Oh gosh where do I start? I've seen every version of the Hunchback except a few silent versions that are now lost and I had no hope of ever seeing this version; however, some kind soul uploaded it on you tube and I finally got to see it. All I can say is I'm glad I didn't pay to see it. Low budget doesn't come close to describing this... film. The only good thing I can say about this version is that it does, just like Quinn's version, follow Hugo's novel. It's shot on videotape so maybe that's the problem. It was like watching a play; the scenery never seemed to change. Warren Clarke's Quasimodo was like Mandy Patinkin's; not very ugly and nowhere near Hugo's description in the novel. The actress who played Esmeralda, God bless her, was not cast because she was beautiful. One thing I did like was Quasimodo's trial - it was almost verbatim from the novel, no other version has been that faithful. The pillory scene really showed how low budget this version was - a wagon wheel was turned horizontal (to imitate a pillory) and the actor playing Quasimodo was doing his best to stay on. Glad I didn't waste money to see this version; Chaney, Laughton and even Quinn are probably rolling over in their graves, this was an insult to any actor who has ever donned Quasimodo's makeup. If it ever comes out on DVD save your money and watch this Turkey on you tube.
Review of The Hunchback of Notre Dame
