The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1982)

Disfigured man Quasimodo (Sir Anthony Hopkins) is feared and tormented by the townspeople of Notre Dame, but he has a sensitive nature of which few are aware.

Directors:

Michael Tuchner, Alan Hume (uncredited)

Writers:

John Gay (written for television by), Victor Hugo (novel)

Stars:

Anthony Hopkins, Derek Jacobi, David Suchet

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anthony Hopkins	...	Quasimodo
Derek Jacobi	...	Dom Claude Frollo
David Suchet	...	Clopin Trouillefou
Gerry Sundquist	...	Pierre Gringoire
Tim Pigott-Smith	...	Philippe
John Gielgud	...	Charmolue
Robert Powell	...	Phoebus
Lesley-Anne Down	...	Esmeralda
Nigel Hawthorne	...	Magistrate at Esmeralda's Trial
Roland Culver	...	Bishop of Paris
Rosalie Crutchley	...	Simone
David Kelly	...	Tavernkeeper
Joseph Blatchley	...	Albert
Dave Hill	...	Coppenhole
Donald Eccles	...	Judge

Storyline

Quasimodo (Sir Anthony Hopkins), the hunchback bellringer of Notre Dame's cathedral meets a beautiful gypsy dancer, Esmeralda (Lesley-Anne Down), and falls in love with her. So does Quasimodo's guardian, the archdeacon of the cathedral, Dom Claude Frollo (Sir Derek Jacobi), and a poor street poet. But Esmeralda's in love with a handsome soldier. But when a mob mistakes her for a witch, it's up to Quasimodo to rescue her and claim sanctuary for her in the cathedral.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | cathedral | love | dancer | notre dame cathedral | 

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Taglines:

Evil Is The Eye Of The Beholder

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the first of two films in which Anthony Hopkins played a role previously played by Charles Laughton. The other was "The Bounty (1984)" in which Hopkins played Lt. William Bligh. Laughton played Bligh in "Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)" and Quasimodo in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)."

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Goofs

Dom Claude Frollo is told that Quasimodo is being taken to the pillory on the Place de Greve. However when this is shown he is clearly in front of the cathedral on the Parvis de Notre Dame, which is across the river from the Place de Greve.

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Quotes

[last lines]
Quasimodo: Why?
[the word reverbs while Quasimodo falls to his death]

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Connections

Version of Esmeralda (1905)

User Reviews

Great cast brings the Hugo novel to life

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1982) turns out be the first time I've watched a filmed adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel. It's just something I've never got around to before now, despite owning both the silent version and the Charles Laughton outing on video. I guess it says something about my tastes in film when I've watched Paul Naschy's HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE before this story! As it happens, HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME turns out to be a fairly decent film, although I can't vouch for how faithful it is as I haven't read the novel. Despite being a made-for-TV production, it's eventful and intriguing, mainly worth watching for a superior cast who acquit themselves well with the material.

Anthony Hopkins, in the titular role, plays it for sympathy and it works. He's virtually unrecognisable beneath the heavy and effective makeup, and his hunchback is a tragically maligned character throughout. Lesley-Anne Down is a believable object of lust and affection for most of the cast, and Derek Jacobi has a fine line in playing villainous characters (his turn as Claudius in Branagh's HAMLET was another favourite).

Watch out for minor roles for David Suchet (with hair!), Tim Pigott-Smith, John Gielgud, Nigel Hawthorne and Robert Powell, who's wasted in a minor part. Also watch out for decent production values, with elaborate sets, and assured direction from TV helmsman Michael Tuchner. I wouldn't necessarily call this depiction of the novel definitive - it feels a little slow and stagy in places, a little cold - but it is a solidly entertaining picture.

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 February 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (#31.2)

Filming Locations:

Pinewood Studios, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Rosemont Productions, Columbia Pictures Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min 98 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1