The Hunchback of Notre Dame Movie Review 1939

Best Hollywood version of the Victor Hugo classic, infused with sweep, sadness, and an attempt at capturing a degree of spirited, Hugoesque detail. Laughton is Quasimodo, a deformed Parisian bellringer, who provides sanctuary to young gypsy Esmeralda (O'Hara) accused by church officials of being a witch. The final scene of the townspeople storming the cathedral remains a Hollywood classic. Great performances all around; the huge facade of the Notre Dame cathedral was constructed on a Hollywood set for this film. Remake of several earlier films, including 1923's Lon Chaney silent, and followed by several remakes for both the big screen (included an animated Disney version) and for TV.

Distribution

Video Connection, 3123 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43613, Phone: (419)472-7727, Toll-free: 800-365-0449, Fax: (419)472-2655

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 117 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Only the Lonely, Gypsies, Physical Problems, Top Grossing Films of 1939, Books to Film: Victor Hugo, Paris, 4 Bones

Screenplay

Sonya Levien, Bruno Frank

Cast

Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, Edmond O'Brien, Cedric Hardwicke, Thomas Mitchell, George Zucco, Alan Marshal, Walter Hampden, Harry Davenport, Curt Bois, George Tobias, Rod La Rocque

Cinematography

Joseph August

Director

William Dieterle

Music

Alfred Newman

Producer

RKO