Richard Jordan and Anthony Perkins star in this made-for-TV adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel. Jean Valjean (Jordan) is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving family. Soon afterwards he escapes and is presumed dead by all except police inspector Javert (Perkins), who pursues him relentlessly throughout his lifetime. In later years, when Valjean becomes involved in the French Revolution through his adopted daughter Cosette (Caroline Langrise)'s love for insurrectionist leader Marius (Christopher Guard), his quest for redemption comes to a heady climax.