Anne Hathaway proved the focus of attention at the world premiere of Les Miserables in London.

Hathaway was joined by A-list cast members including Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe, and says she's still coming to terms with having to shave her hair.

(SOUNDBITE) Actor Anne Hathaway, saying (English):

"I kept thinking it has taken 30 years to grow this or something like that and now it is all gone, it was scary leading up to it and then as soon it was done it was fine."

Hathaway plays Fantine, an out of work mother who turns to prostitution.

The film is based upon the long-running stage show and classic novel set in 19th-century France.

Tom Hooper is director.

His last project, The King's Speech, won and armful of Oscars.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) DIRECTOR TOM HOOPER, SAYING:

"Well you can tell from the huge turn out here the status of Les Mis, it has 60 million fans around the world I wanted to do it justice I hope people will feel that I did."

For Hugh Jackman it's an extension of the impressive number of musical theatre hits he's appeared in.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) ACTOR HUGH JACKMAN, SAYING:

"I felt it was very ensemble, I felt we were all in it together on a film set Tom Hooper was our leader and we just all went for it and we all felt together, it was the most ensemble feel I've ever had on a film."

Les Mis features many big shop-stopping songs, all of which were recorded live on set.

It opens on Christmas day in the US and on 11 January in the UK.