Conclusion: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

Behind the scenes photograph

The 1923 version is one of the most important movies ever made, and it rarely gets credit for that. I think that's partially because bigger, better, and more influential films have come out since. It is also, at least in the public eye, overshadowed by RKO Studios' sound remake from 16 years later.

I think that it's more important to consider this film's influence rather than the film itself.

While not a horror film, without Hunchback's influence, or at the very least its success, the horror genre as we know it today, pioneered by Universal Studios in the '30s and '40s, would be unthinkable.

Hunchback is also one of the first great movie "epics" along with Intolerance (1916) and The Ten Commandments (1925).

It also launched the career of Lon Chaney, and brought Universal Studios to the mainstream.

I think it's also the best reference we have for what early adaptations, like Fitzball's Esmeralda, would have looked like.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) is not only an important film, but also, if you can accept its shortcomings, a very impressive and enjoyable one.

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

Sets and Cinematography: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

The set under construction 

The sets of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) look astonishingly realistic. Unlike other period films of the time, the sets are not artificial and sterile looking.

The steps in Notre Dame, for example, are slightly worn down from years of people using them. Little details like that help the audience better immerse themselves in the film's world.

They are simply stunning, especially for a film that's nearly a hundred years old.

There is a clever use of extras here that works really well. Certain scenes with large crowds reuse the same extras in different places to create the illusion of a massive throng. This type of ingenuity was lacking in the 1956 adaptation, where Paris felt empty and underpopulated.

Other than that though, there's not a whole lot I can say about the cinematography and direction. It's fine, it's not poor, but it's nothing spectacular. The sets and actors are what matter most in silent films.

Next: Conclusion

Characters: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

Lon Chaney as Quasimodo

Lon Chaney plays Quasimodo as very bestial and grotesque, and it is likely that this is the element of the character that appealed to him. Chaney was an actor who excelled with bizarre and demanding roles. His talents earned him the nickname of "the man of a thousand faces."

He went through a lengthy and painful makeup process for the role. Chaney's Quasimodo looks as if he stepped right out of the Victor Hugo novel.

The more emotional elements of Quasimodo are not as explored here as in the novel. The filmmakers seem more interested in showing Chaney flick his tongue and climb about Notre Dame than they are in showing his pathos. When those parts do show up, Chaney plays them beautifully. Like his tongue flicking and limp, Chaney plays the role as an animal. He allows Esmeralda to pet his head like a loyal dog. Chaney's efforts paid off in spades. He's the most memorable thing about this movie.

Patsy Ruth Miller as Esmeralda

Patsy Ruth Miller's depiction of Esmeralda is seen as the most accurate depiction of the character on film according to Victor Hugo's decedents.The actress herself was irritated by the fact that people only recognized her "for being in The Hunchback," and not her other movie and radio roles.

 The role isn't very different than many previous dramatic adaptations. She's not to far off from the way the character was shown in Louise Bertin's La Esmeralda or in Edward Fitzball's The Deformed of Notre Dame. Very innocent, a "child of mystery," as a title card describes her.

Brandon Hurst as Jehan

Brandon Hurst plays Jehan, who is essentially this adaptation's substitute for Claude Frollo. The reason the change of character was made is fairly simple. Negative portrayals of clergymen were taboo, even in edgier pre-code silent films. Thus Jehan, Frollo's profligate brother, a very minor character in the book, is made into the villain, and a decidedly more secular one.

Hurst plays the character competently, but he's not allowed to explore the role in a unique or meaningful way. He's not in the movie enough to be a consistent threat. The audience starts to forget about him because the film is so concerned with Phoebus and Esmeralda's love story. Jehan, because of this, is not a very interesting or useful character.

I'll give him this though. He sure pioneered the cliche "holding cape over face to look spooky" gag.

Norman Kerry as Phoebus

Phoebus is the exact opposite of how he was in the novel. Again, a heroic Phoebus, along with a lovesick Esmeralda and secular Frollo, is a carry-on from decades of adaptations doing the same sort of thing. He's not a particularly compelling take on this trope if I am being honest..

That doesn't mean the character is bad necessarily, but a leading man needs to do more than smile and stroke his mustache. In 1923, this type of characterization was typical, perhaps even encouraged. In retrospect, it's dated considerably. Norman Kerry really hams it up here. He's the apotheosis of every silent film hero ever.

Ernest Torrence as Clopin

Clopin, the "king of the underworld," is more developed than in the novel. He has a strong disdain for authority and dreams of a rebellion. He has a greater connection to Esmeralda, having bought her from Gypsies. He's a father figure to her, and tries his best to look out for her.

Gringoire, played in this film by actor Raymond Hatton is purely a comedic relief character. Unlike Edward Fitzball's Gringoire, he's actually funny. Also, as in that play, he is a sidekick of sorts to Captain Phoebus.

The actor just has a great look for the character, and truly takes advantage of pantomime to convey the role, as much as he can, physically. I really wish that he was in it more.

Next: Costumes and Makeup

Raymond Hatton as Pierre Gringoire

The Plot: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

Exterior of Notre Dame

Ten years before Columbus discovered America, the people of Paris are celebrating the festival of fools. Looking down from the "rocky fastness of the cathedral" is Quasimodo, the "hunchback of Notre Dame." Quasimodo flicks his tongue at the city below, because he is "shut off from his fellow man by his deformities."

The king of France, Louis Xi, is worried by the rabble of the people, viewing it as an insult to both God and king. But Paris has another monarch, Clopin, the "king of the beggars" who pines for the day his people will rise above the aristocrats. A girl tries to aquaint herself with Clopin, but the beggar king tosses her asside. Dom Claude, the "saintly archdeacon of Notre Dame," comes to her aid and calms Clopin down.

Quaismodo and Jehan

Jehan, Dom Claude's irreverent brother, converses with Clopin about how one day they will bow before no other men. The people look to Notre Dame in terror. Quasimodo climbs, like a lizard, from the top of the cathedral to the very bottom. When on the ground, Quasimodo snarls at the people, but flinches at the sight of Jehan, who explains that Quasimodo is his slave. Jehan orders Quasimodo to follow him and he complies.

Then, Esmeralda, the"child of mystery" shows up. Gudule, a mad recluse curses at her. Marie, the queen of the gypsies, comforts her. Out of earshot, two older women explain how Gudule used to be happy before her daughter was stolen from her. Gudule prays day and night for her child to return, and irrationally hates Esmeralda.

Quasimodo watches Esmeralda dance

The festival of fools continues into the night. Quasimodo, for his exceptional ugliness, has been crowned the "king of fools." Gringoire, a "poet of the streets" takes delight and grimaces at Quasimodo's appearance. Clopin calls upon Esmeralda, whom he has adopted, to dance. Quasimodo bursts through the crowd of spectators to see her. Esmeralda, upon seeing the misshapen hunchback, is disgusted. She turns her nose to him and continues her dancing. Quasimodo is crushed by this gesture.

Fleur de Lys and Phoebus admire Esmeralda

To escape the "reveling mob" at the festival, Louis Xi goes to the Bastille for peace and quiet. While there, here promotes the dashing Phoebus de Chateaupers to the title of Captain of the Guard.  Phoebus tries to kiss the king's hand to show his gratitude,  but he retreats, brushing himself off.

Phoebus returns to the home of his fiance, Fleur de Lys. The two of them admire esmeralda, who is dancing in the street. Fleur seems more humored by the "pretty goat," that Esmeralda uses to preform tricks, but Phoebus is more interested in Esmeralda herself. Phoenus is called by a fellow soldier to come to the barracks.

Quasimodo rings the bells of Notre Dame. Once finished, he leaves the bell tower, satisfied. As Phoebus rides to his destination, he pays a visit to Esmeralda. To her, Phoebus is the "prince charming of her dreams." The two exchange glances before Phoebus has to ride off.

Jehan keeping a low profile

Jehan rushes through the group of spectators circled around Esmeralda. Every time that Jehan saw Esmeralda "he longed to posses her." He looks over the head of the spectators and sees Quasimodo, just outside of the enterence to Notre Dame. Jehan plans on kidnapping Esmeralda for himself, and intends on using his hunchbacked slave to do it for him. Because Jehan knows Esmeralda's path home, he and Quasimodo follow her into the night. On Jehan's orders, Quasimodo tries to grab hold of Esmeralda, but he is stopped by the local watchmen. Phoebus, part of the group, is viewed as a hero by Esmeralda. Quasimodo is tied up and taken away, but Jehan leaves unscathed.

Phoebus and Esmeralda

Phoebus rides off with Esmeralda and takes her to the Pomme d'Eve. To Phoebus, Esmeralda is just "another girl." To Esmeralda, Phoebus is a "golden dream come true." He tries to seduce her, but she refuses his advances. Phoebus, out of repect, chooses not to anyway and leaves.

Gringoire, by accident, ends up in the court of miracles, a city of thieves and vagrants. The court is ruled by Clopin, who sentences Gringoire to be hanged for trespassing. Esmeralda prevents this from happening. Clopin allows Gringore to live, but only reluctantly.

"Pity that overlooks all"

The next day, Quasimodo is on trial. He is sentenced to be whipped and he pleads to the judge. For that, twenty lashes are added to his punishment. Quasimodo is tied down the the pillory and is given "his first taste of the king's justice." As Quasimodo is being flogged, the crowd watching are jeering and some kiss each other. After his whipping is done, Quasimodo is left on the pillory for another hour. He tells the people that "I thirst," and is met with laughter.

Esmeralda passes by and is screamed at by Gudule, who says that she should be whipped instead of Quasimodo. Esmeralda sees Quasimodo in anguish and decides to take pity on him. She gives him a pitcher of water, and while he hesitates at first he eventually drinks from it graciously. Dom Claude comes to Quasimodo's aid, and unties his bonds.

To celebrate Phoebus becoming a captain of the guard, a ball is being held. Phoebus invites Esmeralda to come with him, but she is reluctant to. She feels her clothes are not good enough. Fortunately for her, Phoebus has prepared an outfit for her.

In Notre Dame, Quasimodo bumps into Jehan. Jehan seems a bit frightened of his hunchbacked slave and walks away from him. For betraying him in his time of need, Quasimodo has begun to bitterly hate Jehan. Dom Claude calms Quasimodo's rage with a touch of his hand. The hunchback follows him instead of Jehan.

Esmeralda intervenes 

At the ball, the aristocrats are bothered by Esmeralda's presence. Fleur de Lys is particularly offended. Suddenly, Clopin and the vagabonds storm in, demanding Esmeralda. Clopin tells Phoebus to give Esmeralda back or else he'll slit his throat. Esmeralda intervenes between the two of them.

 Clopin backs down, but only because his adopted daughter told him to. The king of the beggars, before leaving with his people, tell the aristocrats that they won't trample over his kind forever.

Gringoire is now a friend of Phoebus. The two try to have dinner, but because Phoebus is so concerned about Esmeralda he unintentionally ruins every attempt Gringoire makes to eat. Phoebus receives a later from Esmeralda telling him to meet her in Notre Dame. In the court of miracles, the idea dawns on Clopin: he is losing Esmeralda.  Marie doesn't want Esmeralda to leave, but she must. She wants to give herself to Phoebus and the virgin Mary.

Quasimodo watches the two lovers walk away

Jehan enters, covering his face with his cloak. He offers "half the treasure in Notre Dame" for the opportunity to marry Esmeralda. Clopin is tempted by the thought of his downtrodden people being like kings, but refuses. The time for uprising is not now.

Inside the cathedral, Esmeralda is overwhelmed by the beauty of the church. She find Phoebus near a pillar and goes to him. The two embrace when they notice Quasimodo. The hunchback had been lighting candles nearby, and he hides his face when they see him. Esmeralda smiles and he smiles back, but Phoebus insults him. Up above, Jehan witnesses what is happening and decides to follow them. The two lovers walk away to a garden, leaving Quasimodo alone.

In the garden, Phoebus promises his love to Esmeralda. Before they can finish, Jehan comes out from the shadows and stabs Phoebus. He runs away. Esmeralda tries to help her injured lover, but she is arrested. People believe that she is responsible.

A victim of the "question"

While on trial, Esmeralda denies the accusations against her. She points to Jehan, a member of the jury, as the true culprit. Jehan tells the judge that Esmeralda is "bewitched," which leads her to being sent to the "question," the middle age's method of justice. Esmeralda is brutally tortured. She confesses simply for the sake of relieving her pain. For this, Esmeralda is sentenced
to be hanged.

Phoebus, all the while, is gradually recovering. Jehan is allowed to visit him, with the assistance of Fleur de Lys. Jehan informs Phoebus that that "the wench" who stabbed him is going to be executed. Instead of being pleased, Phoebus is mortified by the thought.

Enraged by Esmeralda's condemnation, Clopin struts into Notre Dame and demands that Dom Claude return her. The archdeacon is busy with Quasimodo, praying. Dom Claude tells Clopin that she has already been found guilty. He can do nothing to help, only able to offer religious guidance.  Clopin laughs at the idea. Quasimodo pounces upon Clopin, meaning to attack him, but Dom Claude prevents it. Dom Claude and Quasimodo return to prayer and Clopin leaves the church.

Jehan and Esmeralda

Imprisoned, Esmeralda is visited by a priest. However, the priest reveals himself to be none other than Jehan. The archdeacon's brother tells her to "come with (him)" because, he lies, Phoebus wanted her to. Esmeralda sees through this, calling him an "assassin." Rejected, Jehan leaves her to die.

Esmeralda is brought before a mob of jeerers in a wooden cart. Gudule, knowing that the girl she so deeply hates is going to die, leaves her cell to murder Esmeralda on her own. The guards throw the hag aside, and bring Esmeralda to the gibbit. In the struggle, Gudule ripped off Esmeralda's necklace. This necklace belonged to her long lost daughter. Putting two and two together, she realizes that Esmeralda is actually her daughter. This shock is so great that Gudule dies on the spot.

Quasimodo watches Esmeralda sleep

Quasimodo watches the events below with workman repairing the cathedral. He slides down on a rope, knocks over the officials, and snatches up Esmeralda. The gaurds rush to the cathedral to stop him, but Dom Claude prevents them from doing so. He asks if they would dare "violate the sacred law of sanctuary."

In the sanctuary, Esmeralda is terrified of her rescuer. She soon comes around to the poor hunchback, petting him like an animal, making Quasimodo content.

To show his joy, Quasimodo rings the church bells, first with his feet and then with the whole force of his body.

In the court of miracles, Jehan tells Clopin that the king, fearing an uprising, has ordered Esmeralda to be hanged. To prevent this, Clopin raises an army to storm Notre Dame, plunder it, and bring
her back.

Quasimodo attacks Jehan

Quasimodo discovers the army of vagabonds ramming the church with spheres. Esmeralda watches in horror as Quasimodo hurls stones on the mob. The king, hiding in the Bastile, orders his men to stop the riot. The vagabonds are attacked by an army of soldiers, but their efforts to fight back are in vain, Clopin tells his people to fight on before he succumbs to his wounds and dies.

The death of Quasimodo

The hunchback finds his master attacking his only love. Jehan tries to tell Quasimodo to leave, only to have his slave retaliat. He violently strangles Jehan. In vain, Jehan stabs Quasimodo's hump with a dagger. The hunchback in spite of his pain, pushes his master to his death. Esmeralda turns from the scene in terror.

Phoebus arrives on the scene. He and Esmeralda embrace.

Quasimodo is severely wounded from the stabbing. He lips into the belfry, and rings the bells one final time before dying. Dom Claude and Gringoire discover the body, and the archdeacon prays on his behalf.

Next: Characters

Introduction: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

Film poster

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) is the oldest surviving movie
adaptation. All previous film versions are either incomplete or completely lost. It was the film that launched Lon Chaney into the public eye and it helped to legitimize Universal as more than just a 'B' grade movie Studio.

Hunchback led to Universal pursuing similar vehicles, like The Phantom of the Opera in 1925. Phantom's success resulted in more macabre stories like it. Without Hunchback, the Universal monster movies of the 1930s would have never happened, and the Universal of today might not have happened. Its influence is enormous.

It was remade by RKO studios in 1939, with Charles Laughton playing Quasimodo.

The film has been in the public domain since around 1951, and is readily available today. You could legally watch it online. There are dozens of DVD releases, most in very low quality, and a recent Blu-ray transfer. The version that I will be using as a reference is the Image Entertainment Ultimate Edition from 2007. The image is remastered and a new symphonic score has been added. On top of that, an audio essay by Lon Chaney expert Micheal F Blake as well as a replica of a souvenir program that was printed during the film's release is included.

Next: The Plot