7 Origin Stories Behind Classic Film Musicals

The 2012 film adaptation of the cult musical classic starred an A-list cast and became one of the most well known epic movies of them all. Based on the long-running, award-winning stage show, Les Misérables told the tale of convict Jean Valjean as he attempted to evade his prison guard Javert and begin a better life.

The film was praised for it's unique attempt of the epic score, directed by Cats the Movie creator Tom Hooper, with the actors using ear pieces on set to time themselves to their own music.

The narrative did not fall far from the original source material, which was originally based on French novelist Victor Hugo's epic two-part story. Many of the characters and narratives within his book were said to be based off real historical figures and events happening in the era. The author claimed he walked on the streets of the French capital during the revolt, inspiring the famous climatic barricade scene.

Of course, in the film and stage show, certain elements had to be cut down to fit a reasonable running time, with the exclusion of the children Éponine and Fantine's backstory and Marius' family. The narrative has since been adapted for BBC TV, giving more insight in to the beginning of the book without the songs.