(April 3, 1862- )
Born in France
Book/Movie/Musical
Written by Victor Hugo
Published by A. Lacroix, Verboeckhoven & Ce
Covers 1815-1833
Translated into English - June 1862

The book was quite lengthy; over 1,200 pages.
The musical is also pretty long.
Many critics panned the book for being too sentimental.
Some critics declared the book immoral.
Some found the book anti-French and anti-establishment.
It took 17 years to complete.
It's main hero Jean Valjean is a criminal.

It was an immediate best seller throughout France, then Europe and then the world.
It was made into over 2 dozen films with the first as early as 1907.
Unlike most theatrical musicals, this one appeals to 'real men' because its loaded with action, war, (super)heroes and whores.
It is the longest running theatrical musical of all time - running in London since October 8, 1985.
It is among the top 5 longest running shows on Broadway.
It dissects social classes and morality.
Many incidents in it are based on true events: Victor Hugo witnessing the arrest of a bread thief, a prostitute for assault and a former prisoner lifting a heavy cart to save a worker).
Victor Hugo also served on the barricades.
The main protagonist Jean Valjean evolves from a convict to an exemplary person.
Victor Hugo elicits sympathy for Valjean's arch enemy Jalvert as we understand he is doing what he believed to be correct.

Credit: Team Annoy

http://www.amiannoying.com/view.aspx?ID=24600

E-mail Link to Friend | Report updates or corrections for this profile

For 2009, as of last week, Out of 39 Votes: 48.72% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 60 Votes: 70.0% Annoying

• I am a Citizen of France
• I Portrayed Jean Valjean
• IDs Ending in 00 (Ranked: 24600)
• Profiles 24501-24750 (Ranked: 24600)
• Served in the French Revolution