After spending nineteen years in the Toulon prison for stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean is transformed by the kindness of Bishop Myriel and vows to live a life of good. Years later, under the name Monsieur Madeleine, he becomes mayor of Montreuil‑sur‑Mer and rescues Cosette, a mistreated orphan. But when his past resurfaces, Valjean flees to Paris with Cosette as the pursuit begins.