The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

William Dieterle

Writers:

Victor Hugo (novel)
Sonya Levien (screenplay)

Release Date:

31 December 1939 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History

Tagline:

Impact ! Power ! Pathos ! Drama !

Plot:

In 15th century France, a gypsy girl is framed for murder by the infatuated Chief Justice, and only the deformed bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral can save her.

Plot Keywords:

Gypsy | Murder | Church | 15th Century | France

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

US TV Schedule:

Fri. July 24

12:00 PM

TCM

Cast

Charles Laughton	...	Quasimodo
Cedric Hardwicke	...	Frollo (as Sir Cedric Hardwicke)
Thomas Mitchell	...	Clopin
Maureen O'Hara	...	Esmeralda
Edmond O'Brien	...	Gringoire
Alan Marshal	...	Phoebus
Walter Hampden	...	Archdeacon
Harry Davenport	...	King Louis XI
Katharine Alexander	...	Madame de Lys
George Zucco	...	Procurator
Fritz Leiber	...	Old Nobleman
Etienne Girardot	...	Doctor
Helene Whitney	...	Fleur de Lys
Minna Gombell	...	Queen of Beggars (as Mina Gombell)
Arthur Hohl	...	Olivier

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Certification:

UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (re-rating) (1985) | Portugal:M/12 | Canada:G (Ontario) | Canada:PG (video rating) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | USA:Approved (PCA #5504) | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

RKO Radio Pictures

Trivia:

RKO specifically wanted to outdo the 1923 silent version of the story, so a vigorous campaign that spared no expense was undertaken. Much attention was given to advance publicity; no pictures of Charles Laughton in full Quasimodo makeup and costume were allowed to be seen so that a first-time viewing would be a guaranteed shock. Also, the studio hired (at Laughton's request) leading makeup artist Perc Westmore to supervise makeup. Unfortunately, Westmore and Laughton had heated quarrels before a final image for Quasimodo was agreed upon.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: Quasimodo's misplaced eye never moves or blinks, belying the fact that it is a prosthetic.

Quotes:

Quasimodo, the bell-ringer: [sitting high in the tower of Notre Dame watching Esmeralda riding off with Gringoire, leans his check against a gargoyle] "Why was I not made of stone - like these..."

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Recreating the Eighth Wonder: The Making of 'King Kong' (2006) (V)

Soundtrack:

Ave Maria

Amazing

I just have to say, the scene where Quasimodo rescues Esmerelda from the noose is probably the greatest cinematic moment I have ever been witness to. An absolutely amazing piece of work in an absolutely amazing movie. Charles Laughton could not possibly have played the Hunchback any better, and Maureen O'Hara is so lovely that you can not help but sympathize with every male character in the movie who can not possibly have her. An amazing piece of work.