Der Glöckner von Notre Dame (1939)
23KDer Glöckner von Notre Dame: Directed by William Dieterle. With Charles Laughton, Cedric Hardwicke, Thomas Mitchell, Maureen O’Hara. In 15th-century France, a gypsy girl is framed for murder by the infatuated Chief Justice, and only the deformed bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral can save her.
“One of the great Hollywood films of 1939, this adaptation of Victor Hugou0026#39;s novel is sumptuously put together, boasting a fine script, tight direction by German export William Dieterle, and a cast who fit their parts perfectly: Charles Laughton superb as the maligned Quasimodo; Maureen Ou0026#39;Hara in an early role as gypsy Esmeralda; Cedric Hardwicke as the pious Frollo; and Harry Davenport as the king, Louis XI.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe story is a version of Beauty and the Beast set within the confines of Notre Dame Cathedral and the dirt-strewn and prejudiced streets of Paris. Quasimodo, physically repulsive and deafened by the bells of the cathedral, nevertheless finds it in his childish heart to love the beautiful Esmeralda and to sacrifice his sanctuary for her. She however only has eyes for the dashing Gringoire (Edmond Ou0026#39;Brien) who she saves from the justice of the beggar thieves.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt is Laughtonu0026#39;s performance that holds this film together – truly one of the greatest screen actors, capable of portraying pathos like no other. Contrast this film role with his Henry VIII or Captain Bligh and you begin to get an idea of his impressive range.”
