review | The Hunchblog of Notre Dame

05Jun 2013

Review of the Plot for the Wshbone version

by jess

Is the Wishbone version of The Hunchback good? Well it’s not bad, I would rather watch it than some of the other versions but that could be because it’s ten minutes and for that reason its flaws has to be forgiven. There is only so much you can do with ten minutes in a story.

Wishbone as Quasimodo, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

For a version that is ten minutes and only has three characters, it’s good. You can tell that that the production cared about the work and the story. Like when Frollo is talking about Esmeralda all his dialogue is taken from the book. Also given that there in only like five scenes Quasimodo does have an arch. He realizes he isn’t powerless and saves Esmeralda. I also don’t mind Quasimodo silly quips, they make it fun for kids. Also Esmeralda gets a bit of character arch as she learns that about inner beauty but that is a bit of a stretch.

Esmeralda (Lanell Pena) and Frollo (Sean Hennigan), Wishbone, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame, picture image

Esmeralda (Lanell Pena) and Frollo (Sean Hennigan), The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

However there are some issues with it. For a ten minute version we’re not going to get rich detailed characters of the novel instead we sort of get them. At least by focusing the narrative to three characters at least they’re not completely devoid of personality but they are shades of their book counterparts.

Frollo (Sean Hennigan), The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

The introduction of Frollo is clumsy. Frollo ends Quasimodo’s being the “Prince of Fools” however Quasimodo doesn’t recognize him so Frollo has to explains who he is to both the audience and Quasimodo. It doesn’t feel natural and how would Quasimodo forget Frollo? Also the way the pronounce Frollo’s name is awful. They pronounce it like Dom “Fro-yo” which sound like a specialty Frozen Yogurt (I bet it would be chocolaty).

Esmeralda (Lanell Pena) and Wishbone as Quasimodo, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

I do miss the devotion that Quasimodo has for Esmeralda. In this version he seem like yeah he likes her but he is not love with her.

Esmeralda (Lanell Pena) and Wishbone as Quasimodo, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

It is a bit disappointing that it ends with Quasimodo saving Esmeralda but at least it feels like an ending to the version of the story they were telling so it’s not that bad. After-all that is pretty much where the Disney version ended and this came out first.

Esmeralda (Lanell Pena) and Wishbone as Quasimodo, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

For a ten minutes version with three characters and 5 scenes it’s is good. Wishbone’s erm…. Quasimodo’s silly lines keeps it lighthearted . I like part where Quasimodo in fear of Frollo compliments him. Plus Quasimodo is played by a dog, how is that not awesome?

Wishbone as Quasimodo, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

Next Article – The Production

Puppy Gargoyle, Wishbone, The Hunchdog of Notre Dame

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03Jun 2013

Short Video review on Disney’s Hunchback

by jess

This is a very interesting short view of Disney’s Hunchback by Charity Bishop. It is done from the religious symbolism perspective. In the review she draws parallels between the characters and Bible, like Quasimodo to Moses and Frollo to Satan. Her correlation between Notre Dame and God and how the characters interact with Notre Dame represents how they interact with God. It is a very interesting review that is well thought out and entertaining.

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25Sep 2012

Jetlag Plot Review

by jess

Tormented Frollo Jetlag Hunchback of Notre Dame

With exception of the happy ending where Esmeralda and Quasimodo runoff together the plot of the Jetlag version adheres fairly close to the book. It has all the core components of the book, Gringoire, Frollo as a tormented priest, Phoebus is a cad with a fiancÃ©e, and Djali does her tricks. Of course they are missing elements that make the story take a more an adult tone like anything dealing with architecture vs the written words, Jehan’s debauchery, Gudule and Ananke to name a few.

Esmeralda’s (not) trial Jetlag Hunchback of Notre Dame

All the major parts are streamlined. The movie doesn’t spend much time developing anything and with a narrator major parts are just example and not shown. Esmeralda’s trial and torture for example are just mentioned and not shown. The characters are flat representations of the book. The Jetlag version has the bones of the story but it lacks finer details and the execution doesn’t help it much however with all the other different version messing the story up it’s refreshing to see an adaptation that follow the book.

Quasimodo gives the bell a hug Jetlag Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next Jetlag Article – The Characters

Esmeralda and Phoebus Jetlag Hunchback of Notre Dame

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29Aug 2012

Is the 1923 version of Hunchback Good?

by jess

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

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07Jun 2012

The Enemy of Kings; A Character Review of the 1923 Version of Clopin

by jess

Clopin (Ernest Torrence) 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin is the most complex character in the 1923 version of Hunchback of Notre Dame. He’s conniving yet caring. In this version like in most every other version, Clopin is merged with the Duke of Egypt, one of the leaders of the Court of Miracles, leader of the Esmeralda’s group, and Esmeralda’s protector. In in role as the Duke, Clopin is Esmeralda’s adopted father. She is the only person that can soften his heart.

Clopin (Ernest Torrence) & Jehan (Brandon Hurst) 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin in the version also has a partnership with Jehan. The nature of their friendship is never explain. Jehan tries to get Clopin mobilizes the Court of Miracle against the nobles and Jehan try to tempt Clopin with gold of Notre Dame in exchange for Esmeralda. The basis for their interaction could be taken from the La Esmeralda Opera Libretto that Hugo wrote in which Clopin works with Frollo and was the one to hide in the room when Esmeralda and Phoebus has their encounter. It could also be that Jehan does join the Court of Miracles in the book though he never interaction in Clopin. Or it could that it is mention in the book by Gringnoire that the Duke intends to sell Esmeralda to “gentlemen priest.”

Clopin (Ernest Torrence), Esmeralda (Patsy Ruth Miller) & Phoebus (Norman Kerry) 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin is also the one driving the social class sub-plot a.k.a the beggars vs the Nobles. It very similar to the 1939 version but in the 1939 version there were stakes, the nobel wanted Esmeralda out of Notre Dame here one noble just wants to marry. So basically it’s Clopin complaining and then getting mad when Esmeralda and Phoebus form a romantic attachment which for him is the ultimate insult.

Clopin (Ernest Torrence) 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

It’s not wholly the films fault that this sub-plot doesn’t go very far. It’s actually because the copy that survives today is sixteen minutes shorter that the original. Most of these sixteen minutes were comprised of Clopin and one scene with Quasimodo gets clothes for Esmeralda, which is the scene where a prominent picture of Quasimodo was taken, so prominent in fact that it’s on the spine of the DVD. As result of Clopin’s role is much smaller than the film intended. However you can see some pictures and read the script in the Riley’s Book which is published with Pasty Ruth Miller’s Autobiography, both of which are good reads if you a fan of the 1923 version or Miller’s or of old movies/Hollywood.

Clopin (Ernest Torrence) 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin’s character suffers a lot from the cuts made to the film but even with the cuts is he the most complex characters in the film and he at least interesting and memorable.

Clopin (Ernest Torrence) Dying 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next Time – Gringoire

Raymond Hatton as Gringoire 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Gringoire (Raymond Hatton) 1923 The Hunchback of Notre Dame

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24May 2012

The Creepy Stalkerish Guy; A Character Review of the 1923 Version of Jehan Frollo

by jess

Jehan 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Brandon Hurst picture image

Jehan (Brandon Hurst) 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Frollo character in the 1923 version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame is the worst depiction of the character in any of the prominent adaptations. What do I mean when I say the Frollo character? Well he is the character who acts on his lust for Esmeralda and gets the plot moving. What makes Frollo a compelling character is his inner struggle about desiring a girl and even if he is not a priest he needs to be battling against something that is contrary to his way of being/thinking. Either it’s his own pride of his purity or his bigoted opinion of the Gypsies. This is the hallmark to his character, without it all you have is a creepy pervert and that is exactly what this Frollo is; an evil creepy pervert.

Jehan Frollo (Brandon Hurst) Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923

This version is the first time the Frollo character was split into two characters who are brothers; Jehan, the younger is the licentious lecher (the Frollo Character) and the saintly older Claude (or in the case of the 1923 version Dom Claudio). This method was employed in the 1939 version however it worked in that movie as Jehan Frollo had depth and some complexity. In the 1923 version there is no depth to Jehan, he is nothing more than a spoiled perverted brat.

Jehan and Esmeralda 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Brandon Hurst and Patsy Ruth Miller picture image

Jehan (Brandon Hurst) trying to overpower Esmeralda (Patsy Ruth Miller))

In a nutshell, Jehan was a priest but he decided he preferred sins to virtues. This brief bit of backstory is presented in one inter-text card. So what could have been an integral part of the movie is reduce to a sentence. Now to be fair, movies in the early 20s didn’t really flesh out villains, they were bad, so at least we get a text card that somewhat acknowledges the book. However even giving the movie a stylistic pass, Jehan is still weak. Maybe if he delighted in his evil or in his desires that would have been more enjoyable as a character. There are a few moments of hammy 20’s over-acting that are enjoyable but other than that he just very weak and not very memorable. He is just devoid of any interest, personality or passion. All he is a creepy perverted stalker.

Jehan (Brandon Hurst) 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next Time – Phoebus

Phoebus 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Norman Kerry picture image

Phoebus (Norman Kerry) 1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame

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01Mar 2012

The Musical Conclusion of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

by jess

Der Glockner von notre Dame German Musical of Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

I’d say that the songs in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame are good. Sure there are some weak songs but they’re thoughtful and the either drive the plot forward or develop a character. However the music is not without problems.

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

First off, I HATE, hate that Esmeralda doesn’t get a solo in this. With exception of the Archdeacon, Clopin and the gargoyles she the only character not get one. Now you maybe thinking “But Hunchblog the majority of the characters in this didn’t have their own songs. ” Well that is true but let’s face, each of the gargoyles couldn’t get their own song they’re a trio and as a trio they almost get a single song, Clopin may not a single song but he sings a lot as the narrator and the archdeacon is hardly even a character so he doesn’t count. Beside the plot pretty much revolves around her you’d think she’d get one but her only big songs has Quasimodo in it. I mean in Notre Dame de Paris every character got one even Fleur de Lys (Phoebus’ Fiancee) got one (La monture) and she is seldom even in the adaptations. So that was a BIG negative.

Esmeralda and Antoine Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

I also got bit tired of the gargoyles singing over people. I do think it was a great way to show that gargoyles are 100% in Quasimodo’s head but it’s gets a bit old after a while. I think the show kept putting the gargoyles in songs so that A Guy Like you wouldn’t feel out of place. Another thing that gets old is hearing DrauÃŸen (Out There) over and over again. Anytime the play wants to reenforce Quasimodo to the audience DrauÃŸen is played. Admittedly this maybe unfair because Die Glocken Notre Dames is the most overused as in the play this how Clopin does most of his narrating but since I’ve been judging off the CD it’s DrauÃŸen that got old.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

So yeah the songs are good for the most part but what I think really helps a lot of these songs is that singing quality is better. Though I’ve picked on DrauÃŸen in this review, I much prefer it in this musical than in the Disney movie along with Ein Mann wie du (A Man like you). The singers are just much better and that helps the enjoyment of the songs. Conversely, Hellfire suffers for this and it’s not because the is bad, I mean he put emotionally intensity into the next song Esmeralda, but maybe Hellfire is Tony Jay’s and no one else compares. Esmeralda and Clopin are one the level though the cresendo at the end of Bell isn’t as powerful as Kendal but he does a great job otherwise.

Esmeralda and Clopin during Drunter DrÃ¼ber” (Topsy Turvy) Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

The musical does make the recycled Disney movie songs feel like it’s own which is nice, you don’t feel like their just simply lifted from the movie and put in to a musical. And while I do prefer Notre Dame de Paris Der Glöckner von Notre Dame has wonderful music. Just wish Esmeralda got one song to herself.

Next Time – The Production; Sets

Frollo and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

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15Feb 2012

Weil du liebst, Tanz der Zigeuner and Weil du liebst (Reprise) Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 7

by jess

This is the seventh part of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst

Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst (Because/Out of Love) occurs after Frollo makes his threat against Esmeralda and the Court of Miracle while Phoebus is trying to convince Quasimodo to leave Notre Dame and help warn her.

Unlike the Disney movie, Phoebus is softer and more understanding with Quasimodo’s hesitation. Phoebus understands why Quasimodo does not want to leave and he tells him it because of the love that he must do it. It also interesting to mention that Phoebus has not solidify a romance with Esmeralda yet. Unlike the Disney movie, it’s the Archdeacon who asks Quasimodo to hide Phoebus. So Phoebus is being a bit more altruistic here.

Also I want to point out that Phoebus was a jerk in this scene in the Disney movie. He told Quasimodo that he owns Esmeralda for helping him. However Esmeralda helped Quaismodo from the crowd partly because she pulled on stage and she had a sense of guilt about it and Quasimodo already repay her when he helped her escape Notre Dame, so he actually owns her nothing, bad argument Phoebus. This scene/song is a VAST improvement to the Disney counterpart.

Musically this song uses a bit from Ein bißchen Freude at the beginning but it turns gentle and sweet. The gargoyles get in on that song and help convince Quasimodo to help.

It’s a nice song but I feel that it exists more for the reprise than the set-up.

Tanz der Zigeuner

Dance of the Gypsies Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Tanz der Zigeuner (Dance of the Gypsies) replaces the song “Court of Miracles” from the movie. On it’s own it’s a fun little instrumental dance number that provides levity before the show gets dark.

Musically it sounds like Gypsy music with the melody from Tanz auf dem Seil. I just wish this could have existed along side Court of Miracles since it was one my favorites from the movie. Oh well, can’t have everything I suppose. Still it a nice addition to the show and I enjoy it.

Weil du liebst (Reprise)

Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Phoebus performing Weil du Liebst Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst Reprise a.k.a Esmeralda & Phoebus are in love and Quasimodo gets the shaft. So after Phoebus and Quasimodo warn the Gypsies, Phoebus and Esmeralda decide to leave Paris together. While Esmeralda and Phoebus declare their love Quaismodo watches them heartbroken.

The song gives Phoebus and Esmeralda a love song which was sorely missed from the movie but in this song the love story has a complexity. Neither of them ever envisioned being in love. The song also works to contrast against Quasimodo’s heartbreak better than in the movie. In the movie Phoebus and Esmeralda kiss and Quasimodo thinks of Heaven’s Light and he rips up an Ace of Hearts playing card. In this song Quasimodo pain is more felt though his singing. But then against Quasimodo in the show is a bit more angry and less “boyish”. However the presentation of Phoebus and Esmeralda singing lovingly against Quasimodo’s pain could have worked in the movie as the focus doesn’t leave Quasimodo which was very important from the Disney movie directors (eye-roll) and it doesn’t kill the pace as they sing this before fleeing which makes more sense than a wedding.

Musically the song uses Weil du liebst, Das Licht des Himmels and a touch of Draußen at the end.

I really enjoy this song it provided enough levity and yet angst before the ball drops completely on the angst.

Next Time- Wie aus Stein & Einmal

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda singing Einmal Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

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08Feb 2012

Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame“ Part 6

by jess

This is the sixth part of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Trommeln in der Stadt

Mob Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Trommeln in der Stadt (Drums in the City) is a new song that uses Sanctuary from the original soundtrack. This song opens Act 2 and it expresses what the citizens think of Crazy Frollo’s search for Esmeralda. At first when they though it as just about “cleansing” (creepy word choice huh?) the city of Gypsies that was fine but with the all the soldiers, blockages and fire they’re are none to happy about it.

Like I said this song uses the music from Santuary, which is the music playing when Quasimodo is recusing Esmeralda from the Pyre in the movie, so the music is great. It’s dramatic and has high energy which is a great way to start the the second act. It also great to see how the normal people of Paris react to Frollo’s obsession.

Ein Mann wie du

Quasimodo with the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Ein Mann wie du (A Man like you) is A Guy like you. It pretty much the same as the original song but it’s less annoying. Instead of making visual gags the Gargoyles throw random French words and phases into the song. Which isn’t as annoying as it sounds.

The song has one other difference Quasimodo sings in it. From what I can understand of the lyrics (because my German is non-existence) is that Quasimodo expresses that he wants to believe the Gargoyles but doesn’t quite. Musically I don’t think it adds much I guess it adds a bit of character development because this musically is a a lot guilty at throwing Quasimodo at the audience but at least he is more interesting here than the Disney movie Quaismodo.

Quasimodo with Antoine, Charles and Loni Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Given that this song in it’s conception is song that provides levity it’s a little awkwardly placed in this musical. As movies have continuous action something was need after Hellfire, the torture of Gypsies, the burning of the house, Phoebus getting shot and falling in the river to bright up the mood and while I don’t like A Guy like you at least the placement makes sense. Ein Mann wie du as a song of levity doesn’t really work. It’s the second song in Act 2 so the audience has had a break and the song prior didn’t have an emotional investment in it as it’s just about the Citizens of Paris. So ultimately and this pains me to say it’s not as successful as A Guy like you, it’s just better performed and not nearly as annoying.

So it’s mixed I don’t hate this song as I hate it’s Disney counterpart but I dislike the song in the musical as it doesn’t work as it’s concept intended. It hard because I like 10x better than the Movie version.

Next Time-
Weil du liebst
Tanz der Zigeuner
Weil du liebst

Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

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01Feb 2012

Esmeralda Music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame â€“ Part 5

by jess

This is the fifth part of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Esmeralda

Esmeralda saving Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Esmeralda is the closing number of Act 1 so it’s high on drama and plot. This song takes place when Frollo is searching for Esmeralda and Phoebus realizes that he would rather be “good than smart”, (morality over career ambition) and he disobeys Frollo. After he stands up to Frollo, Frollo condemn his to death and Phoebus flees with Esmeralda’s help. Frollo then begins to burn down Paris for Esmeralda while Quasimodo worries.

Musically this song is the melody that Clopin and Esmeralda sing in Tanz auf dem Seil and DrauÃŸen. However there are other melodies floating around in this piece and therefore it have more of mash-up feel.

Frollo and Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

What I like about this song is that it speaks to the basic plot of Hunchback, three men one women. There is another famous Notre Dame song like this, mmm but it’s name escapes me, what could it be? The inclusion of song is needed to get the point of what Esmeralda does to this cross-section of men, granted it’s different than in the book or the Disney movie especially with regards to Phoebus. Phoebus in the Disney movie didn’t have any character development, he started morally good and ended morally good. In the Book he is a philander but after his meeting with Esmeralda and getting stabbed by Frollo be commits himself to his fiancee Fleur de Lys. In this musical he starts off with career ambition and he wants to have a good time but after he meets with Esmeralda and is pushed by Frollo he decides to act in accordance with doing the right things, morally (ie. not burning innocents because the boss is crazy). Quasimodo here is worried about Esmeralda’s safety and Frollo wants her dead or to be his woman, either is fine. The point is this song shows that Esmeralda creates powerful emotions and with exception of Frollo the Disney version didn’t explored that part of the story.

Esmeralda Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

All in all Esmeralda is a very dramatic song that ends the first act perfectly with Phoebus falling into a river. Mmm that reminds me of another Hunchback musical where the first act ends with Phoebus getting injured, mmm which one was that?

Click here to watch a video of Esmeralda being performed on Stage

Note – this song made my list of the top Ten Best Hunchback song which was my fist squidoo lens. Click Here to go there now

Next time – Trommeln in der Stadt & Ein Mann wie du