Jim Dale as Clopin , 1997 The Hunchback picture image

Jim Dale as Clopin

The Clopin in the 1997 version of The Hunchback is very reminiscent of the Disney version. He is pragmatic and slightly cruel in his ruling approach but he is fun.

 

Jim Dale as Clopin , 1997 The Hunchback picture image

Jim Dale as Clopin

 

This Clopin is fairly standard as far of what is asked of Clopin. He is leader of the Court of Miracles and is cruel to outsiders except for Quasimodo. He uses Esmeralda for distractions but he also enjoy her dancing  over listening to Gringoire. Overall he is one of the more jovial Clopins.

 

Jim Dale as Clopin , 1997 The Hunchback picture image

Jim Dale as Clopin

Unlike other Clopins he doesn’t lead the attack to save Esmeralda. This is because the climax was changed and the assault of Notre Dame follows Quasimodo saving Esmeralda in the middle of the film.   Because he is not involved in attack on Notre Dame, he lives. He and Gringoire do lead a fairly peaceful protest to save Esmeralda and he gives a speech to Nobel’s king in her defense. Other than that he is pretty by the book

 

Jim Dale as Clopin , 1997 The Hunchback picture image

Jim Dale as Clopin

 

Is this a great memorable Clopin? No, can’t say he is.  Is it an identifiable and characteristic Clopin? Yes and that is really all one can really ask for in  an a Hunchback movie version.

Next time – Phoebus….. wait he’s not this movie…is he?

Benedick Blythe as Phoebus, 1997 The Hunchback picture image

Benedick Blythe as Phoebus

2 Thoughts on “1997 Clopin; Fun yet fairly Forgettable

  1. Esmee on 03/22/2014 at 11:21 pm said:

    This is one of my favorite Clopins.
    He’s funny, but not overly/goofy funny…he’s got that sarcastic-pardon the pun-gallows humor.
    But, like all of the characters in this adaptation, I wish there was more to the character than that.
    In this adaptation, Clopin is the most memorable to me and probably my favorite character.

  2. dghjkl on 03/18/2014 at 1:16 pm said:

    He looks awesome with that, um, hat. :D

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