Notre Dame of Paris Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Notre Dame of Paris

For the most part the Jetlag Version follows the book pretty well but a few things have been change so that it has a happy-child-friendly ending.

 

Frollo adopting Baby Quasimodo Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo adopting Baby Quasimodo

The movie opens with Quasimodo being left at Notre Dame by his young widow mother and Frollo adopting him. They then explain some basic details of Quasimodo by way of narration. Like Quasimodo lives in Notre Dame, he loves the bells and he is deaf. He the subject of ridicule and fascination among the common people, who in this tend to gawk at Quasimodo while he rings the bells.

 

Esmeralda and Gringoire Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Gringoire

The film then moves into the Feast of Fools where we meet Gringoire who is trying to get his play some viewers but the crowd in more interested in the Pope of Fool contest. After Quasimodo is crowned the Pope of Fools we meet Esmeralda, who charms the masses with her dancing. As she dances she captures the attentions of Gringoire and Frollo. Esmeralda then showcases Djali time telling trick. As Djali finishes the trick the procession of the Pope of Fool comes by and Frollo reprimands Quasimodo for his blasphemy. Quasimodo not recognizing his master attacks but after Frollo is revealed Quasimodo begs forgiveness.

 

Quasimodo being arrested Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo being arrested

As the Festival ends Esmeralda walks home. Gringoire follows her and so does Frollo and Quasimodo. They attempt to kidnap her. Gringoire tries to help but fails. As Esmeralda screams Phoebus and his guard come and arrests Quasimodo.

 

Gringoire tries to score a kiss Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Gringoire tries to score a kiss

After that Gringoire is bought before the Duke of Egypt. Since Gringoire is an outsider he must pass a test so that he can join the Gypsies or  he will die. He has to steal the purse from a dummy with bells attach to it while walking a plank standing on one leg. However he fails but instead of dying he put up for marriage. Esmeralda accepts him but only to save him.

 

Esmeralda giving Quasimodo water Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda giving Quasimodo water

Quasimodo then stands trial. His judge is deaf so Quasimodo is unfairly sentenced to be kept in the stocks for an extra hour. As Quasimodo is punished he ask for water but the crown throws rocks at him. Esmeralda takes pity on him and gives him water and he weeps.

 

Djali spelling Phoebus Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Djali spelling Phoebus

The following day, Esmeralda  dances while Gringoire balances a chair with a cat on it on his nose.  As they perform Quasimodo looks down from a top the Cathedral and watches Esmeralda. Also watching is a nobel women, Fleur de Lys,who is Phoebus’ fiancee.  Esmeralda notices Phoebus and show them that Djali can spell his name. Fleur de Lys finds this charming and wants to meet Esmeralda but Phobus dismisses the request and calls Esmeralda ordinary.

 

Gringoire balancing a chair Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Gringoire balancing a chair Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Esmeralda walk off dejected, Frollo appears and speaks to Gringoire. Frollo wants to know  why he is dressed the way he is. Gringoire tells him that he is married to Esmeralda in name only and a member of the Gypsies.

 

Esmeralda & Phoebus Kiss while Frollo attacks Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda & Phoebus Kiss while Frollo attacks

That night Frollo torments himself with thoughts of Esmeralda.  He then see her outside and follows her.  He follows her to the docks where she is meets Phoebus. She tells Phoebus that she has dreamed of a knight that would save her and she loves him. Phoebus tells her that he loves her too.  As they embrace Frollo stabs Phobus.  Esmeralda tells Frollo to kill her too but he walk alway and leaves her to take the blame.

 

Esmeralda being lead to the gallows Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda being lead to the gallows

The narration then tells us that Esmerlada has a brief trial and confessed to stabbing Phobus to death and witchcraft and for this she is sentence to death. We are then told she did that after days questioning without food or water. As she is lead to gallows she sees Phoebus. Fleur de Lys asks why the sight of Esmeralda seems to trouble him but he tells her he is fine. Fleur de Lys then asks if he loves her which say that she is the only one he has ever loved. Esmeralda hearing this cries.

 

Quasimod claiming Sanctuary for Esmeralda Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimod claiming Sanctuary for Esmeralda

Quasimodo then sweeps done, grabs Esmeralda and runs into Notre Dame and claims Sanctuary for her.

 

Esmeralda in Sanctuary Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda in Sanctuary

Quasimodo takes care of Esmeralda in Notre Dame. He provides her with a bed and food. Esmeralda wants to see Quasimodo in the light but Quasimodo refuses to have her look at him. He then tells her not to leave the cathedral or they will kill her and that would kill him.

 

Esmeralda and Frollo Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame image picture

Esmeralda and Frollo

The next day Esmeralda gets a knock on the door and thinks it’s Quasimodo but it’s Frollo. Frollo tells her of his romantic obsession.  Esmeralda recognizes him as the one who stabbed Phoebus and threaten to tell on him. Frollo tells her to go ahead as no one will believe her. She tells Quasimodo but he doesn’t want to believe that his master would do such a thing.

 

Frollo gives an evil smile Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo gives an evil smile

Frollo  finds Gringoire and tells him that Esmeralda can not stay in Notre Dame indefinitely. Frollo suggests that since Esmeralda saved  Gringoire’s life that he should be the one to take her place.  Gringoire tells Frollo that he is too attach to life to save her in that fashion. Frollo flashes an evil smile and tells him he has another plan.

 

Esmeralda gives Quasimodo a kiss Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda gives Quasimodo a kiss

As Quasimodo locks the Cathedral for the evening Frollo unlocks it. Quasimodo then take Esmeralda her dinner with some flowers in a clay vase. Esmeralda thanks him for the flowers and tell him that there is no need to hide his face from her. She tells him that she has forgotten Phoebus and she knows that he never loved her. Quasimodo starts to tell her that he loves her but  falters. Esmeralda tells him that she know he loves her as he has proven he it to her and she know that he won’t let Frollo harm her.  She then gives him a peck on the cheek.

 

Sneaking into Notre Dame Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Sneaking into Notre Dame

As Esmeralda sleeps Gringoire and the Gypsies sneak  through the unlock door of Notre Dame. As they sneak in Frollo sneaks out. They find Esmeralda and try to escape with her. Quasimodo begs her not to go but the Gypsies knock Quasimodo out.  Esmeralda doesn’t want to leave but Gringoire forces her out of Notre Dame.

 

Quasimodo throws Frollo off a bridge Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo throws Frollo off a bridge

As the groups leaves Notre Dame Frollo alerts the guards of Esmeralda exodus.   As the fight ensues Frollo convinces Esmeralda to follow him as she has no choice.  He leads her to a bridge where tells her to be his or die. Esmeralda tells him no and as he is about to stab her Quasimodo stops him. Quasimodo then tells him he saw Frollo stab the Phoebus (Plothole). As Frollo tries to stab Quasimodo, Quasimodo lifts Frollo up and throws him off the bridge and in to the water.

 

Quasimodo and Esmeralda embrace Esmeralda in Sanctuary Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo and Esmeralda embrace Esmeralda in Sanctuary

Quasimodo then tells Esmeralda that he loves her and she tells him she loves him too. They then run off together  and live happily ever after  in the country.

 

Next Jetlag Review Post – Plot Review

Phoebus Face Jetlag version Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus Face

 

Click the letter to make it red when you have found a word, Enjoy.

N P A R I S G G O M F
O H U N C H B A C K L
T O G R I N G O I R E
R E A B D T A O G N U
E B I G A L A C Q I R
D U E G N R I L A J D
A S S N C U D O E G E
M R M D E U R P Y Y L
E M E M L O D I F P Y
C N R B K L I N R S S
E R A E E E D H O Y P
R D L L A D O A L A M
L D D L N G N D L I C
Q U A S I M O D O H G

Words to Find:

Bells
Clopin
Dance
Djali
Esmeralda
FleurdeLys
Frollo
Goat

Gringoire
Gypsy
Hunchback
NotreDame
Paris
Phoebus
Quasimodo

This Word Search generated with the Artistic Network Word Search Generator.

Quasimodo from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

At first glance you would think  that the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is just a cheap Disney knock-off. And while it’s is indeed very, very cheap it’s not actually a Disney knock-off. While I’m  sure it’s conception was to capitalize of the Disney version the truth is that the Jetlag version follows the book pretty closely.

 

Frollo and Esmeralda from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo and Esmeralda from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

I mean it still has a happy ending and  the whole “beauty is on the inside” moral that the kiddies versions love, but Frollo is a priest and they don’t shy away too much from his obession with Esmeralda, Quasimodo is deaf, Phoebus is a jerk, Fleur de Lys is present, Djali spells, ect.

 

Esmeralda from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

So while it is very cheaply done, the music is laughable and the pacing is slow and padded out despite its 46 minute running time it does slightly redeem its self for following the book fairy closely though not enough to make it a good movie by any means.

 

Phoebus and Fleur de Lys from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Phoebus and Fleur de Lys from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

Get your own copy of  the Jetlag Version

Next Time – The Plot

Gringoire from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Gringoire from the Jetlag version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 Professor Frollo picture image

Professor Frollo

 

 

Frollo teaches some teenagers the Alphabet using the proper words

A – Abomination.
B – Blasphemy 
C –  Contrition
D – Damnation
E – Eternal Damnation

 

 

Alan Rickman picture image

Alan Rickman

A popular casting choice for Frollo is Alan Rickman. Rickman is best known for playing Professor Snape in theHarry Potter Movies . He has also played Colonel Brandon in the 1995 version of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, The Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1991 version of Robin Hood (Prince of Thieves) and Rasputin in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny.

Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape from Harry Potter picture image

Alan Rickman as Professor Severus Snape from Harry Potter

Rickman would make a great Frollo. He has the right level of threat and tenderness about him. He also tends to play elegant characters that may seem calm but are concealing something within and he is good at communicating that dichotomy on film. This duality is essential to Frollo’s character. Also Rickman tends to play character that have a dark streak, which a Frollo really should have.

 

Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility picture image

Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon from Sense and Sensibility

Many ladies find Rickman attractive but he is not unconventional attractive. The aspects that people find attentive are his voice and with over-all manner. In that way Rickman has the right look and the right level of sex appeal that Frollo seems to have with fans. I mean could you imagined Rickman reciting the monologue in the jail scene (where he confesses his “love” to Esmeralda). I bet a lot fans of both Frollo and Rickman would love that.

Alan Rickman as The Sheriff of Nottingham from Robin Hood; Prince of Thieves picture image

Alan Rickman as The Sheriff of Nottingham from Robin Hood; Prince of Theives

I would just hope that if Rickman does play Frollo he is allowed to bring a dark tonality to the role and maybe recite some of Frollo’s dialogue from book largely intact.

Alan Rickman as Rasputin from Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny picture image

Alan Rickman as Rasputin from Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny

But what do you think? Would Alan Rickman make a good Frollo? Or do you think he would make a terrible Frollo and how dare I even suggesting it?

Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923 Lon Chaney picture image

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 picture image

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 picture image

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 picture Image

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 picture image

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

Patsy Ruth Miller as Esmeralda 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next -Conclusion

Patsy Ruth Miller as Esmeralda 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Patsy Ruth Miller as Esmeralda 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame

A Fan Music Video using Disney’s Hunchback with the Italian version of Belle (Bella) from Notre Dame de Paris. Singers (in order) Giò Di Tonno (Quasimodo), Vittorio Matteucci (Frollo), Grazino Galatone (Febo/Phoebus)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3AiK1vLJ3o