The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a 1939 American romantic drama film directed by William Dieterle and starring Charles Laughton, Maureen O’Hara, and Cedric Hardwicke. The film is based on the 1831 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame follows the story of Quasimodo (played by Charles Laughton), a deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame who falls in love with a beautiful gypsy dancer named Esmeralda (played by Maureen O’Hara). Esmeralda is also the object of affection for Captain Phoebus (played by Alan Marshal), but she only has eyes for the kind-hearted Quasimodo.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered a classic of Hollywood’s golden age. Laughton’s performance as Quasimodo is particularly praised, as is the film’s stunning cinematography and atmospheric score. The film was also notable for its impressive sets, including a massive recreation of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
| Directed by | William Dieterle |
|---|---|
| Produced by | Pandro S. Berman |
| Screenplay by | Sonya Levien Bruno Frank (adaptation) |
| Based on | The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo |
| Starring | Charles Laughton Sir Cedric Hardwicke Thomas Mitchell Maureen O’Hara Edmond O’Brien Alan Marshal Walter Hampden |
| Music by | Alfred Newman (musical adaptation and original composition) |
| Cinematography | Joseph H. August A.S.C. |
| Edited by | William Hamilton Robert Wise |
| Production company |
RKO Radio Pictures |
| Distributed by | RKO Radio Pictures |
| Release date | December 29, 1939 |
| Running time | 116 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1,826,000 |
| Box office | $3,155,000 |
