The Hunchback (1997)

Based on the novel, a young gypsy becomes a Minister's obsession in 1483. Only the bell ringer and her husband and the court of miracles can save her.

Director:

Peter Medak (as Peter Medák)

Writers:

Victor Hugo (novel), John Fasano (teleplay)

Stars:

Mandy Patinkin, Richard Harris, Salma Hayek

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mandy Patinkin	...	Quasimodo
Richard Harris	...	Dom Frollo
Salma Hayek	...	Esmeralda
Edward Atterton	...	Gringoire
Benedick Blythe	...	Phoebus
Nigel Terry	...	King Louis XI
Jim Dale	...	Clopin
Trevor Baxter	...	Chief Lawyer
Vernon Dobtcheff	...	Father Michel
Nickolas Grace	...	Gauchére
Matthew Sim	...	Crippled Man
Cassie Stuart	...	Colette
Gabi Fon	...	Queen Anne
Michael Mehlmann	...	Beggar (as Michael Mehlman)
Olga Antal	...	Woman in Crowd

Storyline

Based on the novel, a young gypsy becomes a Minister's obsession in 1483. Only the bell ringer and her husband and the court of miracles can save her.

---

Plot Keywords:

minister | bell | gypsy | renaissance | political opposition | 

---

Genres:

Drama | Horror | Romance

---

Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA Hungary Canada Czech Republic

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Filming Locations:

Budapest, Hungary

Company Credits

Production Co:

Adelson-Baumgarten Productions,Alliance Communications Corporation,Stillking Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mandy Patinkin was originally cast as Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), but dropped out due to clashes with the producer regarding the character. He was cast as Quasimodo in this film, and Tom Hulce was cast to voice Quasimodo in Patinkin's place, in the animated version.

---

Goofs

When Quasimodo returns to the Cathedral after his public punishment there is no sign of it on his skin, though it was prominent in the scenes with Esmeralda.

---

Quotes

Dom Frollo: And I will protect France against printed books as I protected France against witches, sorcerers and gypsies in the past.
Gauchére: There are no witches or sorcerers in France!
Dom Frollo: Exactly.

---

Connections

Version of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (1986)

User Reviews

Flawed but entertaining nonetheless.

Technically this movie sounds a bit of a dud. Terribly understated, little to no character development (even the Disney version had more if only just), dodgy make up even though Mandy Patinkin still manages to give an exeptionally sympathetic portrayal of Quasimodo, showing him as the man more than the monster. Some of the scenes remembered from the classic were downplayed where a little spectacle wouldn't have hurt. Most of the performances are 1 dimensional but the 3 main characters are good, Richard Harris is quite menacing as Dom Frollo. Direction is a bit sad in a lot of places giving the feel that the director just wanted to get the scene out of the way and move onto the next one. But despite all these flaws it's still pretty good. You really feel something for Quasimodo, all that he's been through, and the characterisation of him as a man rather than a monstrosity makes you all the more sympathetic. Worth Seeing....