The Hunchback of Notre Dame ★★★★ 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. 117m/B VHS, DVD. 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;
Director:
William Dieterle;
Writer:
Sonya Levien, Bruno Frank;
Writer:
Joseph August;
Cameo:
Alfred Newman.
