In early 19th century France the paroled prisoner Jean Valjean seeks redemption, regains his social standing, and rises to the rank of mayor. He encounters a beautiful but desperately ill woman named Fantine and cares for her daughter, Cosette, after her death. All the while he is obsessively pursued by the policeman Javert, who vows to make him pay for the crimes of his past.

Lonely Emma Bovary longs for romance, glamour, and possessions. Wedded to a country doctor, she instead gets routine, motherhood, and penny-pinching. So, when she catches the eye of a handsome aristocrat, Emma risks all to reach for what she thinks will be happiness. Jennifer Jones stars in this lush adaptation of Gustave Flaubert's famous novel that scandalized 19th century France. The film's capstone is the stunning ballroom scene, contrasting Emma's...