The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

Right around Valentine's Day, we like to show some kind of movie that might make your date a little uncomfortable with your idea of romance, so this year, we'll be showing this silent classic! If you remove all of the violence, murder, mayhem and obsession, this IS a romantic movie. But there is the aforementioned violence, murder, mayhem and obsession...

In this film, Quasimodo, the deaf and half-blind hunchbacked bell-ringer of the Notre Dame Cathedral, is convinced by his keeper, Johan, to kidnap Esmeralda, the adopted daughter of the king of the underworld beggars. Captain Phoebus rescues Esmeralda, and Johan abandons Quasimodo, who is publicly lashed. Esmeralda takes pity on Quasimodo and attempts to comfort him. Later, Phoebus is stabbed by Johan, who also frames Esmeralda for the assault. She is sentenced to death, but is rescued from the gallows by Quasimodo, who takes her to the Cathedral where she is given sanctuary. The underworld attacks the cathedral to remove Esmeralda, but Quasimodo routs the attack with rocks and molten lead. The film concludes with a wonderfully bleak shot, which won't be spoiled here in case anyone doesn't already know it.

The film launched Chaney as a worldwide superstar and is noted for the amazing makeup effects used by Chaney. For "Hunchback," he wore a 70 pound hump and designed a torturous leather harness which forced his body into the hunched position he maintains throughout the film. This was also one of Forrest J. Ackerman's favorite films! So bring a date, or just bring yourself and see this classic in a theater! Due to the length of the film, this will be starting VERY close to 7:30 PM.