Review of the Plot of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1977)

The plot is fairly straightforward from the book.

A play written by Pierre Gringoire is being preformed at the Palace of Justice. The audience however, is not very receptive, particularly Jehan Frollo, the brother of the archdeacon. 

As a diversion, the people decide to elect a pope of fools. Quasimodo, the bell ringer is chosen, despite the objections of Claude Frollo, the archdeacon who insists that Quasimodo is "Deaf and good" while the public are "all swine." 

Nevertheless, Quasimodo is carried off.

Robin Pousspain calls the remaining attention to La Esmeralda, who is dancing in the square.

Among the people watching the gypsy is Frollo.

Quasimodo returns and is dethroned by Frollo. Quasimodo pleads that his his jeerers have "Made me their pope, monsenior" but Frollo warmly encourages him to "come home."

As Gringoire follows Esmeralda, Quasimodo and Frollo attempt to kidnap the gypsy. They are stopped by Phoebus, who arrests Quasimodo and enchants Esmeralda. Seeing her leave, Phoebus remarks that he'll "Have her front back and sideways."

Gringoire is captured by beggars and put on trial their king, Clopin. His life is offered to be spared if someone will marry him, and Esmeralda ends up doing so, though only out of pity.

The next day, Quasimodo is on trial for his crime of kidnapping. Jehan and Robin discuss the deaf auditor, Master Florain, and mock him. They are also on trial for causing a riot with their fellow students. Quasimodo, fearful of his master's presence, says random answers, causing the students to laugh. Jehan calls Florain an "old goat." Florian believes it is Quasimodo who said this insult, and worsens his punishment accordingly.

Jehan Frollo, encouraged by Robin Pousspain, takes the opportunity to be Quasimodo's lawyer, explaining how he, as the brother of the archdeacon, is given the benefit of the doubt. Jehan gives some background on Quasimodo and his upbringing. "This malformed monster who, though often incoherent, is not dumb, but almost as deaf as your worthy auditor!" he proclaims. He is shot down, and Quasimodo is sentenced to a flogging. Gringoire attempts to appeal to Floarian, saying that Quasimodo's deafness renders the case unproven. He is instead sentenced to two hours in the pillory.

While Quasimodo is being flogged, Jehan provides commentary on the fickle nature of human beings. Frollo approaches the pillory, but leaves Quasimodo to suffer. Quasimodo begs for water, but is mocked by the people. Esmeralda renders him succor from her canteen. When Quasimodo is freed, and returns to his tower, he rings the bells, but is distracted by Esmeralda. He gazes at her from afar. He has fallen in love with the gypsy.

Gringoire is scolded by Frollo for being married to Esmeralda. Gringoire wonders if Frollo is unwell.

Esmeralda is invited to dance for Phoebus and Fleur de Lys. The noblewomen mock Esmeralda, saying that "She hardly smells at all." Phoebus arranges a date with Esmeralda.

In his cell, Frollo is practicing alchemy. Jehan enters, begging for money. Jehan taunts Frollo about how he is a "profligate younger brother," Quasimodo is the "Ibecile foundling subjected to the indignities of the pillory" and that Gringoire has become a "Gypsy's pimp." Jehan explains to his brother all about the "Squalid melodrama" revolving around Esmeralda. He reveals how Phoeubs and Esmeralda will be together that night.

Frollo confronts captain Phoebus, who allows the mad priest to watch him and Esmeralda have their way with one another. Esmeralda attempts to convince Phoebus that she must remain chaste. While Phoebus is making his move, Frollo bursts out from his hiding place and stabs Phoebus. Esmeralda is convicted of the crime.

Quasimodo has a nightmare of the previous kidnapping, how he was forced into it by Frollo.

Esmeralda is on trial for the murder of Phoebus. She denies all of the accusations brought forth by the witnesses and by Charmalou the prosecutor. Under torture, she confesses and is sentenced to die. Frollo visits her while she is imprisoned. He offers her safety in exchange for her becoming submissive to him. She rejects him.

Esmeralda is being prepared for execution. Gringoire appeals to Frollo, begging that that "She is innocent," but Frollo ignores these claims. While preforming Esmeralda's last rites, Frollo once more offers himself to her. Esmeralda sees Phoebus with Fleur de Lys and rejoices. Esmeralda tells Frollo that she should be free, seeing as how she is condemned for a crime never committed. Charmalou callously says that "People have come to see a hanging, not to debate the ethics of our judicial system." and brings Esmeralda to the scaffold.

Quasimodo rushes from the cathedral doors. He accends the scafold and throws the executioner into the crowd. He carries Esmeralda into the safety of the cathedral, shouting "Sanctuary," in the process.

Jehan proclaims Quasimodo to be "The best lawyer (he) ever saw."

In the cathedral, Quasimodo brings food and drink for Esmeralda. She tries to communicate her gratitude, but he tells her bluntly that "Quasimodo does not look upon Esmeralda."

Frollo, interrupted during his contemplation, tells Jehan to be "Damned", to "Roast in hell," and to "burn forever."

From the towers, Esmeralda spots Phoebus. She shows Quasimodo, who realizes that Phoebus is how a man is supposed to be: handsome.

Quasimodo, on Esmeralda orders, approaches Phoebus. Phoebus kicks Quasimodo to the ground. When he returns to Esmeralda, she is enraged, continuously striking the hunchback, crying "I hate
you!". Quasimodo merely thanks her and leaves.

Quasimodo, sobbing, rings the bells of Notre Dame. Frollo acends to the tower and attempts to rape Esmeralda. Quasimodo stops him, but upon recognizing Frollo, he begs to be killed. Frollo promises that "No one shall have her!"

Frollo tells Gringoire that the King has called for Esmeralda's death. Frollo tells Gringoire to exchange himself with Esmeralda in order to save her. Gringoire counters this, saying that he could convince Clopin to start a riot.  Gringoire is reluctant to do so, fearing bloodshed, but agrees when guilted by Frollo.

That night, Clopin leads the beggars from the court of miracles to Notre Dame

Quasimodo throws timbers and stones, killing many vagabonds. He wants to protect Esmeralda. He feels that he'll "Damn (him)self, but it's for her."

Jehan and Robin cheer, commenting on how others are willing to kill for the vague notion of "the people."

Gringoire and Frollo bring Esmeralda out of Notre Dame. When the three of them reach the end of their destination. Gringoire leaves, pathetically apologizing for saving himself. Alone with Frollo, Esmeralda begs for someone to "fetch the bellringer" to save her.

Frollo gives Esmeralda to the hangman after being rejected for the final time.

The cavaliers arrive at Notre Dame, killing many vagabonds, including Jehan.

Frollo laments to Charmalou about the death of Jehan and how Quasimodo must be put to death.

Frollo walks up to the cathedral balcony. Quasimodo begs his master to save Esmeralda from execution. Frollo proclaims that Quasimodo is "Beyond salvation". The hunchback is struck down by his master. Tearing up, he moans that he "Loved (Frollo). My master...my idol...my father..."

The executioner kicks away the ladder, and then jumps and swings on Esmeralda's broken neck. Frollo smiles at this, resulting in Quasimodo tossing him off of the cathedral. Quasimodo is in despair. All that he loved is dead.

While the bodies of the recent dead are removed, Phoebus, Fleur de Lys and the entire nobility dance, in honor of their recent marriage.

The plot is probably the closest an adaption has come to the original novel. This is especially true in the film world. I don't think other faithful adaptations like Notre Dame de Paris (1956) and Parizes Dievmates Katedrale (1997) have a lot of the elements that this version has. For good or for ill, this version deserves credit for that.

Next: The Characters of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1977)