Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (#31.2)

source: Hallmark Hall of Fame: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (#31.2)

Hunch Not the epic that you would expect from a film starring Anthony Hopkins, Derek Jacobi, Nigel Hawthorne, David Suchet and John Gielgud, who do at least play their parts well. However it's just missing a certain "je ne sais quoi" (X Factor). I have no real frame of reference for the story having never read or seen any other version, not even the Disney one, but like Mr Hugo's other works, it is a good story to be told, which is probably why it has been made and remade so many times, with at least two more versions in the pipeline at this time, according to IMDB. The leading cast all really shine against a supporting cast that don't have their fantastic experience on stage and screen. It's a shame that Mr Hopkin's prosthetic is quite poor by today's standards, as his face is so expressive and it gets a bit lost, but you still get his usual high standard nonetheless. Although you'd think he could afford a decent dentist!? I'd be surprised if the people of Notre Dame ever learned how to tell the time with the bells ringing so constantly and erratically as they do, but I have to say that the set is really something quite impressive too. It does have that very typical "Made in the 80's" kind of filter and feel to it. I think it would probably be handled very differently and more artistically if the same production was made more recently. Even in the 90's I think we might have seen that certain something that this was missing. That doesn't take away the fact that it is a relatively good film with a good cast and tells the story well, as far as I know. It's unlikely that it will ever be in anyone's top 100 list, but it's a short and simple watch for any rainy day with a cuppa. 476.15/1000.

It isn't until nearly the end of the film where the wonderful Anthony Hopkins really gets to show his acting talents as Quasimodo in this nearly excellent version of the Victor Hugo novel that had several versions filmed already. Throughout most of the film, he is either paraded around to look like a fool, tortured and whipped, or left alone in his bell tower making weird sounds as the bells toll. It's only after he has kidnapped the character of Esmeralda, rescuing her from execution, that he really gets to communicate, earlier only having groaned in agony or repeating his name over and over. The last 20 minutes of the film for him are excellent and that's when you really feel that Hopkins has gotten something juicy to do. The always commanding Derek Jacobi is brilliant as tortured monk Dom Claude Frollo, in the prologue doing something kind by saving Quasimodo from certain death for being born disfigured. But as the years go by, his hidden character is revealed, particularly his lust for gypsy girl Esmeralda (Lesley Anne Downe), and that leads him to a series of evil actions that torture his soul is in as he finds he can't stop doing them. His jealousy over everybody who fall in loves with her even leads him to attempted murder. Of course Esmeralda, being a common gypsy girl, ends up on trial for his crimes, and it's only Quasimodo appearing at the last minute to rescue her that saves her life. Frollo gives her the option of saving herself, blaming her for his lust and not taking responsibility for his actions. Cameos by Nigel Hawthorne as the judge in Esmeralda's trial and John Gielgud as the monk in charge of her torture are a mixed bag. Gielgud just sits there repeating "Again!" over and over, a complete waste has his presence on screen. Other than that, this is a brilliant rendition of the often done tail, colorful and haunting, and another expose on the obsession of power and lust of people in power throughout history.

This glossy US television version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame followed a well worn formula of that era. Round up as many well known British thespians who prefer theatre and shower them with money to appear. Get a few veterans who have an Oscar for a little cameo. So that's Sir John Gielgud sorted. He is not the only knight in this movie, others would get one later. Sir Nigel Hawthorne has a small role. The main parts are reserved for Sir Derek Jacobi as the priest Frollo who is bewitched by gypsy woman Esmeralda (Lesley-Anne Down.) Quasimodo (Sir Anthony Hopkins) is the disfigured hunchback who is mocked by the people of Notre Dame. Strangely Quasimodo has a reduced role here. He only appears sporadically in the first half of the movie. The film steps up the moment Frollo glimpses Esmeralda and is enchanted by her. It drives him to madness and cruelty. This is certainly a more campy reworking than one that should had been a gothic horror/romance. In that sense it wasted its cast. Interestingly two fishwives who appear, Pam St Clement and June Brown would later find fame in Eastenders.

I was disappointed by this ITV adaptation of 'Notre Dame de Paris' when I first saw it on TV 35 years ago, and it still disappoints. There may be spoilers ahead, as I compare it with other adaptations and the source novel. While it does, at least, retain from the novel Claude's status as Archdeacon and adoptive parent of the founding Quasimodo, much else is derived from the 1939 Hollywood film, with the romanticisation of Pierre Gringoire and the happy ending it gives him and Esméralda (rather than Djali). There are other changes: Captain Phoebus is depicted as already married, instead of betrothed, and (*spoiler*) Claude's death is placed as the climax of the 'Porte Rouge' episode, rather than at the very end of the story. The chief problems are in the casting. While the actors are mainly well-known and have done excellent work elsewhere, they are not well-cast in this. Derek Jacobi is particularly miscast as Claude. He's too old and the wrong physical type (Tim Piggott-Smith, who plays his subordinate Philippe – an entirely superfluous new character – or Robert Powell – under-used as Phoebus – would have been better in the role). He also comes across as too much the comfortable 'career cleric', not the driven, intense young intellectual and scientist, with his agonising self-mortifications and self-destructive passions. I can't help but see this as more like Brother Cadfael being a bit naughty. In fact, his Cadfael, who has a colourful past, has far more personality than this depiction. Lesley-Anne Down is a pretty Esméralda, but it's not her fault the role is written so vapidly. Gerry Sundquist makes an appealing lead, but he's not the Pierre I love in the book, more like the 1939 film-version. Anthony Hopkins is a competent Quasimodo, but he's not the most interesting character, despite Shoberl's unauthorised re-titling of the book in English, which film-makers seem to prefer for some reason. Overall, this lacklustre adaptation falls between the two other TV adaptations I've seen: it's inferior to the 1976 BBC version, which had the best ever Pierre in Christopher Gable, but still superior to the 1997 US version, which had a far-too-old Richard Harris as a book-burning Claude and Mandy Patinkin as Quasimodo the secret intellectual and author… (Yes, really!) More than ever, I regret the disappearance of the 1966 BBC adaptation starring James Maxwell

I had been looking forward to watch this film after reading reviews praising the acts of Derek Jacobi and whatnot, but was disappointed. His Frollo seems very detached from Esmeralda, even with his talent, it doesn't connect. Also, this Esmeralda is laughable. The hair is hilariously 80s and doesn't work. Nothing against the actor. The one that saves this rating from even being a 6 is Quasimodo. Unfortunately we don't see a lot of him until the last half (sort of like the book), where we almost get to see more development of him but hardly see any from anyone, not even Q with Frollo. The only good scene would be the aftermath of the flogging and Quasimodo talking to Esmeralda in the tower (but only Quasimodo's dialogue, a nice touch being it's mostly lines from the book). The ending got to me, I will admit. Hopkins does a stellar job. One of the better adaptations, but wouldn't be so quick to recommend. Watch the 1997 version if you're looking for a modern live-action Hunchback.

Can't say enough about this brilliant telling of a classic story. An A+ cast that cannot be topped. A truly most-see TV-movie!

I found this somewhat laughable given that I was watching on "valentines day" and its not a patch on the version with Charles Laughton. The Bishop is in love with the girl in this one and hes prepared to kill! The judge at the trial is a puff and equally so "superior" its quite laughable. Gielgud is equally vile in his part as are Suchet and Powell in theirs. Leaving only "the boyfriend" and Quasimodo with any morality whatsoever. Sad that in this version every member of the church and the "aristocracy/army" is such an aweful human being. The Bishop (who I assume to be a catholic priest) in love (in his head at least) with a beautiful woman that is supposed to be untouchable. PLEASE watch the Laughton version. Its vastly superior in every way that leaves this one to be completely inferior in script, story telling etc etc

Grotesquely deformed hunchback bellringer Quasimodo (a superb and touching performance by Anthony Hopkins) falls in love with sweet and lovely gypsy dancer Esmeralda (a fine portrayal by Lesley-Anne Down). Complications ensue when both Quasimodo's keeper the arch deacon Dom Claude Frollo (splendidly played by Derek Jacobi) and poor, but honest and decent street poet Pierre Gringoire (an engaging turn by Gerry Sundquist) become smitten with the enticing lass as well. Quasimodo protects Esmeralda from an angry mob by giving her sanctuary in the cathedral he works in. Director Michael Tuchner and screenwriter John Gay deliver a strong and faithful adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic story which benefits greatly from a serious, gritty tone, a vivid evocation of a harsh and repressive era, and an equally credible depiction of a cruel world that's largely populated by cold and heartless people with zero tolerance for anyone who defies the norm. Hopkins brings real poignant dignity to Quasimodo and astutely captures the kind and gentle soul that exists underneath the pitiable fellow's monstrous exterior. Jacobi likewise excels as a sympathetic tormented villain who's betrayed by his forbidden lustful feelings for Esmeralda. Moreover, there are excellent supporting contributions from David Suchet as hearty king of thieves Clopin Trouillefou, Robert Powell as dashing cad army captain Phoebus, John Gielgud as pitiless torturer Charmolue, and Nigel Hawthorne as a stern magistrate. Alan Hume's exquisite cinematography, with its stunning lighting and rich use of vibrant color, ensures that this movie is visually sumptuous throughout. Ken Thorne's spare, moody score also hits the spot. The rousing climax culminates in a truly heartbreaking conclusion. A sad, moving and worthy film.

I love the book, and I love the 1939 film which I found beautifully made, memorably performed and very poignant and the Disney film for while it is not a true adaptation the animation and music more than make up for me and Frollo is one of Disney's most interesting characters. This Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation is not as good as these two in my view, but it is one of the truer adaptations of the book especially in its depiction of Frollo. Two scenes didn't work for me, the Festival of Fools scene which was in need of much more jollity and the Court of Miracles scene which while well acted and set lacked intensity. However, two scenes in particular did stand out as very powerful, the angry mob scene which is one of the more vivid depictions of that particular scene of any film based on the classic novel and the ending which killed me emotionally. This Hunchback of Notre Dame does look gorgeous with excellent photography and sumptuous costumes and settings, though I kind of agree that black and white would have given it a more Gothic tone. The story still maintains its emotional impact, the script is thoughtful and literate and Ken Thorne's music is memorable and never too obtrusive. The acting is spot on. Lesley-Anne Downe is a breathtakingly beautiful and sensual Esmeralda and David Suchet in a role completely different to his Poirot persona(quite a shock if you ask me) is a grotesque Clopin. Anthony Hopkins is a poignant Quasimodo, but it was Derek Jacobi who nails his tortured and complex character that made the adaptation for me. In conclusion, very well done. 8/10 Bethany Cox