Quasimodo (Anthony Quinn) & Frollo (Alain Cuny), 1956 The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The acting in the 1956 version of The Hunhcback of Notre Dame much like the characters lacks depth.
However like I said when I first started this version, I’m basing this review on the english dubbed version.
Esmeralda (Gina Lollobrigida) and Quasimodo (Anthony Quinn), 1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame
The only two actors who spoke their lines in English were Anthony Quinn and Gina Lollobrigida, so the bulk of the characters were dubbed. Which doesn’t help the acting style as there is a disconnect between the action and the vocals.
However the acting isn’t much better in the French version but it’s more natural so it is slightly better than the dubbed.
Esmeralda (Gina Lollobrigida) with Phoebus (Jean Danet), 1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame
However, I don’t think the fault of the acting is entirely the actors/voice actors’ fault. I think the script and the director are to blame. I sense little or no joy in the direction of the movie and the script is pretty utilitarian.
Any energy or vibrancy in the performance is the actors trying to eject something into the lines. But overall the acting is underwhelming.
Esmeralda (Gina Lollobrigida), 1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Next 1956 Article – Costumes
Gina Lollobrigida as Esmeralda Hunchback of Notre Dame 1956