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 |
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. Written by Colleen Tuohy <elmo15@ix.netcom.com>
This version of Hugo's classic tale, directed by Peter Medak, is spoilt somewhat by Mandy Patinkin's make-up as Quasimodo - only one side of his face seems to be disfigured, making him more like the phantom of the opera than the cathedral bell-ringer. But that's a small point.
Salma Hayek is just OK as Esmeralda, but she isn't as luminous a beauty as Maureen O'Hara was in the 1930s film version. Edward Atterton is Gringoire, and Benedick Blythe Phoebus - neither particularly memorable.
The two in the cast who are really worth watching are Nigel Terry as king Louis, and Richard Harris as the troubled, religious Frollo, ashamed of his feelings towards Esmeralda and jealous of the disfigured misfit he has taken on as his pseudo son. The character is multi-faceted and fascinating.
This version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame definitely shows its TV movie roots, but it is still a superior piece of drama, slightly above the average.