• Quasimodo                              Charles Laughton
• Frollo                                       Sir Cedric Hardwick
• Esmeralda                                Maureen O'Hara
• Gringoire                                  Edmond O'Brien
• Phoebus                                   Alan Marshal
• Archdeacon                             Walter Hampden
• King Louis XI                          Harry Davenport
• Madame de Lys                       Katharine Alexander
• Procurator                               Geo Zucco
• Old Nobleman                         Fritz Leiber
• Fleur de Lys                            Helen Whitney
• Queen of Beggars                    Mina Gombell
• Olivier                                     Arthur Hohl
• Student                                    Curt Bois
• Beggar                                     George Tobias
• Phillippe                                   Rod La Rocque
• Court clerk                              Spencer Charters
• Fleur's Companion                   KathrynAdams
• Fleur's Companion                   Dianne Hunter
• Tailor                                         Siegried Arno

 Victor Hugo's novel of Fifteenth Century France comes to life on the screen under the fine
direction of William Dieterle and the splendid efforts of a stellar cast and crew. The
conflicts of the poor as the reigning rich impact their meager existence is profound in this
film from scene one. The prejudice against the horribly misshapen Quasimodo and the
discrimination against the Gypsies entering this shaky society unfolds with the plot. There in
the theater audience you are safe and well-fed, but up on the screen it seems almost too real
for an audience. The genius of Charles Laughton is not surprising as he becomes the
quintessential Quasimodo. Maureen O'Hara's debut in American films as the beautiful, enchanting
Esmarelda was well received and the beginning of an illustrious career. As an outcast,
Quasimodo falls in love with Esmarelda whose warm and gentle heart sees past his grotesque form
and he then becomes her protector. His solace and sanctuary has always been the bell tower
where he is safe from prying eyes and the ridiculing masses. Now Esmarelda, falsely accused of
a crime depends on Quasimodo to keep her safe as he twice saves her from death. Unlike the
novel, this film has a happy ending, with the tender Quasimodo watching his Esmeralda ride way
with her love. She does, however, give a glance over her shoulder in reverence and appreciation
to her friend who remains behind.

They pulled no punches on this one - not hesitating to show some of the horrid practices
and customs of those times and the ugly side of human nature. This is one that when you emerge
from the theater you feel you have been there - in that other time - in that other century.

Behind the Scenes' of the Hunchback

This was Maureen's first American film. In 1939 she was under contract with Laughton and
Eric Pommer, and was brought to the United States for the very purpose of playing Esmeralda.
With the arrival of Laughton and O'Hara, the cast became to form. Edmund O'Brien was retrieved
from the New York stage, and established actors Thomas Mitchell and Harry Davenport were also
cast in major roles. Both Mitchell and Davenport had that same year appeared in "Gone With The
Wind."

Director William Dieterle, had tremendous skill in directing masses of people. This is very
evident in the huge crowd scenes that were in epic proportions in Hunchback . Maureen recalls
that Dieterle always wore white gloves and she couldn't figure out why. She later concluded
that in was of assist in directing the huge masses of people as it made his hands visible from
greater distances. Maureen mentioned the accommodations, make-up, feeding and costuming of so
many cast member which was done efficiently in tents with one huge tents for costuming.

MGM's Irving Thalburg had earlier suggested to Laughton that he could play the Hunchback.
Five years later, Laughton returned to America, and worked diligently to perfect his imitation
of this historical character. He insisted on having make-up artist Perce Westmore from Warner
Bros. Westmore's services apparently cost $10,000 which was big bucks in those days. Getting
the right look for Quasimodo was a joint effort on the parts of Laughton and Westmore. They
implemented many features in the design - a false eye, contact lens, false teeth, and earplugs
so Laughton could have at least a partial sense of being deaf. Laughton was weighted down under
pounds of heavy make up and appendages, which had to be applied every day. The studio would not
allow photos taken of Laughton in his makeup prior to the film's release so there would be an
element of surprise for the audience.

Two stuntmen also had to endure the same chore as did Laughton. They had to wear the same
costume and make-up for doing the dangerous stunts in the film. They did not use a double for
Maureen in that famous scene where Quasimodo swoops down and grabs Esmeralda, rescuing her from
the hangman's noose. When stuntman Dick Crockett held Maureen high above his head from the bell
tower Maureen noted that "I later saw that there was no board for foundation up front, and if
Dick's arm had wavered even an inch, I would have fallen hundreds of feet down."

 Hunchback of Notre Dame premiered on December 31, 1939 at Radio City Music Hall, RKO's last
move of the year, and of the decade. Hunchback one of RKO's most successful films, cost over
1.8 million dollars, at the time of it's initial release brought in over 3 million dollars at
the box office. Hunchback indeed gave RKO the kind of reputation which George Schaeffer had
intended. Variety gave the film fantastic reviews..and predicted a rosy future for the young
Miss O'Hara.

Maureen reflects great pride in being a part of this epic film. It was nominated for two
Academy awards - Alfred Newman for best score, and sound technician, John Oliver was nominated
for best sound. The film is world renown is remembered as one of the great classics in cinema
history.