For the last few days I been trying to do a Phantom of the Opera/Hunchback theme week so here is a little photo manipulation I made. Enjoy
The Phantom with Christine in the grope scene from Hunchback of Notre Dame
I’m not a big fan of The 2004 version of The Phantom of the Opera 
Hint: Pay attention to grey tones
Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923 Lon Chaney
Is the highly regarded 1923 version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame a good version and a good movie? I think it’s an admirable version but I don’t think it’s a good movie.
Quasimodo (Lon Chaney), Esmeralda (Patsy Ruth Miller) and Gudule (Gladya Brockwell) Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923
It’s an admirable version because it’s one of the few versions where we see a somewhat moody Quasimodo. Quasimodo has a edge to him in the book and this version showcases that aspect. It also has an Esmeralda who is winsome and innocent. She is not really concerned for blight of the gyspy but she does has a does have a concern for social justice but not to the same extent that the Disney version or the 1939 version have. But despite her more care-free attitude she is still likable. I also appreciate that they tried to do something with Esmeralda’s mother even if it was very little. I also enjoy the Clopin in this version.
Jehan Frollo (Brandon Hurst) Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923
I don’t find it a great version because the characters lack any depth or complexity they had in the book especially with depiction of Frollo. Frollo in the book is fueled by sexual impulse but he had had an internal conflict that made him interesting. This Frollo, who is more charateristically Jehan than Claude with the Esmeralda obsession tacked on, is just a old pervert who lacks any internal struggle. Since Frollo’s obession is core of story and fuels the plot having Frollo who not interesting makes the story less interesting.
Esmeralda Rejecting Phoebus Hunchback of Notre Dame Patsy Ruth Miller 1923
So because the story lacks interest the film suffers. There is nothing to really to pull the viewer into the world and since the characters lack complexity and depth there is nothing to make us really care about the characters. But what really kills this movie is the pacing. The pacing of this movie is terrible, it’s slow and very boring. It just lacks any substance that the book has. I found watching this movie a chore.
Notre Dame de Paris Set from the 1923 version of Hunchback
This movie gets a pass for being good for a few reasons. Number one it launched Lon Chaney’s career as one of the most famous actors of the silent era. Number two the production values. The production was well done. Number three, the movie was a big deal in 1923. Back in the 20’s movies were created quickly and were made to make a quick buck. The 1923 version was created with care and it did pave the for bigger movies. But despite these reasons it’s not a very enjoyable to sit through.
Patsy Ruth Miller as Esmeralda 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Next -Conclusion
Patsy Ruth Miller as Esmeralda 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame
I wonder if the Phantom and Quasimodo were created for the Jolie-laide archetype or was the Jolie-laide archetype created for them?
Two Ugly Frenchmen
Frollo and Quasimodo singing Puttin on the Ritz
You can catch their act at the Lush Room.
Original picture is from the Puttin of the Ritz scene from Mel’s Brooks’ Young Frankenstein
Shirel as Esmeralda in the Red with Laurent Ban as Phoesbus Notre Dame de Paris 2001 French Cast
Answer Laurent Ban. Ban played Phoebus in 2001 Morgdor Cast, 2005 Asian tour cast and in the 2005 cast in France. He also dubbed the Phantom in the 2004 movie version of the Phantom of the Opera in Frnech.
Laurent Ban singing Dechire in a 2005 performance of Notre Dame de Paris
Bonus – Cecilia Cara dubbed Christine Daae in french and she played Juliette along side Damien Sargue in Romeo et Juliette. Sargue was an understudy in the original cast for Gringoire and Pheobus
This is the second of two of three piece by Ida Christensen. It’s Gringoire balancing a chair in this mouth. One of the best parts form the book
Gringoire by Ida Christensen
Hunchback of Notre Dame Graphic Novel by Tim A Conrad
Today marks the release of Tim Conrad’s Graphic Novel version of Hunchback of Notre Dame. So far it’s gotten mixed reviews but I’ll you be the judge of it that till I get my hands on it and find something the comment on (other than Esmeralda’s red hair).
Click here to order it from Amazon
