King of Hanging Out; The 1956 Version of Clopin

The 1956 version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the only times where Clopin and the Duke of Egypt are separate characters. He is a leader of the Court of Miracle and is the King of Beggars. His duties include preceding over the “King”of Fools” crowning, yelling “charity” at random points, hanging poets, leading the charge to save to Esmeralda and just hanging out.

Clopin doesn’t really do too much in this film beside those things. He gets a few good lines here and there. He has respect for Esmeralda as he tries to convince Esmeralda that she is too good for Gringoire and he is there when she dies and begs for mercy on her behalf.

Clopin also yells ‘charity” at various points which does get annoying but provides insight to the viewpoints of the common people and King Louis. So it’s an interesting mechanic but the way he says “charity” is really annoying and grating.

It would have been interesting if he had more of commentary on society or some kind of conviction like the 1939 version or Notre Dame de Paris but he really doesn’t. He is not even that entertaining, so he is kind of wasted.

He doesn’t have that much character to him and the movie isn’t to concerned with developing him as character and thus he is more of a mechanic for the plot.

But unlike other Clopins he doesn’t have heart and therefore for you can’t really feel for him and he is not that memorable.

Next 1956 Article – Fleur de Lys

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