INDISTINCT VOICES SPEAK FRENCH.]
[SCREAMING.]
Don't touch my mum! [INDISTINCT FRENCH.]
[SCREAMING.]
Attacking an officer? [SCREAMING.]
The man you lured here.
Where's he? - Tell me! - He's not here.
[SCREAMING.]
Shame you missed the real prize, Inspector! [GROANING.]
[GRUNTING AND SHOUTING.]
[GROANING.]
Two got away, sir.
[HE GROANS.]
[THUNDER.]
[HE LAUGHS.]
[HE GASPS.]
Seen you before.
You're that student my sister is sweet on.
Gavroche, son and heir.
There's nothing to nick in here, if that was what you were thinking.
- I'm not a thief.
- Aren't you? I am.
No-one's going to help you, you've got to help yourself, don't you? Well, I'm off.
Where will you go? Don't worry about me.
I've friends all over this place.
So long, monsieur.
[HE HUMS.]
Hail Mary, mother - DOOR OPENS - [SHE SQUEALS.]
Papa! Papa! - HE GROANS - [SHE SQUEALS.]
Papa! [SHOUTING.]
Now, old friend, you and I are going to have a little talk.
And you're going to tell me everything.
WEAKLY: Cosette! I'll find her.
If we were to part with her, we'd want some compensation.
Are you my papa? If you want me to be.
Marius Pontmercy, my grandson.
Let me spend some time with my little boy.
Never! He will be brought up to curse your very name.
Mon père? There was a man called Thenardier, he saved my life.
If you ever meet him, you do the best you can.
This man is Jean Valjean.
I beg you, care for this child.
Police! He will never get away! You may stay here but you will be able to see the child everyday.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER IN FRENCH.]
[WHISPERING AND GIGGLING.]
[WHISPERING CONTINUES.]
Look at Marie Claire, she can't wait until Friday.
What's happening on Friday? Well, she's leaving, of course.
Oh, I didn't realise it was so soon.
Don't you wish you could, Cosette? I don't know.
All the pretty dresses and parties.
Dancing and falling in love! And getting engaged! And doing that.
- Jermaine! - Well, I'm only saying.
Look.
That's my cousin.
Isn't he handsome? I'll be seeing him on Saturday.
Oh, poor Cosette.
Why poor me? You're going to be a bride of Christ, aren't you? Look.
Such a shame, you're far too pretty for that.
Girls! No more chatting! [GIRLS WHISPER PRAYERS.]
[BELL CHIMES.]
Oh! Father, not too tight! You'll squash all the breath out of me.
Why? Are you such a fragile little thing then? You forget your own strength sometimes.
Forgive me.
I just cherish our Saturday afternoons so much.
Come on.
What is it? Come on, speak.
Am I really going to take the veil? Well, that's what we discussed with the abbess and Sister Simplice.
Have you changed your mind? No.
I don't know.
I'm sorry, please don't be cross with me.
I could never be cross with you.
It's just I've seen nothing of the world yet.
You have seen the world.
The inn at Montfermeil and that family.
Lies, violence, cruelty, that's the world.
I don't believe it's all like that.
I thought I thought we'd found a home here together where you could grow up and I could grow old.
And you could grow old and I'd die here and we'd never be separated.
I'd be locked away and I don't want that.
The police force of Paris has established a standard of excellence that is an example for the rest of France and the world.
I call upon Inspector Javert to accept the medal of honour for his exceptional achievements as a thief-taker.
It's a great honour, sir.
Reflects well on us all.
I can take no pleasure in it.
Not while that man is free.
Beg your pardon, sir, what man? You know the man, Pierre Madeleine, Jean Valjean, whatever else he calls himself now, that man.
Well, that's one man out of hundreds.
That was a decade ago.
- He may have been dead for years.
- No.
No.
I am convinced that he is still alive and here in Paris, laughing at us.
I shall never be at peace until he is back in chains.
- [MAN GRUNTS.]
- Monsieur.
Thank you, young man.
I've seen you at Mass, haven't I? Yes.
Monsieur Pontmercy, isn't it? Yes.
Marius Pontmercy.
My name is Mabeuf.
Could we speak a few moments? I used to watch a poor man who came here regularly to see his child.
It was the only way he could, because of a family arrangement.
Little boy knew nothing of it.
There was a rich old father-in-law who threatened to disinherit the boy if the father made any contact with him.
So, the father always stayed behind that pillar there.
I'd watch him gaze at his son and weep.
Poor man so adored that child.
It's a very touching story, monsieur.
He was one of Napoleon's bravest colonels.
His name was Pontmercy.
Your father.
"Saved ten Cossacks and saved the life of his corporal.
" "27 bone splinters extracted from his left arm alone.
" And listen to this one.
"A ship carrying General Guibert "ran into a hornets' nest of eight English ships.
"Rather than flee or hide, Sub Lieutenant Pontmercy "ran the tricolour up the flag staff and sailed proudly past.
" I never knew.
You lied to me.
You told me lies about my father.
I am your father.
Don't talk nonsense.
I have discovered that my father was a humble and heroic man who died forgotten and neglected because of you.
I never knew him because of you.
And I never knew him and never wanted to, or any of his kind.
They were all villains, murderers, revolutionaries and thieves, all of them.
Traitors who betrayed their king.
Then I say down with the King.
What did you just say? I said down with the King.
Young man, I see that you and I cannot remain under the same roof any longer.
Get out! I never want to see you again.
Now what have you done? He He'll be back with his tail between his legs, you You mark my words.
I fear for you.
The world outside has changed.
There is anger and unrest in the streets.
What about that police officer, the one who came here? Thank you for your concern, sister.
I've everything prepared.
[HUBBUB.]
[THEY IMPLORE.]
[YELLING.]
[WOMAN WEEPS.]
Is it really ours, Papa? Come and have a look inside.
This is Toussaint.
Mademoiselle.
Bonjour.
A piano! - Thank you.
- Monsieur.
[SHE PLAYS.]
[DOGS BARK.]
God, look at this place.
Well, better apologise and make your peace with Grandad, then.
- No, I shall never go back there.
- Look.
- Bonjour, mademoiselles.
- There you go.
- All home comforts.
- You're disgusting.
Yeah, I know.
Right, why don't you get settled in and come and have a drink at the Cafe Musain later? Thank you, Courfeyrac, you're a good friend.
Just the thing for a studious young man.
What is it you're studying at the university? Law, madame.
Well, then, you'll understand that as the principal tenant I am empowered to see that you behave yourself.
No young ladies in your room except by special permission.
Of course.
Thank you.
I'll leave you to settle in now.
- Bonsoir, monsieur.
- Bonsoir.
- [ROWDY SINGING.]
- Bonsoir, monsieur.
Marius! Yes.
How are you? Here he comes.
Large as life, our very own pet royalist, Pontmercy.
Let me introduce you to these fellows.
Grantaire, Enjolras, Bossuet.
I have to say, first, I'm not royalist any more.
What are you now then? I'm a Bonapartist and a Democrat.
Now, that's a step in the right direction.
Napoleon was a defender of the Republic before he made himself Emperor.
Well, have a drink.
Yes, have a lot of drinks.
[THEY SING AND CHANT.]
I say down with all nations and down with all kings.
What about emperors? An emperor is just a king by another name, only worse.
I won't have it.
Napoleon made this country great.
He brought reforms through his conquests.
What a joy to serve under such a man as that.
What could be greater? To be free.
I want to be a citizen of the Republic, not a subject of a king or an emperor.
One day we'll all be fighting to the death about that, on one side or another.
And what side will you be on, my friend? [KNOCKING.]
Psst, monsieur.
Monsieur, over here.
Look through the peephole.
[SHE HUMS A TUNE.]
[HE CHUCKLES.]
Do you want to see more, monsieur? No, I Show's over.
Nighty-night.
Papa, what was my mother like? Don't make me speak of it.
She was one of my workers - and I dismissed her.
- What for? For nothing, for concealing the truth.
What truth? About you.
And after that, she fell into poverty and she was ill and I tried to make amends, but it was too late and she died.
So, now you see why I want to protect you.
I don't want you to suffer in the way that she did.
So were you planning to keep me locked away here? No, no, I Yes, Papa, this isn't what we discussed at the convent, or did I misunderstand? You don't know what the world is like, Cosette.
You've said that before but I want to see for myself.
I'm lonely here, Papa.
It was better in the convent.
At least I had the other girls to talk with.
[SHE BEGINS PLAYING.]
All right, all right, I understand.
Tomorrow we can go to the Luxembourg Gardens.
Oh, thank you, Papa! Papa, I need new clothes.
Everyone looks so smart here.
If you say so.
Papa! - Now, Monsieur - Fauchelevent.
Monsieur Fauchelevent, it has been quite a pleasure for me to dress your young friend.
My niece.
Well, yes, your niece, of course she is.
Such a lovely figure, it would be a shame not to show it off, I'm sure you'll agree with me.
Mademoiselle, come.
Come, come, come.
There.
Turn, turn.
Do you like it, Papa? Papa, that's so charming.
Er, I preferred you in your old one, but if it pleases you.
Men, what do they know? Shall we show him the others? [MUSIC PLAYS.]
[INAUDIBLE.]
What about? Give me some of those letters.
Monsieur, s'il vous plait - Mademoiselle! - Merci, monsieur.
- That's for you and no-one else, all right? Tres genereux.
Thank you.
It's not mine, it's my father's.
Oh Forgive me.
What's your name? Cosette.
Marius Pontmercy.
Well, thank you again.
My pleasure, delighted to meet you, mademoiselle.
Goodbye.
There was no need to go running after him.
Who was that? Oh, I don't know, just a young man.
Papa, what's the hurry? It's turning chilly, I want to get home.
What's the matter? My wrist, it's sore, you were holding it so tightly.
Forgive me.
Here, let me kiss it better.
Why did you get into such a state? Cosette, you have to understand not everyone you meet has your best interests at heart.
But nor is everyone I meet a villain, surely? No, but there are plenty of young men about, pleasant enough in manner and appearance, whose sole aim in life is to debauch young women.
Debauch, what does that mean? To To lead them astray.
Well, I don't think Marius was that sort.
How do you know his name? Well, he told me his name and he asked me mine.
- What's wrong with that? - And you told him? - Yes.
- You told him your name? He didn't mean any harm.
What makes you think you know that? You know nothing of the world.
Because you want to protect me from knowing anything.
I'll tell you one thing, we won't be going back to the Luxembourg Gardens for a while.
This place is like a prison.
You have no idea what a prison is.
[ROWDY LAUGHTER.]
Oh, come on, get that down you, huh? Un Deux, trois Any better? I'm worse, if anything.
But does anybody else know a better cure for love? - Revolution.
- [THE OTHERS LAUGH.]
Come on, soldiers who spilled their blood for France are living as beggars.
I mean, your own father, a hero, died a pauper.
Look at the slums, look, look at the children starving, while a fat king sits on the throne.
Paris is a tinderbox, it'll only take a spark to set it off.
That's it.
Put your passion into the fight for freedom, then once the regime has withered away, equality for all.
We can all take turns on that nice girl of yours.
He's joking.
I apologise, truly, sincerely.
I have felt what you are feeling now.
An emptiness and despair.
We must struggle, we must overcome these feelings.
How? We could take him to the Chaumiere at Sceaux.
You know, the place where all the lost women can be found.
- You might even find yours there.
- Excellent idea.
We will all go.
You can count me out, I've got better things to do with my time, and so should you.
Count me out too.
No chance.
You're coming, even if we have to drag you.
Gah! Come on.
[LAUGHTER AND CHATTER.]
[VIOLIN AND PERCUSSION PLAY.]
Just stop.
Excuse me.
Sorry.
Cosette! Cosette! Do you want me? For you, I make a special price.
No, no, sorry.
Dommage.
Who'd have thought to find you here? [MUSIC AND CHATTER INTENSIFIES.]
[REVERBERATING LAUGHTER AND CHATTER.]
Get out of here, you good for nothing whelp! All right, I'm going.
All right, monsieur? [CREAKING.]
[HE BREATHES SHARPLY.]
- Kiss it.
- No! - You know you want to.
- No! Oh, monsieur.
Kiss it.
[HE GASPS.]
[HE GASPS LIGHTLY.]
[HE EXHALES.]
[BELL CHIMES.]
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
I was thinking of walking out to watch the sunrise.
Thought you might like to come with me.
To the Luxembourg Gardens? No.
Make ready.
I'll wait for you.
Why this place, Papa? There's something I wanted you to see.
[DISTANT SHOUTING.]
What's that? [RAISED VOICES.]
[WHIPPING.]
Papa, who are those men? [RAISED VOICES.]
They're convicts.
From the prison hulks.
Can they really be men? [WHIPPING.]
Yes, they're men.
They're men like me.
[SHOUTING AND GROANING.]
Cosette.
I think if I crossed paths with one of those men, I would die, just from looking him in the face.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
What are you doing here? What do you want? It's a bit chilly in here.
Can I get in with you? No.
[SHE LAUGHS.]
[SHE HUMS.]
[SHE HUMS.]
[HE GROANS LIGHTLY.]
I've got a letter for you.
Really, who from? My dad.
Give it here.
- Jondrette.
Is that your name? - Sometimes it is.
He says your family is starving.
Is that true? We don't eat often, monsieur.
Go fetch my purse.
There, on the table.
Here.
I can spare that much.
You don't have to.
He tries it on with everyone.
It's for you, not him.
Here.
Thanks.
How do you live in this place? I live like this.
Get what I can, how I can.
I go out in the evenings and sometimes don't come back at night.
Do you know what I mean? Five francs! A shiner! You're a star! Are you sure? - I'm sure.
- What a gent.
Merci, monsieur, mille fois.
Au revoir, monsieur.
This is too stale for you now.
Can I have it? Thanks.
[BABY CRIES.]
[HE MUMBLES INDISTINCTLY.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
You know what? That Monsieur Marius is a gent.
[HE LAUGHS.]
I knew that letter was a good one.
It wasn't your letter that done it.
I done it.
I told him my tale and he took pity on me.
He likes me, Monsieur Marius.
- Did he do you, then? - No, he's not like that.
- He's all pure at heart.
- Come here.
Come here, there's a good girl.
- What have you got in that hand? - Nothing.
- Come on, open up.
- Show your pa what you've got.
[HE LAUGHS.]
That was for me, not you.
Argh! Thieving whelp.
You're a thieving old bugger! I hate you.
Any more of that and you'll really get one.
- I'm not scared of you.
- Oh, yeah? All right, you've been a clever girl.
Just don't get above yourself.
Scum, the lot of them, swanning around in their golden coaches.
What about me, eh? Eh? Suffering here in squalor.
Get him here.
Can you do that? Eponine, Azelma? The old fellow with the young daughter? Yeah, that's the one.
You said he looked like a soft touch.
And don't come back without an answer.
Oy! Those terrible men.
To think of the things they must have done to be punished so.
Why did you take me there? Was it because you were angry with me? - No.
- Did you want to frighten me? No, no, Cosette, no.
I Monsieur, Mademoiselle.
My poor father has written you a letter.
Please read it and take pity on us.
- A letter for me? - He knows you're a kind man.
You have nothing more than this to wear? No, sir, this is it.
I know the house.
We'll come.
Tell your father we'll be there later.
Pa will be so happy when I tell him.
- Papa.
- What? I don't think we should go.
Why not? That girl, I just have a bad feeling about her.
Her family needs help, Cosette, and I can give it.
You wish to know what the world is like, well, you can come too.
[INDISTINCT STREET CHATTER.]
[BARKING.]
They're coming.
Ah! Douse the fire, Rosalie.
You, light candles.
And you, break a window.
Well, go on! Put your fist through it! Go on! Monsieur, monsieur, s'il vous plait.
Merci, monsieur.
[SMASHING AND SCREAMING.]
Oh, Azelma! [SCREAMING.]
Don't cry.
It'll only make him more angry.
No, no, no, on the contrary, on the contrary, bawl the place down.
We want him to see suffering.
You, in bed.
That's it, that's it.
Aw, good girl, keep quiet.
[CRYING AND SCREAMING.]
Aw! [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Go on.
Brave girl.
Monsieur.
Mademoiselle.
[GASPING.]
Oh, welcome, welcome, sir, to my humble abode.
Oh, and your charming daughter too, come on, come in.
Come on.
[HE LAUGHS.]
I brought you some clothes, monsieur.
Some woollen stockings, blankets.
Oh, my angelic benefactor is more than generous.
A thousand thanks, kind sir.
No, no, no, I wish, I wish woollen stockings could pay the rent, but I thank you, with all my Papa.
[SHE GASPS.]
I see you're much to be pitied, monsieur.
Fabantou.
Did you not sign your letter Genflot? My name is Genflot-Fabantou.
Of course.
You see, monsieur, all I have to cover myself is this chemise.
And my wife's sick, and my daughter injured.
And six months rent in arrears.
That's 60 francs.
If it's not paid by tonight, we're all out on the street.
Once I was a respected man, and then one day, a man came and stole my daughter from me.
Oh, if I could meet that man again, I'd have something to say to him.
Do you know what I'm saying? Oh, Mademoiselle! It's such a shame for such as one as you to be exposed to such unpleasantness.
I have five francs about me.
There's people in the city that would pay a lot more than that to see you, I'm sure.
- I'm taking my daughter home.
- Don't forget your coat, Monsieur.
I'm leaving it.
It's yours.
I'll return this evening at six o'clock with 60 francs.
Noble sir, we'll be expecting you.
Don't forget this.
[HE GASPS.]
Cosette.
Are you going back there to that man? Excuse me.
I have to go back, to get him out of our lives.
I won't let him hurt you.
Rue Plumet.
Oui, monsieur.
Oh! [HE GASPS.]
Oh, you're down in the dumps.
What's the matter? You brought them here, didn't you? The old man and the girl.
Yeah, what about it? So you know where they live.
Well, I don't know the actual house, Monsieur Marius.
But you could find out for me, couldn't you? Depends.
What do I get? Anything you want.
Well, anything for you, Monsieur Marius.
But he may not live very long, the old man.
What do you mean? My dad's up to no good.
Got to go.
[APPROACHING VOICES.]
Ah, evening, monsieur.
All right? Oh, if you hear a bit of noise later on, don't worry, we're having a little party for a few friends.
- Bonsoir, monsieur.
- Bonsoir.
Right, tonight's the night.
He thinks he can get away with 60 francs.
He's got millions stashed away.
We'll put the screws on him and get the lot.
You two, clear out, I want you out of the way.
- What, her with her bad hand? Fresh air will do it good.
GO ON, HOP IT! Get off.
Go on.
Did you recognise him? Him? The man who took the girl.
Oh, my God! That horrible fine young lady that looked at my girls with pity in her eyes? Her, has to be.
I would give her a good kick in the guts with my clogs on, I would.
Yeah, well, you may, my dear, with my blessing.
I've got a couple of pals coming round and we'll have some fun with them, and then we'll take his money.
All of it.
[HE LAUGHS.]
And then what? I think we'll have to do him in, my dear.
The Gorbeau Tenement, you say? Yes, you know it? I do.
Take these.
Go home, hide in your room, keep watch.
Let them carry on for a while.
We have to apprehend them in commission of a crime.
You say you're a lawyer, you'll understand that.
I'm a law student, Inspector.
Well, you'll just have to do.
When it's gone far enough, fire a shot, in the air.
Are you frightened? Er, I'm a little nervous.
Well, everything depends on you.
Six o'clock, you say? [THUNDER.]
[SNORING.]
- Right, all set? - All set.
Right, well, I'll warm this up a bit.
For our friend, eh? [BELL TOLLS.]
[SHE MUTTERS PRAYERS.]
Hail Mary.
[BELL TOLLS.]
[THUNDER.]
HORSES' HOOVES APPROACH HORSES' HOOVES STOP [HE GASPS LIGHTLY.]
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Right, this is it.
Oh, I knew you wouldn't let us down.
God bless you, sir.
[DOOR SHUTS.]
[HE GROANS.]
Where's the child that was injured? Her sister's taking her to the doctor.
We thought it best.
Children, more expense, they're a hole in your wallet, aren't they, eh? Here.
That should cover your rent and your immediate expenses.
There's more where that came from.
Paris is not the right place for you and your family.
You should move to the countryside.
I can help you with that.
Yeah, that's very That's very thoughtful of you, monsieur, certainly.
I'll certainly consider your kind offer, but do you like paintings? Well - Who is he? - Just a neighbour.
As I was saying, if you like art, I have a painting I might be induced to sell to the right buyer.
Just neighbours.
Now feast your eyes on this.
A masterpiece by my own hand.
Depicting Sergeant Thenardier, the hero of Waterloo.
And where's this hero now, eh? HERE, IN THIS VERY ROOM! It was I, Thenardier, who saved the life of Colonel Pontmercy, and never had so much as a word of thanks for it, and you were the bastard that stole my little girl.
Seize him, boys! Tie him down.
[GROANING.]
Gah! [HE GASPS.]
I'm a reasonable man.
I don't want a lot.
200,000 francs should do it.
You wouldn't want no harm to come to your pretty daughter now, would you? Eh? Is that what you call her? My friend Montparnasse could slip up behind her in the park and cut her throat.
[THEY LAUGH.]
I'd slit yours, too, for two sous.
[HE GASPS.]
You dare to threaten my Cosette.
[GRUNTING.]
Grab him! [GRUNTS AND SHOUTS.]
Ow! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
You think you can do anything to impress me? Look! [HISSING.]
[GROANING.]
What? Ah, ah! Now do your worst! [SMASHING AND CLANKING.]
[BARKING.]
[INDISTINCT VOICES.]
[GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Grab him! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Grab him! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Come on! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Hit him in the face! [GRUNTS AND GROANS.]
Come on! Take them away.
Lock them up.
Put down your weapons and surrender.
[INDISTINCT VOICES SPEAK FRENCH.]
[SCREAMING.]
Don't touch my mum! [INDISTINCT FRENCH.]
[SCREAMING.]
Attacking an officer? [SCREAMING.]
The man you lured here.
Where's he? - Tell me! - He's not here.
[SCREAMING.]
Shame you missed the real prize, Inspector! [GROANING.]
[GRUNTING AND SHOUTING.]
[GROANING.]
Two got away, sir.
[HE GROANS.]
[THUNDER.]
[HE LAUGHS.]
[HE GASPS.]
Seen you before.
You're that student my sister is sweet on.
Gavroche, son and heir.
There's nothing to nick in here, if that was what you were thinking.
- I'm not a thief.
- Aren't you? I am.
No-one's going to help you, you've got to help yourself, don't you? Well, I'm off.
Where will you go? Don't worry about me.
I've friends all over this place.
So long, monsieur.
[HE HUMS.]
Hail Mary, mother - DOOR OPENS - [SHE SQUEALS.]
Papa! Papa! - HE GROANS - [SHE SQUEALS.]
Papa! [SHOUTING.]
Now, old friend, you and I are going to have a little talk.
And you're going to tell me everything.