Universal didn’t stint on its Lon Chaney vehicles – the sets here are even more amazing than Phantom of the Opera. And Chaney responds with an equally touching performance – his make up is even more impressive because it involves body stuff when he’s whipped. The plot has Quasimodo’s master lust after Esmeralda – he sends Quasimodo to capture her but e winds up captured himself when Esmeralda is rescued by an officer (who starts off slimy but becomes nice – he’s played by the game who played Raoul in Phantom).
Many memorable scenes – Esmeralda giving water, the riot scenes, the Hunchback dying as Esmeralda kisses her pompous lover. Unlike the Phantom the Hunchback is more of a support character in this one to the stuff around Esmeralda. The villain seems to stroll in and out of the film at all too convenient times. But it remains an impressive achievement, especially with regards to Chaney and the incredible production design.
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