The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Director: Wallace Worsley
Actors: Lon Chaney, Patsy Ruth Miller, Norman Kerry
PlotIn 15th-century Paris, the city is vibrant yet tumultuous, with tensions between the common folk and the wealthy elite. At the center stands the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, where Quasimodo, a kind-hearted yet disfigured bell-ringer, resides. Quasimodo is isolated from society due to his appearance and only finds solace in the cathedral’s bells. Meanwhile, the beautiful and compassionate gypsy dancer Esmeralda captivates everyone in Paris with her charm and kindness, often performing in the bustling streets. However, her beauty and free-spirited nature attract unwanted attention from various men, including Phoebus, a chivalrous captain, and the sinister Chief Justice Frollo. Frollo, driven by obsession and dark desires, sees Esmeralda as a temptation he must possess or destroy.
Amidst this backdrop of turmoil, a festival known as the Feast of Fools takes place, during which Quasimodo wins the title of the “King of Fools” due to his grotesque appearance. Seizing the opportunity to break free from his confined life in the cathedral, he ventures outside but ends up being subjected to public humiliation. Esmeralda's empathetic intervention earns her Quasimodo's unwavering devotion. As the story unfolds, layers of intrigue, betrayal, and power struggles unravel in Paris. The growing tension between Frollo's tormented desires and Esmeralda's plight escalates rapidly. Quasimodo becomes entwined in a struggle that challenges societal norms and confronts profound questions of humanity, justice, and love, setting up for a dramatic crescendo in the heart of the Gothic cityscape.
Writers: Victor Hugo, Perley Poore Sheehan, Edward T. Lowe Jr.
Release Date: 06 Sep 1923
Runtime: 133 min
Rating: Passed
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
The 4K restoration of The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Kino Lorber is a spectacular upgrade, offering unparalleled clarity and essential special features.
Read our review of The Hunchback of Notre Dame Blu-ray to find out more