Questions for the Monster Experts

[Falstaff13]

For our Movie Monster Toy experts...

1. Do any of the toys of the Hunchback/Quasimodo truly represent the 1939 film, with Charles Laughton in the role? I know there were Hunchback figures, but was it a generic "deformed" character, or does it look like the makeup for that version? I also know more recent toys have included the Lon Chaney version, but I'm curious about this one.

2. Searches for toys based on Frankenstein yield lots of monsters--is there a set based on any of the movie scientists, especially the "Son of Frankenstein"?

Thanks!

[MIB41]

I've never seen any depictions of Charles Laughton as the Hunchback in action figure form. When you talk about monster figures, it was AHI that was the first to really explore that universe. And those heads started out as rough molds from the Aurora model kits. But the Hunchback was not part of that series. Lincoln jumped in and gave us a generic interpretation of the monsters, including Hunchback. But I don't believe there was any intended likeness to this particular actor. Lincoln was really just a knock off variant since AHI still held the license. Remco at the turn of the 80's took a stab at the monsters and added the Phantom. But it wasn't until Sideshow got the license in the late 90's that you saw the most comprehensive examination of all the classic monsters based on their appearance in each film. This is also where you will find the best figures from Son of Frankenstein. Sideshow did an excellent version of Legosi as Igor in the six inch format. Sadly he never made it to the deluxe 12 inch version. That would have been sweet! Outside of model kits, I have never seen a Dr Frankenstein covered as an articulated action figure. The Hunchback only got his brief appearance based on the Chaney incarnation (both in the deluxe 12 inch and 6 inch version). If one exists for Charles Laughton, I have never seen it.

[Falstaff13]

Thanks for all the info! I really appreciate it.

I'd love both a Laughton Hunchback and a Basil Rathbone Son of Frankenstein (for that matter, any Rathbone).

[ctc]

Hmmmm....

I think the old Aurora kit is the closest from the old school side, but it's not really a toy.

Don C.

[AcroRay]

The Laughton portrayal of Quasimodo is my all-time favorite as well. I'd love a figural representation of him.

"Why was I not made of stone, like thee...?"