Hunchback of Notre Dame

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Lino
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2004 10:18 am
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Hunchback of Notre Dame

#1 Post by Lino »

The 1939 version.

I've just stumbled across this one and was unaware of it until now. From what I've been reading, it's one of the best screen adaptations of Victor Hugo's classic book. There are sadly no professional reviews for the Warner disc online. More input is of course much appreciated.

A very early Beaver review.
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HerrSchreck
Joined: Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:46 pm

#2 Post by HerrSchreck »

One of the best films of 1939 and definitely the best talkie version of the film.. one of Laughton's greatest achievements ever, as well as post Germany Dieterle. An absolute masterpiece in absolutely every department.
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Schkura
Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2005 5:48 pm
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#3 Post by Schkura »

I saw this a while back on TCM and I'm with H.S. in every respect. I would likewise appreciate an appraisal of this disc from someone in the know.
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Ashirg
Joined: Wed Nov 03, 2004 1:10 pm
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#4 Post by Ashirg »

Lino wrote:There are sadly no professional reviews for the Warner disc online.
Review
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Lino
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#5 Post by Lino »

Fantastic film, superb performance by Laughton, a disc in serious need of an upgrade by Warner but the whole experience was almost ruined by the extremely OTT performance by the guy that played Gringoire. Still, everything else was too good for him to spoil it. Great, great movie and one I shall be recommending to every one of my closest friends. That's what you do with such treasures.
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Zazou dans le Metro
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:01 pm
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#6 Post by Zazou dans le Metro »

First film that ever terrified me as a kid. Really hoping that MoC follow up Daniel Webster with a Dieterle fest including this. There doesn't seem to be an R2 in print?
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dr. calamari
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#7 Post by dr. calamari »

Fantastic film, superb performance by Laughton, a disc in serious need of an upgrade by Warner but the whole experience was almost ruined by the extremely OTT performance by the guy that played Gringoire.
The performer you're thinking of is Edmond O'Brien, whose first film performance this is, if I remember correctly. Fortunately he matured and went on to do some pretty good work, most notably in D.O.A. (1950)...but I agree, whenever he's onscreen in Hunchback, he pretty much drags the whole thing to a standstill.
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hamsterburger
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Re: Hunchback of Notre Dame

#8 Post by hamsterburger »

Does anyone know if this old snapper has been re-released as a regular keep case?
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Murdoch
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:59 am
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Re: Hunchback of Notre Dame

#9 Post by Murdoch »

I got it from amazon about six months ago and it was the snapper.
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swo17
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Re: Hunchback of Notre Dame

#10 Post by swo17 »

I just noticed this newish release of Hunchback on Amazon. Is Turner Home Entertainment affiliated with TCM/Warners?
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starmanof51
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Re: Hunchback of Notre Dame

#11 Post by starmanof51 »

swo17 wrote:I just noticed this newish release of Hunchback on Amazon. Is Turner Home Entertainment affiliated with TCM/Warners?
Saw this yesterday in Sam's Club for about seven bucks.
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Roger Ryan
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Re: Hunchback of Notre Dame

#12 Post by Roger Ryan »

swo17 wrote:I just noticed this newish release of Hunchback on Amazon. Is Turner Home Entertainment affiliated with TCM/Warners?
I assumed they were one-and-the-same by now...Turner Home Entertainment buys MGM, Warners buys Turner, Warners owns Turner Classic Movies, etc.

Don't most of the R.K.O. / MGM releases from Warners carry a "Turner Home Entertainment" credit? The WIZARD OF OZ does (in the fine print).
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domino harvey
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Re: Hunchback of Notre Dame

#13 Post by domino harvey »

That's just a keepcase repackaging of a Warners snapper with new art, ala Little Women
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