THE HUNCHBACK RETURNS

Unless you've been strapped to the whipping wheel, you know that this year marks the 100th anniversary of Lon Chaney's 1923 monster epic, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, the first feature film adaptation of Victor Hugo's thinly-veiled indictment of the Catholic Church.

The next film version was in 1939. Produced by RKO, it starred Charles Laughton with a completely different visage than Chaney's but more true to many illustrations seen of the bellringer.

The two articles following are from HOLLYWOOD magazine (November 1939) and PHOTOPLAY STUDIES (December 1939).

By the way, you can read my in-depth, 15-page article on the Hunchback Centennial in the recently re-launched CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN (see end of post).

Order HERE.

HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1939) PRE-PRODUCTION DRAWING

There are a few actors in the long history of horror films that were oddly cast in their roles. One is Charles Laughton's Quasimodo. Opposite Maureen O'Hara (personally, I liked Gina Lollobrigida's Esmeralda the best), the 1939 version showed that Laughton could play a monster like the next guy.

The images shown here are of a pre-production drawing for the film rendered in gouache and pencil by Joseph Hayse Goodwin, a Hollywood sketch artist of the time.

An Original Pre-Production Set Drawing from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." RKO Radio Pictures, 1939. Rendered in gouache and pencil on cardboard, depicting an elaborate, detailed, and eerie town scene as a small figure wearing a red jacket crosses a bridge, signed in the lower right corner "J. Hayse / Goodwin;" verso displays handdrawn penciled lines with a further signed "Hayse Goodwin" -- a Hollywood sketch artist who worked on this classic film starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara; from The Estate of Joseph Hayse Goodwin as consigned by his family. (Please note there is a 2" diagonal tear in the upper left corner and all borders are slightly frayed due to age.)
22" x 22".

CHARLES LAUGHTON LAYS DOWN "THE LAW"

"WHAT IS THE LAW?"

Those words struck fear in the vivisected creatures and slaves that Dr. Moreau created on his ISLAND OF LOST SOULS. This model stands approx 12" tall and features a detailed jungle scene base, complete with log, tree, lizard and jungle foliage. The base was created by Bob Bagy and the figure was sculpted by Bryan Moore. Also included is a gun holster, whip and hanging gong to summon the beasts. The model comes complete with instructions, graphic box art and cast in pressure cast parts for minimal cleanup. This is a really unique piece for classic horror fans, not seen very often in the collectible marketplace, limited to a one time cast run of only 30 pieces. Requires painting and assembly skills. Available October, 2011.