Collectible Movie Posters - 1923

The Hunchback of Notre Dame , 1923 September 6

In late 15th century Paris, tensions between the harsh rule of King Louis XI and the impoverished and oppressed masses led by the self-proclaimed King of the Beggars, Clopin, converge under the shadow of Notre Dame cathedral. To cheer themselves, the impoverished gather in the cathedral square to celebrate the annual Festival of Fools, which culminates in the crowning of the city’s ugliest man, church bell ringer and hunchback, Quasimodo, who is provided shelter in the cathedral by the generous arch-deacon Don Claudio. The arch deacon’s brother, Jehan, a failed semin arian, also finds refuge in the cathedral, but treats the simple Quasimodo as his personal slave. Just beyond the cathedral square, Clopin lives with his adopted gypsy daughter, Esmeralda, a great favorite with the people for her beauty and spirit. At the festival, newly appointed captain of the guard Phoebus de Chateaupers finds Esmeralda’s joyous dancing mesmerizing, as does the lustful Jehan and the delighted Quasimodo. The evening of the festival’s end, as Esmeralda sets off for home, Jehan sends Quasimodo to kidnap her, but she is rescued by Phoebus and the guard, who arrest the hunchback. Although he is engaged to the niece of the wealthy Madame de Gondelaurier, Fleur de Lys, Phoebus invites Esmeralda to dine with him and is touched by her sincere, unspoiled nature. continued at end

Film status: extant