Introduction: Esmeralda; or The Deformed of Notre Dame

Illustrated cover art

Esmeralda; or The Deformed of Notre Dame, was a stage drama written by Edward Fitzball. It was first preformed around 1834, though some sources say 1836 or 1837. Fitzball wrote many plays during his career and was very popular in his time. He often dealt with macabre themes, which earned him the nickname of "The Terrible Fitzball."

He wrote Esmeralda after his wife encouraged him to read Hugo's Notre Dame de Paris. She had read it in its original language. He was "weary of writing" at the time, and the novel inspired him to write this play. The play was accepted immediately and it was a big success on the stage, and was preformed all around the world for many years.

Later on in his career, Fitzball wrote another adaptation of the book. That one had the exact opposite title of this one: Quasimodo; or The Gipsy Girl of Notre Dame.

Next: The Plot

Conclusion: Burbank Film's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1986)

Gringoire and Frollo converse

Burbank Films' The Hunchback of Notre Dame surprised me. It's not amazing or anything, but compared to the other animated adaptations, like the Dingo Pictures version, it's the best of the lot.

I'm grading on a curve, in other words.

There's actual effort here. The animation is fairly well done, and there's a really nice musical score. There's an actual attempt to be dramatic, and it's remarkably faithful to the original Victor Hugo novel.

Quasimodo sulks

It's fidelity to the source material is questionable at times. Being only 52 minutes, things are obviously abridged, but I feel that a lot of the time can be used more wisely. Gringoire is in a lot of the beginning, but he is just ignored in the second half. If he just disappears, then what's the point of having him at all?

This issue is worse with Clopin, who only has a single scene. I'm not sure why they wouldn't have him lead the mob to storm Notre Dame, like in the book, but they didn't. Again, why even bother in the first place?

I paid a penny for this movie. Yes, a whole cent. For that price, I'd say it's worth it. There's debate as to whether or not this or any of Burbank Films' catalog is in the public domain. It's not confirmed as of yet, but you can find it on Youtube anyway. If you're interested, you're not losing out on anything.

Voice Acting: Burbank Film's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1986)

Frollo

The voice acting, like the animation, is effective. Not a whole lot to say other than that. The acting is fairly natural, but a few lines are a bit overdone. The worst example of this is when Frollo shouts, during the rescue sequence,

 "You slow witted fool. Once she's inside the cathedral walls she cannot be touched. Curse you! Curse her! Curse the deformed monster I adopted and raised all of these years! Curse!"

Being an Australian production, a good deal of the characters sound Australian. This applies more to the extras than to the primary cast. A lot of people are bothered by it, but it's not really an issue for me. It works.

Next: Conclusion 

Art and Animation: Burbank Film's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1986)

Unlike the majority of these animated adaptations, the animation is fairly fluid.

There are these great watercolor skies, which are wonderfully moody and atmospheric. Buildings are also well done, and give an almost dreamlike quality to certain scenes.

The character designs are right out of a Hannah Barbara cartoon, as you can see. Gringoire is a dead ringer of Shaggy from Scooby Doo.

Widely Considered Disney's Worst Film

The 1986 version was released during a dark period of animation. Disney had essentially died out, sleepwalking through flops like The Black Cauldron. The adult animation industry, popularized by directors like Ralph Bakshi and his film Fritz The Cat, was also in a downward spiral. Television animation had become nothing more than cynical advertising vehicles, ordering boys and girls across the country to buy the latest He Man action figure or Rainbow Bright doll.

It wasn't until Who Framed Roger Rabbit and later  when animation had its renaissance.
The Little Mermaid

Burbank Films Austrailia specialized in faithful adaptations of classic fiction for children. They made many animated films, such as Peter Pan and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Hunchback was one of several films made in 1986.

Quasimodo seen through the crack in the door

With the quantity of films per year, it's obvious why the animation isn't anything amazing. But, considering the circumstances, I have come to apreciate it more. Coming back to animation from the 80s, especially stuff made for television, has been a challenge. A lot of it is so poor, both the writing and the artistry, that I can barely tolerate it. It's all so cynical and condescending, and cheap. Characters barely move. This is not the case with The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It's almost miraculous in that sense.

There are even a few inventive shots, for an animated film anyway. The most unique is example is when the camera peers, in first person, through a crack as Quasimodo walks toward the camera. There is even a little lighting effect, it's really nice.

Next: Voice Acting

Characters: Burbank Film's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1986)

Quasimodo

 Quasimodo is adequately played by Tom Burlinson. There's not a whole lot that differs from the novel with this portrayal. Burlinson is quite capable of conveying Quasimodo's pathos. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but this interpretation sounds an awful lot like Charles Laughton from the 1939 film. Quasimodo looks rather like a monkey here, and is animated like one. It gives him a sort of unnatural quality, which is really fitting for the character.

Archdeacon Claude Frollo

Ron Haddrick  provides the voice for Frollo. Unlike a lot of animated adaptations, Frollo is a priest and makes frequent references to religion. It's funny to think that a cartoon would include this element, but the 1956 film would not. The animators really run with Hugo's description of a "goblin monk." Frollo almost resembles Gargamel from the Smurfs, which is pretty funny. Sounds like him too. Even with that, I find this version of Frollo to be pretty effective.

Esmeralda

Esmeralda is fairly plain. She's nice, she's naive, but not particularly interesting. Angela Punch McGregor's performance is, like the way she's written, is plain. She's able to have a basic emotional range, pity for Quasimodo, fear for Frollo, admiration for Phoebus ect.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not compelling either.

Pierre Gringoire

Gringoire is used as the comic relief. In this, he succeeds. He's vain, wimpy and wishy washy.

I actually really enjoy Gringoire here, but for whatever reason he doesn't get a resolution. He just disappears halfway through the movie.

Phoebus

There's not much to say about this version of Phoebus. He's a nice guy who sincerely loves Esmeralda, basically the opposite of the book. Fleur de Lys and her family are absent, so his conflict there is not included.

The other characters are mostly extras. I considered including Clopin, but he's only in a single scene.

Next: Art and Animation

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Plot: Burbank Film's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1986)

Before the plot begins, there is a cold opening, a scene of Esmeralda dancing. Quasimodo, from the heights of Notre Dame, watches her for a moment, before eventually resting on a stone gargoyle. Frollo is also watching her, but eventually disappears, leaving his lamp behind.

Esmeralda, Quasimodo, and Gringoire

After the opening credits, the cold open is abandoned. Claude Frollo is attempting  alchemy, but cannot concentrate due to his thoughts of Esmeralda, the gypsy dancer. He calls for Quasimodo, his hunchbacked servant, but concludes that "what good is yelling for a man who is as dead as a post!" Quasimodo, after ringing the bells of Notre Dame, enters Frollo's cell, asking "if it's time to eat yet." Frollo informs Quasimodo that he has lost his appetite, and needs Quasimodo to accompany him, and assist in kidnapping Esmeralda. 

In the Paris streets is the poet Gringoire, who also pines for Esmeralda, and laments his dilemma through poetry.  Esmeralda herself passes by, scolding her goat Djali for eating rubbish instead of "a nice green apple." What she does not expect is Quasimodo who, on Frollo's orders, tries to kidnap her. Gringoire tries to save her, but is knocked to the ground instead.

Gringoire preforms a test

Esmeralda is successfully rescued by Captain Phoebus, who threatens to run over Quasimodo with his horse. Frollo escapes without being caught. Phoebus has the hunchback arrested. Esmeralda takes a liking to Phoebus, and remarks on the beauty of his name when he leaves.

Gringoire frets over his personal failures, and is chased by faux cripples into the court of miracles, the den of beggars and thieves. A green parrot informs Clopin, the king of these people, that Gringoire is an included. He decides to hang Gringoire, feeling he is being judged as fair as the contemporary legal system. Gringoire, to avoid death, has to preform a test, which he quickly fails. He is then offered to women to avoid hanging. Esmeralda marries him, but only out of pity.

Then next day, the archbishop visits Frollo in his cell. He informs Frollo that Quasimodo has been arrested. Frollo refuses to testify at the trial, using the false excuse of not wanting to disgrace the church. The archbishop inquires about Frollo's practice of alchemy. Frollo is quick to deny that as well.

Quasimodo on the pillory

At the Palis de Justice, the prosecutor Charmalou tries to explain to the deaf judge that Quasimodo is to stand trial. The judge just answers randomly, so, frustrated, Charmalou brings his attention to Quasimodo. Quasimodo is unable to properly answer the judge's questions due to his being deaf. The judge assumes he is being mocked, and sentences Quasimodo to a flogging.

Quasimodo is whipped, and mocked by the people around him. He begs for water, and his master arrives. It seems that Frollo is there to help him, but instead he walks away. Esmeralda gives Quasimodo water, telling him to "just drink up." Esmeralda brings the public attention from Quasimodo to her.

She preforms tricks with her goat Djali, but stops in order to pursue Phoebus. At the inn, Esmeralda is reunited with Phoebus, but only a short while after this, he is stabbed by Frollo. Esmeralda is balmed and arrested. At her trial, she is accused of sorcery. Charmlalou manages to have Djali preform a trick, which is used as damning evidence against her.

Quasimodo and Esmeralda

She is sentenced to burn at the stake. Frollo offers her to come with him into the cathedral so he can have the responsibility of cleansing her soul. Esmeralda sees through this lie and says that she "would prefer to die" than be with him. Before the execution can proceed, Quasimodo swoops down, snatches Esmeralda, and saves her, crying "sanctuary" over and over. Frollo curses both Esmeralda and "the deformed monster (he) adopted and raised all of these years."

Quasimodo pours his heart out to Esmeralda, and she begins to pity him, apologizing for "judging (him) ugly because of (his) face." Quasimodo leaves her, but not before telling her his one regret, his only eye. He regrets having a single eye, because if he didn't he "wouldn't be able to see the way (he) makes peoples flesh crawl when they look at (him.)"

Frollo prepares to murder Esmeralda

The next day, Frollo visits Esmeralda when she is alone. He offers himself to her once more, and Esmeralda rejects his hateful advances. Frollo pulls out a dagger, with the intent of killing Esmeralda. Quasimodo stops him, and Frollo confronts Quasimodo about how ungrateful he is and how he also has been bewitched by Esmeralda. Frollo leaves, saying that if he can't have Esmeralda than no other man shall.

Esmeralda, in order to be safe from Frollo, is almost entirely confined to a single room. To combat her cabin fever, Quasimodo shows her his "friends," the church bells. He rings them for her amusement, swinging on them wildly. He shouts for the bells to "let all Paris hear your voice! Sing out! Sing for Esmeralda!"

Enraged townspeople then attack the cathedral, wanting to hang Esmeralda themselves. Quasimodo defends the church vigorously. Esmeralda is under the impression that all of the racket is from a parade outside. While surveying the action, Frollo grabs ahold of her, trying to push her to her death and "give these people what they want." Quasimodo runs to her aid, throwing Frollo aside.

Frollo attempts to do away with Quasimodo

After a brief struggle, Frollo is thrown to his doom by Quasimodo. Down below, Phoebus makes his way through the crowd. The people are amazed to see that he is alive. He proves Esmeralda's innocence, saying that she "has commuted no sin in her entire life...except to be born beautiful." Esmeralda says that Quasimodo is "the most beautiful and innocent man who was ever born." Quasimodo, touched, walks off to a gargoyle, looking into the sunset.


Next: Characters

Introduction: Burbank Film's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1986)

Title card

Burbank films Australia specialized in animated adaptations of classic novels geared towards children. Hunchback was one of several of these films, made in 1985 but not released until 1986.

In the United States, it mostly aired on obscure cable channels, like the then new Nickelodeon. This was before the started having original programming.

The film was subsequently rebranded as more cutesy and family friendly after the Disney movie came out. There are about a  dozen versions on DVD from endless companies. Many of them, like the one I own, don't seem legitimate. The files literally say that the DVD is a "DVD-r." Some guy probably made this in his basement, which would explain the poor video quality.

Next: The Plot

Conclusion: Classics Illustrated Issue 18 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

1949 reprint cover

Compared to the previous reviews, particularly for the 1956 version, my review of Classics Illustrated has been fairly short. And that's mostly because there's not really much to say about it. It's an adaption made entirely to be an adaptation. It succeeds in this goal fairly well.

While some of the writing is a bit too dense for its target demographic, I do appreciate how it doesn't try to dumb things down, even when it only runs 48 pages.

The art is the real highlight here. The level of detail, while fairly typical of the period, is fun to look at and converys the narrative well.

The digital edition is currently priced at $ 4.99, and honestly that's a bit steep. You can find the original comic or one of the dozens of reprints for less than that. If you can find it, I'd recommend it.

Supplemental Material: Classics Illustrated Issue 18 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Biography of Victor Hugo

Besides the comic adaptation, Classics Illustrated also included additional material. The first, and most relevant, is a biography of Victor Hugo. It's pretty standard stuff, and recounts a lot of basic information. For what it is, it works. Informative and brief.

After that, there's a one page article titled "The Wanderers," which details the history and plight of gypsies of the years. Again, it is informative, and it seems credible, for the time anyway.

"The Wanderers"

The final piece is another article. This one discusses the history of drama and theater, how it began with religious tradition and gradually evolved into the then new and exciting world of Broadway.

It's all effective. This was meant to educate more than to entertain.

Next: Conclusion

The Art of Classics Illustrated Issue 18 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo kneels before Frollo

Printing quality, for decades, was fairly poor for comic books. Colors would bleed, inking would blend, all sorts of problems. Not to mention the cheapness of the paper, which only made these problems worse.

Gringoire, alarmed

Despite these limitations, the art thrives. It's not something you'd want to hang on your wall, but for the period, this is excellent comic book artwork. Keeping to the serious nature of the story, the art is not very comedic. It's played fairly straight, but there are a few moments of brevity, like when Gringoire discovers his lack of money.

There's a lot of great facial detail, and moody shadows throughout.

The characters are sketched right out of the novel, but it still has its own distinct style. The artist excellently captures moods and expressions. Comparing it to other Classics Illustrated issues, the art, which usually were less visually interesting, it feels even more remarkable.

Next: Supplemental Material 

The Adaptation: Classics Illustrated Issue 18 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gringoire at the Palace of Justice

Instead of going over the plot, I think it would be better if I examined how well this works as an adaptation. Unlike the other pieces reviewed here, this was meant specifically to be an adaptation, rather than a dramatic or artistic work.

It seems that certain descriptions were ripped straight from the book. Certain sentences feel stiff or awkward, a result, it seems, from basing itself on early translations, which were very inconsistent. As an example, instead of saying men or women, the comic uses words like "male" or "female." It also can be awkward like when, early on, Gringoire remarks that the Parisians are "a pretty pack of boobies." The actual line is meant to be "A fine rabble of asses and dolts, these Parisians," but, likely not wanting to use "offense language," the line was changed. Of course today, this is unintentionally hilarious.

Claude Frollo

Another case is with the use of "old English," such as "thy" "thou" and adding "est" instead of "ed" at the end of words. It's mostly unnecessary, and most contemporary translations remove these things.

As an adaptation, it's fairly basic. There are some subtractions, like the absence of Jehan and the removal of more lude or violent scenes, like the "Key to the Red Door"  chapter.

It works for what it is.

Next: Art

Introduction: Classics Illustrated Issue 18 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Cover of the 1961 reprint

Classics Illustrated was a series of comic books that was intended to promote literacy in children. It was also used to promote the reading of classic literature in a way that was not intimidating or daunting to kids and young adults.

Classics Illustrated lasted for hundreds of issues, and back issues are still being sold digitally today.

Hunchback was adapted in the 18th issue. On top of the comic adaptation, it also included some background information and a
biography of Victor Hugo.







Next: The Adaptation

Conclusion: Notre Dame de Paris/The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956)

Publicity still

I think that Notre Dame de Paris (1956) can best be compared to La Esmeralda. Both were written by people who had a considerable knowledge of the source material, Victor Hugo, the original author, and Jacques Prevert, poet and screenwriter, respectively.

Both also, while faithful in certain departments, fall short in regards to characterization. The characters of La Esmeralda were cardboard cutouts, here they are a bit more developed, but not substantially. Both also suffer from censorship, as can be seen in the character of Claude Frollo.

While La Esmeralda eventually ended in riots, Notre Dame de Paris eventually was forgotten. Some hold it as a classic, particularly in Europe, where it was more successful. Others, particularly those who were young when the film was released, remember it sentimentally.

Film director Guillermo del Toro recalls in an episode of Trailers From Hell that the film "is a sentimental favorite of mine."

He also goes on to mention that, "It does away with some of the more controversial elements of the novel, but you can see (when Esmeralda and Phoebus are kissing) why my interest was, um, growing as a child. I was introduced by the birds and the bees and all of those mysteries by Gina Lollobrigida, who made up in certain departments what she lacked in acting skills."

One of the few distant shots in the film

The English version is the inferior of the two, but not by a whole lot. It does feature some rather poor dubbing, and, for whatever reason, they added a lot of Anthony Quinn grunting and making guttural noises in the English version.

It can be pretty irritating.

The lack of artistic direction doesn't help either.
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While I do appreciate sticking to the source material, especially with the ending scene, that doesn't excuse the film's shortcomings.

The Sets and Cinematography of Notre Dame de Paris/TheHunchback ofNotre Dame (1956)

Louis xi and Charmalou observe architectural repairs

The trailer to the film claims that the movie was filmed "on the spot in Paris."

The legitimacy of this claim is debatable. As an example, after being snubbed for charity by Louis xi, the camera pans up the cathedral, only to stop at the gallery of the kings. The previous Hollywood adaptations, to save time and resources, built the set for Notre Dame up to the gallery. Most of the time, the entirety of the cathedral isn't seen, and that's because it isn't needed. That particular shot seems to suggest similar consolations.

Exterior of Notre Dame

I do believe that, from certain exterior shots, the actual Notre Dame cathedral may have been used, but I can't say for sure.

The direction is fairly plain, which is unfortunate. There are very few dynamic  camera angles. The direction is functional, perhaps to accommodate the production of the two versions, or just general laziness.
While it is nice that it is in widescreen (CinemaScope specifically) that doesn't make up for the flat direction.

The sets themselves are similarly plain. They work. though some of them feel a bit too artificial. The sets are treated as they are, sets. Notre Dame is just a building here, nothing more.

The Court of Miracles

The streets are not very populated. The "thousands of extras" advertised don't seem to be present. Crowds are usually placed densely in certain areas, leaving the rest of the scene barren.


Next: Conclusion 

Characters of Notre Dame de Paris/The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gina Lollobrigida

Gina Lollobrigida was a popular sex symbol during the 1950s. She was an icon of her day, which led to her landing the starring role in Notre Dame de Paris. Gina has been praised by members of the Romani people for being an accurate depiction of a historical gypsy.

She's written as young and naive, but Lollobrigda plays Esmeralda as lusty and mature. It just doesn't gel very well. Either the script should have been rewritten to accommodate Gina and her acting style, or a different actress should have been cast.

Anthony Quinn as Quasimodo

Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame, does not live up to his title. He has no hunchback, and even if he does, it's hardly noticeable. Quinn, at most, just sort of slouches. Most of the time, he is as straight as a ruler. The makeup is not as grotesque as the previous movie Quasimodo's, Lon Chaney and Charles Laughton. Or indeed, Victor Hugo's original descriptions. Quasimodo just sort of has a slanted eye and greasy hair. From a distance, he doesn't even look deformed.

I'm not sure what they're trying to portray Quasimodo as. Is he a misunderstood child, mentally challenged, an idiot savant, or just a dummy? The performance is all over the place.  I can't really get a read on him. While Anthony Quinn is a great actor, I just don't think that he's right for Quasimodo. Certainly not the way he's written here. 

He doesn't seem to be much of an outcast, more of a village idiot. Children play catch with him while he giggles. Even when he's being flogged, people seem more to joke around than cruelly taunt him.

Alain Cuny as Claude Frollo

Alain Cuny is thoroughly wooden as Claude Frollo. He seems to be playing it subdued, but, like Quasimodo, I can't really understand him. He doesn't seem to have a lot going on. If you hadn't read the novel, his motivations are completely vague. While their are certain hints of his priesthood, there is enough contradicting evidence to say otherwise. If it's not in the film, it's not in the film.

The 1956 adaptation is the first major film version to have Frollo as an alchemist. It doesn't add to any theme or affect the narrative, it only prolongs it.

Alain Cuny has two emotions in this version. Either he is speaking in monotone or growling like a drunken pig. Neither of which are particularly compelling. He is not very imposing, despite flapping his cloak around like a dime store Bela Lugosi. Cuny also is far too physically attractive for the part. While the actor was nearly in his fifties at the time of filming, he still looks fairly young. His full head of black hair only add to this.

I actually rather enjoy the rest of the cast, who are mostly alike to their literary rivals, but the primary three protagonists, Esmeralda, Quasimodo, Frollo, drag the movie down.

Next: Sets and Cinematography 

Differences Between the French and English Versions of the 1956 Adaptation

Quasimodo as the Pope of fools (left) , Quasimodo as the king of fools (right)

The most distinct difference is with Quasimodo during the festival. In the English version, Quasimodo is hailed as the king of fools, but in the French version he is the Pope of fools, as in the original novel. The Hayes censorship code still existed in 1956, so even something fairly minor like this would be a sticking point. He even has a different outfit. Instead of a Papal tiara and cope, Quasimodo wears a royal crown and robe.

Frollo crosses his heart (left), Frollo covers his face (right)

From what I've gathered, the filmmakers really wanted to imply that Frollo was a priest. A lot of people assume he is here, especially in the french version. While it's never mentioned, Frollo does make a few passing mentions to religion. A lot of Frollo's religious comments (none of which were particularly notable) are cut from the English version. The biggest change is when seeing Esmeralda in Notre Dame. In the English version, Frollo covers his face in shame. In the French, he crosses his heart.

Gringoire has several scenes which were removed from the English version. 

Frollo alone (left), Frollo and Jehan (right)

There's an additional scene in the English version where Jehan tries to encourage Claude Frollo to watch Esmeralda's execution, only to be rejected. In the French version, Jehan is not present, and Frollo walks alone.

The differences are mostly related to dialogue and cultural changes. The French version is closer to
the novel, but things generally are minor.

American lobby card

French poster art

The marketing was slightly different in different regions. In Europe, emphasis was placed on Gina Lollobrigida
as a then contemporary sex symbol.

In North America, the film was marketed more as a horror film, with Anthony Quinn prominently displayed.

Next: Characters 

The Plot: Notre Dame de Paris/The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956)

Anaykh

The film opens with narration, detailing the history of the word "Anaykh," which the filmmakers claim to mean "evil destiny," and how Victor Hugo himself used this word as the foundation to "one of the greatest of his books," and in turn, this film.

At the Palace of Justice, a mystery play written by Pierre Gringoire is being preformed. But the people are not content with "The Quest For Beauty," and heckle the play, kidnapping the musicians and taking over the stage. In order to calm the people, the Flemish ambassador Jaques Coppenole, suggest that the people "have a king (of fools) to elect." 

Jaques Coppenole, The Cardinal, Guillaume Rym

The people gather in the square to build the throne for the King of Fools, when the alchemist Claude Frollo tells them to "Take that away!" Frollo is mocked, taunted with cries of "Old sour face" and "Master killjoy." The jeerers surround Frollo, causing Quasimodo to come to his aid. Frollo orders him to destroy the throne and Quasimodo obeys, flipping it over. 

As Frollo walks away, Quasimodo follows him, as do the people, who mockingly sing, "Oh Quasimodo, you took back half of his soul, he say you ring the bells but you do not hear them toll, but he wants to go away, today is all fools' day." Embarrassed

Quasimodo and Claude Frollo

, Frollo tells Quasimodo that he"can go" away from him.

Frollo is then confronted by Jehan, dressed as a devil, who begs for money. Frollo tells Jehan to "Go to the devil," and Jehan declares that "Henceforth (he) shall steal what (he) needs."

When he arrives at the palace, Gringoire  tells Frollo how the people have ruined his play. Then, Esmeralda enters, taking her white goat Djali with her, and in turn the rest of the audience. 

Frollo informs Gringoire that Esmeralda is a "gypsy, always dancing in the square." Gringoire gives up, feeling that his play was "already on its last legs," and joins the crowd around Esmeralda. Esmeralda dances and sings, enchanting the audience, particularly Frollo who watches from a nearby window.

Esmeralda and Gringoire

The election of the king of fools, meanwhile, is in full swing. The people decide to elect Guillaume Rosseau, despite protests of him not being "ugly enough." Coppenole brings this choice to Clopin, who then brings it to Mathias, the Duke of Egypt, who feels Rousseau is "ugly enough to be king of anywhere."
Esmeralda brings the attention of the people to Quasimodo, who had been watching the festivities. Rousseau has his crown and robe taken off so it can be placed onto Quasimodo. Quasimodo is given a whistle is delighted that he can hear it "like the thunder, like the bells." He is carried on the same throne he was ordered to destroy earlier, laughing and whistling.

As night falls, Frollo becomes aware of Quasimodo's reign as King of Fools. He puts a stop to the parading of him, much to the dismay of the townspeople. The night watchman passes through the street, ordering people to go to sleep. Gringoire only wishes he could.

Frollo stops to listen to Esmeralda's song

Frollo and Quasimodo stumble across Esmeralda, who is singing a song about life's futility. Frollo despairs and Quasimodo laughs childishly. Frollo tells Quasimodo to kidnap Esmeralda because "she follows (him)...in the street, in (his) dreams," and Quasimodo obeys, though he is reluctant to do so.

Quasimodo approaches Esmeralda, but she flees, screaming for help. Quasimodo is arrested by Captain Phoebus and his soldiers. Quasimodo tries to explain that he "wasn't going to hurt (her)," but his words fall on deaf ears.

Phoebus rides off with Esmeralda, who just wants to ride with him all night. Phoebus tries to convince Esmeralda to sleep with him, but Esmeralda just runs away, laughing.

Gringoire on trial

Gringoire is captured by vagabonds and taken to their hideout, known as the court of miracles. Clopin, Mathias. and Guilloume are the leaders there, and they tell Gringoire that he'll "have a fair trial." He's put up for auction, essentially, if any woman wants to marry him, he'll live. He is offered to some beggar women, who mock his physic and stature. Esmeralda offers to marry Gringoire. Gringoire is delighted, but Esmeralda tells her new husband that "if you touch me, I'll kill you." Gringoire assures her that "that won't be necessary," and is content to be an assistant to Esmeralda.

Jacques Charmalou, Claude Frollo, and Louis Xi

The next day, Louis Xi, the king of France, arrives at Notre Dame. He casually ignores all offers made to him, be it for "old rags" or even simple "charity." He has come, along with his prosecutor Jaques Charmalou, to investigate Claude Frollo and his alchemist practices. Frollo explains to Louis Xi (Who disguises himself under the false name Gossip Torango) that "gold is the only true light," even though he hasn't made it yet. It is clear that Esmeralda is still on Frollo's mind, for, when attempting to divine magical female names, the first he whispers is "Esmeralda."

The three of them stop to watch what is going on in the town Square. Louis Xi inquires who is being tortured and Charmalou informs him that it is, in fact, Quasimodo, whom "Frollo tried to turn into a human being, but to no avail."

Quasimodo is being whipped for his crime the day before. The man who administered the flogging drinks from his pitcher of water. Quasimodo tells the man that he is thirsty, and the man pours out his pitcher of water right in front of him, telling Quasimodo to "help (him)self."

Esmeralda takes pity on Quasimodo

Jehan Frollo, who had just arrived steals the empty pitcher and fills it with water. He places it only inches away from Quasimodo, but, because Quasimodo is tied down to the pillory, he is unable to reach it. This causes the people to laugh wildly. Quasimodo cries out for "water!' but is met with rotten vegetables instead. Esmeralda climbs the pillory and gives the pitcher of water to Quasimodo, simply because "he's thirsty.' Quasimodo shouts "thank you" to Esmeralda.

Quasimodo, after his whipping, returns to Notre Dame, where he smiles at the square below, where Esmeralda is preforming. Gringoire is accosted by Frollo, who believes that Gringoire has 'sunk so low as to embrace a gypsy." Gringoire assures Frollo that he hasn't. He leaves Frollo to assist Esmeralda in preforming a trick with Djali. Djali spells the word 'Phoebus' with wooden blocks, and Frollo pronounces this as "witchcraft."

Fleur de Lys has Phoebus clear the streets to prove his love to her. He does so, while at the same time arranging a date with Esmeralda. Fleur remarks about how much she loves Phoebus.

Esmeralda and Phoebus

That night, after drinking at the Pomme de Eve with Jehan, Phoebus is confronted by Frollo. Frollo tries to warn Phoebus about Esmeralda, but Phoebus doesn't care to listen. Now with Esmeralda, the two of them begin to kiss. Phoebus tells Esmeralda that he loves her "for a thousand nights." Esmeralda feels that Phoebus lies like "all men lie," but she feels she loves him just the same. Feeling safe, she throws her dagger out of the window, where it found by Frollo, who takes the opportunity to violently
stab captain Phoebus.

Esmeralda on trial

Esmeralda is convicted of the crime and put on trial. She is accused of being a witch, though she persistently
denies all accusations against herself and her goat, also on trial. Frollo, who is presiding over the trial because of his extensive knowledge of demonology, tries to defend her, referring to a man in black (really himself) who is truly guilty. When Esmeralda mentions things like "love" and "life" Frollo turns against her, and the court has her tortured. She confesses to "whatever (they) want," and is sentenced to die on the gallows.

Quasimodo discovers Frollo writing "Anaykh"

Quasimodo rings her death toll, only knowing that "they're hanging another woman who makes music." After finishing, he discovers Frollo writing "Anaykh"on the wall of the tower. He sees Esmeralda being dragged to the gallows and is alarmed. 

Quasimodo shows Esmeralda his home

Quasimodo slides down on a rope, pushes away the executioner, and claims "Sanctuary" for Esmeralda.

In the safety of the church, Quasimodo cuts the rope tied around her neck and her arms. Esmeralda mistakes this for an attack, and despite Quasimodo's efforts to explain himself, he comes up short. She is terrified of him. Quasimodo gives Esmeralda the whistle from earlier in case she needs him, and tells her to "please not step outside or they'll kill you."

Frollo sees Esmeralda and thinks she is a ghost, but upon seeing her goat Djali, his fears are confirmed. Esmeralda tries to hide from Frollo, but he catches up with her. He attempts to force himself on her, but is stopped by Quasimodo. Frollo attempts to order Quasimodo to leave, and he nearly does, until Esmeralda prevents him. appalled, Frollo leaves. Quasimodo informs Esmeralda that Frollo made him try to kidnap her. Esmeralda understands, and is "no longer afraid of (him.)"

Esmeralda dances for Quasimodo

The next day, Quasimodo tries to give Esmeralda a scarf as a present, but she screams at the sight of him, making Quasimodo flee in shame. He runs to the bells for comfort, banging his head and moaning "why?" over and over. Esmeralda apologizes, saying that Quasimodo has only "an unhappy face." Quasimodo explains that people mocking him "didn't hurt" but frightening Esmeralda did. Esmeralda dance for Quasimodo to cheer him up, and to return the favor, Quasimodo rings the bells with all of his might.

"Down there, they're bad."

Quasimodo, as time goes by, tries to make Esmeralda feel more at home. He climbs all over the church in order to get her flowers, but she's more concerned about Captain Phoebus. She tells Quasimodo to bring him to her and he tries to, but Phoebus merely kicks Quasimodo away. Quasimodo returns with flowers, lying that they were a gift from Phoebus. Esmeralda sees through this, and laments that "if only Phoebus has (Quasimodo's) heart, how wonderful everything would be."

Frollo consults Louis xi, trying to encourage him to remove the right of sanctuary in order for Esmeralda to be hanged. Louis xi is uncertain because "the people insist upon it...they might revolt." Louis and Frollo go to a man who has been locked in a cage under the Bastille for fourteen years to answer the question, and he reveals that, indeed, sanctuary has been suspended in the past, and therefore can be again. Louis xi assures

Quasimodo nearly leaves Notre Dame

him that he "won't be forgotten" and prays to a statue of the Virgin Mary to kill Esmeralda.

People are ordered to leave Notre Dame in order for the "king's justice to be done" Gringoire tries to ask Frollo to help Esmeralda, but Frollo rejects the idea, not even pitying him. Frollo tries to get Quasimodo to leave the cathedral, but Quasimodo refuses, saying "I believed in you once...never again!" and locking the doors behind him.

The vagabonds from the court of miracles are enraged, and mob to save Esmeralda themselves. On top of that, they also plan to "rip out the insides" of Notre Dame "for good measure." Led by Clopin, Mathias, and Guillame, the vagabonds try to break down the door. Quasimodo thinks they've come to hang Esmeralda, and fights back, throwing beams and stones and molten lead from the tower. Jehan, who became a vagabond after rejecting Frollo, tries to climb into the church with a ladder, but is thrown to his death, singing.

Frollo watches the body being dragged

The kings guards come and fire arrows on all sides at the vagabonds. Esmeralda wakes up from her sleep, and tries to leave the church herself, but is shot by an arrow and killed. Clopin comes to her aid, asking the soldiers to "have mercy on her," and is stabbed in the heart. Frollo separates himself from Charmalou and the hangman, who say that Esmeralda should be taken to the gallows anyway because she was sentenced to hang. Quasimodo searches far and wide for Esmeralda, and eventually finds her dead body being dragged to the gallows. Quasimodo bursts into tears. Frollo enters to watch the body of Esmeralda. Quasimodo realizes that he is responsible, and throws him to his death.

The marriage of Quasimodo

Esmeralda's body is taken from the gallows to the vault of montfocoun, where the corpses of the condemned are put to rest. Quasimodo finds her there, lies by her side until he dies himself. The film concludes with narration, stating that years later two skeletons were found entwined. When someone tried to separate them, they fell to dust.

Next: Differences Between The French and English Versions