The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)

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.

Director:

William Dieterle

Writers:

Sonya Levien (screen play), Bruno Frank (adaptation)

Stars:

Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, Cedric Hardwicke

Nominated for 2 Oscars.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charles Laughton	...	The Hunchback 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 Reynolds	...	Fleur de Lys (as Helene Whitney)
Minna Gombell	...	Queen of Beggars (as Mina Gombell)
Arthur Hohl	...	Olivier

Storyline

King Louis XI is a wise and old king and Frollo is the Chief Justice. Frollo gazes on the gypsy girl, Esmeralda, in the church during Fool's Day and sends Quasimodo to catch her. Quasimodo, with the girl, is captured by Phoebus, Captain of the Guards, who frees the girl. The courts sentence Quasimodo to be flogged, and the only one who will give him water while he is tied in the square is Esmeralda. Later, at a party of nobles, Esmeralda again meets both Frollo, who is bewitched by her, and Phoebus. When Phoebus is stabbed to death, Esmeralda is accused of the murder, convicted by the court and sentenced to hang. Clopin, King of the Beggars; Gringoire, Esmeralda's husband; and Quasimodo, the bellringer, all try different ways to save her from the gallows.

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Plot Keywords:

disability | fool's day | beggar | 15th century | cathedral | 

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Taglines:

TEN TIMES A THOUSAND THRILLS! (Print Ad- Brooklyn Eagle, ((Brooklyn NY)) 18 January 1940)

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Passed

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lon Chaney Jr. screen-tested extensively to play the role that his father had originated. When it appeared that trouble with the IRS might prevent Charles Laughton from working in America, RKO Pictures promised the role to Chaney Jr. if Laughton's services could not be secured. Laughton, however, overcame his tax difficulties and made the picture.

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Goofs

Although the story is set in 1482 during the reign of Louis XI, Notre Dame Cathedral is shown with its 19th-century additions, including statuary.

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Quotes

Clopin: We will now choose the King of Fools. Africans come forth. Men. Women. The ugliest face wins the crown. Ugly faces...! Ugly faces...!

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Alternate Versions

Also available in a computer colorized version.

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Connections

Referenced in Dick Spanner, P.I.: The Case of the Maltese Parrot - Part 5 (1987)

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Soundtracks

Ave Maria
(1572) (uncredited)
Music by Tomás Luis de Victoria
Sung by mixed chorus during opening credits

User Reviews

Great film, great cast,great music

I remember `Super Channel' showed this regularly about 10 years ago. The opening 1/2 hour is superb, with several outstanding scenes and very haunting music.The cast is brilliant, not only do you get Laughton but also Maureen O'Hara, Cedric Hardwicke and Edmon O'Brien. And Thomas Mitchell is the man! All in all a most satisfying film: 8.5 out of 10

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 December 1939 (USA)

Also Known As:

Victor Hugo's Immortal Classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Filming Locations:

RKO Studios - 780 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,800,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min (Turner library print) (copyright length)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1