She Likes to Watch

Lucky locals can see silent film classic “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” on the big screen 

Silent film pioneer Lon Chaney Sr. may have been known as “The Man of the Thousand Faces,” but most moviegoers recognize just two: the tormented ghoul in “The Phantom of the Opera” and the misunderstood bell-ringer  in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Chaney’s stunning performance as Quasimodo cemented his Hollywood star status. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” with its elaborate sets and stellar box office sales,  set a new standard for onscreen extravaganzas — including “Phantom.”

This Saturday, lucky local moviegoers can watch “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” the way it was meant to be seen — on the big screen with live pipe organ music by Bay Area musician Christian Elliott. Proceeds from the one-of-a-kind screening benefit the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and Cal Poly Arts.

Based on Victor Hugo’s popular novel and set in the 15th century, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” centers around Quasimodo, the kind-hearted but hideously deformed bellringer at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

As a child, Quasimodo was taken in by Claude Frollo, the saintly archbishop of Notre Dame. Now a young man, he’s seen by most of the populace as a monster.

Claude’s evil brother, Jehan, convinces Quasimodo to kidnap the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. Dashing Captain Phoebus rescues her and captures Quasimodo, who’s sentenced to be lashed in the public square as punishment.

Only Esmeralda, recognizing Quasimodo’s childlike innocence, takes him water. He becomes her devoted slave.

Released in 1923, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” made movie history as one of the largest, most elaborate productions to date.

Made with an unprecedented $1,250,000 budget, the film featured more than 2,000 extras, 5,000-plus costumes and an exact replica of the Cathedral of Notre Dame, circa 1482.

Director Wallace Worsley policed the production with the help of 10 assistant directors and 28 field captains.

Star Lon Chaney, meanwhile, required three and a half hours a day to perfect his elaborate makeup. He handled all of his hazardous stunts himself.

Hailed by fans and critics as a triumph, “Hunchback” played for 21 weeks at New York’s Astor Theatre and grossed more than $3 million — becoming Universal’s most successful silent film. It remains the best-known movie version of Hugo’s much-adapted novel.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” isn’t the first full-length silent film to be shown at Harmon Hall.

The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival screened “The Phantom of the Opera” there in 2007, followed by Buster Keaton’s comedy classic “The General” last fall. Silent film organist Bob Mitchell accompanied both screenings on the massive Forbes Pipe Organ.

Mitchell, who passed away in July, will be remembered Saturday with a music and video tribute before the screening.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” screens at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo.

Tickets are  $25, or $15 for students and film festival members. To purchase tickets, call 756-2787 or visit Cal Poly Arts online.