What I'd like to know is "Why?". The Disney animation resurgence was near it's zenith at this point. What brainiac throught animating a Victor Hugo religious drama - and then Disney-fying it? Thereupon lies an untold story and is a key to the history of Disney animation, which plunged from the heights of the animation art, ending up at "Home on the Range".

Wow, great timing, Mr. Norman! I was wondering about "Hunchback's" roots only yesterday while listening to Alan Menken's and Stephen Schwartz's gorgeous soundtrack. While I agree that yes, it was a crazy idea to tackle, and there are elements of the plot are very hit and miss for me, I do still love the art, the music, and the guts this movie must've took to make.

Not to mention, this is one of the modern Disney animated flicks that I know jack about. Looking forward to Part Two!

Wait, Hunchback is flawed?  It's still one of my absolute favorite movies, and the soundtrack is unbeatable.  Pocahontas was flawed; Hunchback is a masterpiece.

And that Esmeralda art?  Rawr!   All right, maybe the one flaw in the movie was changing that work of genius into the generic pretty-girl found in the movie.

Greetings Mr. Norman, This film is one of my favorites. I am looking forward to reading the future installments. By the way, that tribute to your grandfather on your blog the day after election day was nicely done.

Great stories as always, Floyd. I always thought "The Hunchback of

Notre Dame", was a really good film.  I'm waiting for the time when these "musicals" will make a comeback...any theories? It's interesting because Pixar changed the landscape by taking away singing characters and everyone fell in line, accordingly.  Look forward to more of the story, and I always enjoy your blog!

I think "Hunchback" was an unfortunate choice as the subject of a Disney film. I think the Diz crew did their upmost to wringe some fun out of what is a very dark, tragic tale...but failed, ultimately. IMO, the only good thing about "Hunchback" was Mary Wicke's voicework. She rocked.

I remember seeing Quasimodo dolls in toy stores, and thinking, "What kid would want to take THAT to bed?" :P

//For all its flaws, I still consider "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" a Disney masterpiece.//

I wholeheartedly agree.  It features some beautiful animation, a brilliant soundtrack, and it dares to be more mature than your standard kiddie fare.

I really hope they get the stage version to the States eventually, because the smaller scale stage show that was featured at MGM was always a highlight.

"Hunchback" is one of my absolute favorites - and arguably one of the most beautiful - Disney features, despite the juxtaposition of religion/violence and Disney.  I'm so thankful that I speak German so that I can fully appreciate the stage version.

Looking forward to Part II!

IIRC Eisner was big on Hunchback- seeing it as tailor-made for a Broadway that likes its musicals big, emo and set in France.

Its funny that the executives were squirming over the Hellfire sequence, probably one of the most redeeming parts of the entire movie.  I'd say its the parts that try to play down to the kids (the gargoyles) that makes me squirm when I watch it.  There's a lot of great stuff in Hunchback, but I wonder how much better it could have been without the gargoyle characters.

But The Dude, then we wouldn't have gotten great lines like "Paris, the city of lovers/is glowing this evening/True, that's because it's on fire/but still there's l'amour..." and "When she want's ooh-la-la/Then she wants you-la-la!"

The gargoyles were incidental enough that I don't have a problem with them.  They got one song and a added a bit of levity to the program.

A HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME article, yay!!! That's one of my all time favorite movies! Looking forward to the next article. :)

I remember seeing Quasimodo dolls in toy stores, and thinking, "What kid would want to take THAT to bed?" :P

--

ME! I have a Quasi doll, and while it's not on my bed, it's right next to it.

I love 'Hunchback.' It's my favorite Nineties Disney movie behind 'Beauty and the Beast' (A Trousdale/Wise picture as well.). The only thing I didn't like was the Gargoyles, but I can understand their purpose. They're there so Quasi doesn't look completely bonkers talking to himself.