A melodrama, by Patrick Riddell, based on the famous story by Victor Hugo
With music specially composed by Robert Chignell
Episode 6, 'Fauchelevent' in which Henry Ainley plays the part of Valjean,
Balliol Holloway is Javert, and the Story-Teller is Leo Genn
(by permission of Godfrey Tearle)
Play produced by John Cheatle
Jean Valjean, released after serving nineteen years in the galleys, vows vengeance on the country that unjustly condemned him, but is spiritually redeemed by the Bishop of Dauphine from whom he tries to steal a pair of silver candlesticks. Changing his name, Valjean becomes a wealthy and philanthropic merchant in Lorraine, but his identity is discovered by the brutal Inspector of Police, Javert, his one-time slave-master of the galleys.
After being sent once more into slavery, Valjean escapes, and collecting his savings flees to Paris with little Cosette, a child whom he adopted in Lorraine. Last week's instalment told how Javert once more discovered Valjean hiding in a gloomy Paris lodging house, and how Valjean and his little charge, escaping through a storm, found refuge in the gardener's hut of the Convent of St. Benedict.
Tonight you will hear how, with the aid of the gardener whom Valjean had once befriended, a desperate bid for safety is made despite the continued watchfulness of Javert.