Released - September, 1923 

Directed By - Wallace Worsley

Starring – Lon Chaney (Quasimodo), Patsy Ruth Millar (Esmeralda), Norman Kerry (Phoebus de Chateaupers), Kate Lester (Madame de Condelaurier), Winifred Bryson (Fleur de Lys).

Description – Quasimodo is the deformed bell-ringer at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. He is told by the evil Jehan, the brother of archdeacon Claude Frollo, to kidnap the beautiful young gypsy dancer Esmeralda.

The kidnapping is foiled by Captain of the Guard Phoebus de Chateaupers and Quasimodo is sentenced to be lashed in the village square. During this punishment, Esmeralda takes pity of the bell-ringer and brings him water.

Jehan, learning of Phoebus’ plan to wed Esmeralda wants her back. He wound Phoebus and blames the act on Esmeraldo who is sentenced to death for stabbing an aristocrat.

Quasimodo remembering her kindness to him rescues her from execution and takes refuge with Esmeralda in the tower of the Cathedral. Here they are awarded sanctuary under law and cannot be arrested.

However, this right of sanctuary has infuriated the people who still believe the gypsy to be guilty of the crime and they plan to storm the Cathedral.

NOTABLE: This was Universal Studio’s most successful silent film grossing over $3 million dollars.

The role of Quasimodo elevated actor Lon Chaney from accomplished supporting character actor to full stardom.

Lon Chaney’s extreme makeup for this role included a knotted wig, false teeth, putty on his cheeks, a false eye, and a 10-15 lb. plastic hump for his back.

This film was the first to use wireless technology allowing the director to communicate with his assistants.

The film’s massive crowd scenes were filled with extras from downtown Los Angeles. These extras were paid $1.00 a night and included meals. It has been said that many of these extras were prostitutes who “considerable sideline business” on the set.

The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Ultimate Edition)

TCM Archives – The Lon Chaney Collection (The Ace of Hearts / Laugh, Clown, Laugh / The Unknown)

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Released - April, 1920

Directed By - John S. Robertson

Starring – John Barrymore (Dr. Henry Jekyll/Mr. Edward Hyde), Martha Mansfield (Millicent Carew), Brandon Hurst (Sir George Carew), Charles Lane (Dr. Richard Lanyon), Nita Naldi (Miss Gina).

Description – A classic silent horror film based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel.  Dr. Henry Jekyll’s facination with the two contrasting sides of human nature lead to scientific experiments that reveal the dark side of man and himself.  He develops a formula that allows him to alternate between the kindly Dr. Jekyll, and the murderous Mr. Hyde.  It isn’t long before the evil side begins to take over.

NOTABLE:  The early part of Jekyll’s first transformation used no makeup, instead relying on John Barrymore’s ability to contort his own face. Take a peek:

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

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