Les Misérables

Fantine's assault by a rejected customer is based on an actual incident from Victor Hugo's life that resulted in Fantine's creation: he was on his way to his editor's office when he encountered a young man harassing a prostitute. When she rejected his advances, he shoved a handful of snow down her dress and shoved her to the ground. When she defended herself with her fists, he immediately called the police to arrest his "assailant". Hugo was a minor celebrity at the time, and spoke up on the woman's behalf when the police arrived, and was able to have her set free. Hugo said he was horrified by the unfairness of the woman's situation, and began to imagine that she might have children depending on her, and thus Fantine appeared in his mind.

The calf seen wandering in the barricades scene is a whitefaced Hereford poll. That breed did not exist before the 1880, and did not reach France until the 20th century.

The film opens without any opening credits. The title of the film is stated just before the closing credits.

Featured in Chelsea Lately: Episode #6.189 (2012)