STEVE HAYES: Tired Old Queen at the Movies - THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

[SanDiegoArtNut]

I just watched (on You Tube) Charles Laughten in "The Old Dark House". He is over the top "loveable" in it

[DinnerPartyP]

A tender review, from my most tender friend. A must see for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

Happy Halloween, my love!

oxoxo

Patti

[22redsguy]

A stunning and moving review. Thanks, Steve, as always for your contribution to the great art that the cinema can be.

[Zander45]

I see you have a book with a photo of Francis Farmer.Have you reviewed any of her films? I loved the film "Frances"and Jessica Lange gave a heatbreaking performance.I bet you have some storeis to tell about her life.

[Zander45]

I see you have a book with a photo of Francis Farmer.Have you reviewed any of her films? I loved the film "Frances"and Jessica Lange gave a heatbreaking performance.I bet you have some storeis to tell about her life.

[VaudevilleSchtick101]

I love this movie too. I remember as a child it scared me but it also made me cry out of compassion for the hunchback. A truly wonderful film and a very sensitive, thoughtful review by you Stevie! Lovely!!! :-)

[Iank14]

I don't remember the last time I saw this movie, but watching you makes me want to see it again. And you're right, too many people have forgotten what a great talent he was and had. With what he did with just one word, "sanctuary" and being able to show that it meant more than safety proves what a true artist he was.

[4gregorysf]

Steve, this was such a moving review. This was broadcast on TV so many times when I was growing up (born 1950), and I haven't seen it for a very long time. I will remedy that right away! If you have seen his scenes in the uncompleted "I, Claudius" you will see him match this performance. I had a poster of "Ruggles of Red Gap" in my college dorm room but never saw it--I hope to see it soon. Thanks for your great reviews (and performances!).

[STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@4gregorysf

Oh, thank you! It was so nice of you to write. I have seen his brilliant "I, Claudius" out takes. I have a documentary on the making of it. Taped off PBS back in the 80's , it's called "The Epic That Never Was:" and was made in the mid-60's, narrated by Dirk Bogarde and includes interviews with the surviving cast and crew members. It's fascinating. I just saw "Ruggles" for the first time not too long ago. Mary Boland and Charlie Ruggles are so great and Laughton is sublime.

[hecate55]

I always love the background stories of the actors and directors you share with all this wonderful classic movies. Anthony Hopkins played Quasimoto and Captain Blye in two later versions of Laughton's movies. That movie never fails to move me to tears. Well done once again Steve!

[MarkMonlux]

Charles Laughton is a fantastic actor who has barely been seen by today's audiences. He deserves to be discovered all over again. Thanks for doing this review.

[Noelypole]

Steve, I always enjoy watching your reviews. This one in particular is just so well done, I am going to go out and buy the DVD on your recommendation. THAT is how good you are.

[bbath7]

Steve, I thought you would want to know that The Two Mrs. Carrolls, The Cobweb and A Stolen Life are available on dvd through the Warner Archive.

[STEVEHAYESTOQ]

@bbath7

I know I think A Stolen Life is probably me favorite Bette davis movie after The Letter. It was alos the first Bette Davis movie I ever saw/ I LOVE Gloria Grahame in The Cobweb. I love all Minnelli's melodramas. Even more than his musicals. The two Mrs. Carrolls and Cry Wolf are both great Warner Brothers Stanwyck melodramas! Hooray!!!

[miloubehar50]

Love this Steve!

[bbath7]

I love Maureen O'Hara. I'm 24 and have a huge crush on her! I think she was John Wayne's ideal leading lady. Would you ever consider reviewing The Quiet Man or McLintock?

[beeblmeyer]

Steve and Johnny, This must be my favorite review of yours, thus far. I really like the opening with Johnny. The background music seemed perfect, too. I also very much liked your description of Charles Laughton, and him identifying with (t)his character. I wouldn't have known he was gay otherwise.

I look forward to your reviews every week at JoeMyGod.

Thank you, and keep up the great reviews!

[danhpatterson]

Also, mention should be made of the fine supporting cast. In addition to Cedric Hardwicke, there are Harry Davenport, Thomas Mitchell, and Edmund O'Brien, looking impossibly young and handsome.

[danhpatterson]

One of the best movies ever made, no question. I love the score for this movie, too. Laughton was so great and O'Hara was so beautiful - and Hardwicke was so malevolent! A long time favorite of mine, thanks for saluting it as only you can do.

[ctocity]

Great! One of my favorites and the best version of the book.

[Cubachik]

I will always love you, Steve!!  This is great.

[dollarallen]

Thanks for the great review. The definitive movie version of a great book.

[alexanderBoldt]

never even heard of this one. It reminds me a bit of The Elephant Man by David Lynch.

[rextrek]

ahh I remember watching that as a kid...and the burning of hot oil spilling on people/......it scared me