"Why Couldn't I Be Made of Stone?"

I am trying to avoid writing about classic films on this site. I believe films like Citizen Kane, and Casablanca are great, but so much has already been written about them, that I don't think I can add anything that hasn't already been said. So I am trying to highlight lesser known films, movies that may not be as familiar to the average viewer. But, one classic I feel the need to comment on is the 1939 film adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Starring Charles Laughton in the title role, and introducing a young Maureen O'Hara to American audiences as the lovely Esmeralda, this version is quite simply the best. Made in the same year as dozens of other classic films including; Gone With The Wind, The Wizard of OZ, Goodbye, Mr Chips, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach and many, many more, Hunchback tells the now legendary Victor Hugo tale of Quasimodo, the bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral. It is one of those early films that when viewing, you find it hard to believe that it was filmed on a Hollywood back lot and not on the streets of Paris . William Dieterle, known for managing large crowds of extras in many of his films, directs a brilliant cast of famous faces including character actors Thomas Mitchell, Alan Marshall, Harry Davenport, and Cedric Hardwicke. Shot beautifully in black & white, by cinematographer Joseph H. August (who also shot Gunga Din that same year) the film also carries a haunting score by legendary film composer Alfred Newman. But it is Laughton and O'Hara who carry the film, their relationship onscreen is a heart-wrenching tug-of-war. One needing the other for her survival, and the other obsessed by the beauty and kindness he has so seldom ever experienced. Laughton's make-up is still believable today, and it is almost impossible not to feel something for this hopeless soul. While watching the two interact onscreen, the fear on O'Hara's face is quite real and convincing. Edmond O'Brien who portrays Gringoire, the love interest to Esmeralda, comes across valiant and handsome. Almost hard to believe when viewing, considering the hefty character actor O'Brien is to become in later years. A deeply atmospheric film, that projects not only mystery, and at times grotesque horror, but great pathos and feeling for the films unlikely hero. Available on DVD in a beautifully restored print.

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame [DVD](1939) DVD
Charles Laughton gives a stunning and touching performance as Quasimodo, the deformed bellringer in 15th-century Paris who is befriended by Gypsy girl Maureen O'Hara. Cedric Hardwicke and Edmond O'Brien also star in this classic period drama, the first sound rendition of Victor Hugo's novel. 117 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; documentary; theatrical trailer.

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame [VHS](1939) VHS
Charles Laughton gives a stunning and touching performance as Quasimodo, the deformed bellringer in 15th-century Paris who is befriended by Gypsy girl Maureen O'Hara. Cedric Hardwicke and Edmond O'Brien also star in this classic period drama, the first sound rendition of Victor Hugo's novel. Special video release includes the original trailer, a "making of" documentary, and an interview with O'Hara. 115 min. NOTE: This Title Is Out Of Print; Limit One Per Customer.