Jean Valjean (Welles) reveals to his son-in-law Marius (Johnstone) that he is an escaped convict. To protect his daughter Cosette (V. Welles), Valjean vows never to see her again. Now old and alone, Valjean recalls (in flashback) the major events in his life: serving 19 years in prison; being reformed by a kind bishop; sacrificing his comfortable life as town mayor under an assumed name in order to save an innocent man; living a fugitive existence while he raised Cosette; and rescuing Marius. When Marius learns that Valjean saved his life, he brings Cosette to visit the dying Valjean.
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All eighteen surviving broadcasts from the Mercury Theatre on the Air, free to listen to and download.
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Welles's interpretation of Hugo's epic tale, which inspired CBS to commission the Mercury Theatre.
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"We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone."
Orson Welles
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