Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 14 | slideshow) | Videos |
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Victor Hugo (novel)
Sonya Levien (screenplay)
more
Release Date:
31 December 1939 (USA) more
Tagline:
Impact ! Power ! Pathos ! Drama ! more
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. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. more
NewsDesk:
Director Robert Wise Dies at 91
(From IMDb News. 15 September 2005)
User Comments:
The best of the myriad different film versions of a most excellent novel more (47 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| 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 |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
116 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
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:
Company:
Fun Stuff
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. more
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: Quasimodo's misplaced eye never moves or blinks, belying the fact that it is a prosthetic. more
Quotes:
Quasimodo, the bell-ringer: Ohh, you asked me why I saved you. I tried to carry you off, and the next day, you gave me water, and a little pity. more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Van Helsing (2004) more
Soundtrack:
Ave Maria more
FAQ
How does it end?Is "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" based on a novel?
How closely does the movie follow the novel?
more
more (47 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) moreRecommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Andrey Rublyov | Que la fête commence... | The Night of the Hunter | Gone with the Wind | Die Blechtrommel |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |











The best of the many versions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, for my money, is this one, although Lon Chaney's is a close second. Despite a Hollywood tendancy to change the novel's ending so as not to depress the cash customers (although, pray tell, if you're going to change the ending, why does no one ever see Quasimodo sailing off to Tahiti with the girl? Rule # 1: strong, handsome poets beat out disfigured cripples every time, even if they're heroes. This is more true in real life than in the movies. Take my word for this, I know from painful experience *sigh*)
Charles Laughton is exceptional and Maureen O'Hara would make any man swoon and is perfect for the part of Esmerelda. The support includes the usual suspects-Thomas Mitchell, Harry Davenport and many other familiar character actors. Strike up the band and start the parade. Thunderous applause. Most highly recommended.