Costumes and Makeup: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

Phoebus, Fleur de Lys, and various aristocrats 

The costumes of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) are another one of its highlights. I'm no expert on period costumes, but everything here seems accurate, or at the very least it feels accurate.

There is a clear distinction between rich and poor. The "aristocrats," as the film calls them, are dressed elegantly. The denizens of the court of miracles, almost universally, are dressed in rags and tatters. none are over designed or too Hollywood to be taken seriously.

Lon Chaney's makeup is lifted beat for beat from the novel. Everything from the red, bristly hair to the humped back, to the twisted bandy legs are included. It's nothing short of impressive, both in its time and today. It may be a bit too literal a translation from the page, and would probably look rediculous in a sound movie. However, for a 1923 effect, I can go with it. For better or for worse, it is considerably accurate to the source material.

Next: Sets and Cinematography