Why is William Dieterle's The Hunchback of Notre Dame considered one of his finest films?

William Dieterle’s 1939 adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is considered one of his finest works primarily due to its lavish production values and the powerful, moving performance of Charles Laughton as Quasimodo.1

The film is widely regarded as the best adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel. Laughton’s portrayal of the misunderstood bell ringer was bolstered by legendary makeup and costume design, which remained a secret until the film's premiere and helped create one of the most indelible performances of his career. The production also featured a strong supporting cast, including Maureen O’Hara as Esmeralda and Cedric Hardwicke as Frollo.21

Although the film diverged from the novel by providing a happy ending—partly to avoid issues with the Hays Production Code—it received significant critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.2