The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)

Better than the book...

The plot for this hunchback is the precursor of the Disney version, only darker. Charles Laughton brilliantly portrays Quasimado, in one of his best roles. The sets make you believe the movie was filmed on location, in renaissance-era Paris, and you get caught up in the story, with all its stark beauty and tragic ugliness. Black and white. June 28, 2008

Good movie

I never thought about it, but I guess 1939 was very good year for the movie industry. I've been meaning to watch this movie for like forever and I'm glad I finally did. Maureen O'Hara was absolutely beautiful and Langston was spot on. I had no problem following the story however am very weary of stories (fiction or otherwise) that lay the troubles of the world at the feet of beautiful women. Great performances, great direction-this movie is definately worth your time. April 5, 2008

Beauty and the lovestruck beast

This classic 1939 movie remains one of my favorites of all time. I first saw it at the age of 8-10 years on our old black and white TV. The images I saw mesmerized me and have stayed clearly in my mind through the years. Charles Laughton invokes a wide range of emotion while playing the lovelorn Parisian hunchback Quasimodo and all beneath large amounts of prosthetics. His love of the woman who saves him from dehydration is fantastically portrayed by the actor and extremely moving. What I like even more about this movie is that Quasi never really gets the girl! It's nice not to have the standard Hollywood ending for a change. Not only is the acting top rate but the sets, which are mentioned in detail by other reviewers, is a joy to behold. Remember this was filmed in 1939 and they did not have the large stage sets of today. Even with that said, the sets are very impressive and beautifully created given the right impression of the period.
I also agree the the only thing lacking with this movie is the DVD quality but as the movie goes on it sort of lends itself to the period, making you feel as if you are back in olden times. As someone once commented, what's the point of looking at an old movie in pristine condition. Scratches and dirt help the movie look and feel old. I'm still not sure I agree with this idea and I certainly would buy a remastered version of this if it were to appear. Having said that though, I love this movie as i am sure you will too. Once seen, never forgotten. April 5, 2008

Hunchback Of Notre Dame - Charles Laughton

This is a classic epic that is so enjoyable to watch. It's been many years since I last saw this movie and watching it again makes me appreciate the vision and excellent acting of Charles Laughton, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Maureen O'Hara. This was truly an amazing blockbuster movie. Special features include a revealing interview with Maureen O'Hara. March 6, 2008

A sad mirror on reality

So powerful is the story in this movie, I cannot watch it through Quasimodo's lament to a gargoyle ("Why was I not made of stone like thee?") without tears pouring down my face.

This film is a masterpiece in all senses of the word. January 16, 2008

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