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The Hunchback of Notre Dame | Year: 1939 Classification: Horror Directed: - William Dieterle Actors/Actresses: - Kevin Kline - Charles Laughton - Maureen O'Hara Laughton is Amazing Charles Laughton is one of the great actors of all time. Watching this version of Vitor Hugo's novel it is not hard to see why. Laughton looks like he was born to play Quasimodo, the deaf and disfigured bell keeper of Notre Dome Cathedral. Wearing heavy face make up and a body suit, Laughton literally transformed himself to play the part. This novel has been adapted several times for the screen , but this is the best one. The performances are on the whole excellent. Particularly Cedric Hardwicke as the cold Chief Justice of Paris. Maureen O'Hara also gives a strong performance as Esmeralda. The direction of William Dieterle is very good, although he concentates a little too much on the subplots at times. On the whole this is an excellent film, that despite it's age, hardly seems dated. The story is a timeless classic and so is this film. Watch it just for Laughton's performance. AFI's Great Love Stories: #98 The Hunchback of Notre Dame Certainly the 1939 film version of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is more of a love story than the classic silent film starring Lon Chaney. Victor Hugo's novel is turned in a very complex love story, with Esmeralda (the fetching Maureen O'Hara in her first big role), the gypsy girl catching the eye of not only Quasimodo (Charles Laughton), but Frollo (Cedric Hardwicke), the Chief Justice. The fact that the girl is married is of little concern. I have always had problems with the Hunchback's make-up, specifically the fake eye on the disfigured face, but there is no doubting the strength of Laughton's performance. O'Hara pretty much has to stand around and look beautiful while those who are enthralled with her play out their deadly little games. Forget about the dense Freudian overtones and just focus on the metaphor of the young man who falls in love with someone he can never, ever have. Most romantic line(s): (1) "Sanctuary! Sanctuary!" (2) 'Why was I not made of stone--like thee?" Two Tear-Jerking Scenes: (1) When Esmeralda gives Quasimodo water upon the wheel and (2) when Quasimodo watches the lovers together. Okay, maybe these are more like heavy sniffling scenes. If you like "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," then check out these other films on AFI's list: #34 "Beauty and the Beast" and #24 "King Kong." Why? Because these are all variations on the Beauty and the Beast idea where the problem is that the man is too much the monster. Only rarely does this type of story have a happy ending. Grim,filled with pathos and terrific acting!! This version of "THoND" is in my opinion,the best ever made.Charles Laughton epitomizes all the sadness,frustration and anguish the Hunchback feels when he falls in love with the beautiful Gypsy girl who showed him kindness..The supporting cast is wonderful,with Sir Cedric Hardwicke excelling as the Chief Justice who falls under the spell of the lovely Gypsy girl,Esmeralda,played gently and kindly by Maureen O'Hara. Buy The Hunchback Of Notre Dame at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Hunchback Of Notre Dame Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Hunchback Of Notre Dame This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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