Kathleen Byron

Les Mis rables -- This is the epic tale of love, honor, and obsession amidst the dramatic backdrop of early 19th century France.

The Elephant Man -- Based on a true story, the film examines the complex emotional experiences faced by John Merrick. 'The Elephant Man' (Hurt), when he is discovered by a dedicated surgeon (Anthony Hopkins). Rescued from his degrading life as a circus freak, Merrick is given a chance to live his last years with comfort, respect, and dignity.

This is the rare story of John Merrick, the Elephant Man, enslaved by his body, set free by his dream. Trapped inside the twisted, lesion-ridden grip of a terminally disfiguring disease, Merrick triumphs over his terrible affliction. It is a story of life and the affirmation of life; timeless, tragic, uplifting and heroic. Philip Anglim's exquisite portrayal of John Merrick is all the more exceptional because he does it without elaborate make-up. As Dr. Frederick Treves (Kevin Conway) describes Merrick's deformities to a lecture hall full of medical observers, Anglim contorts his body to match Treves' narrative until, finally, he achieves Merrick's crippled U-shape.

The classic novel set in 19th century France comes to life in dramatic fashion. Valjean overcomes a life of crime to become a respectable citizen when a relentless policeman from his past enters the scene.