HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME DVD -NEW

The success of The Hunchback depended upon Universal's choice for the title role: Lon Chaney. Chaney began his film career in 1913 as an extra and bit player at Universal. After checking the schedule of films to be made that day, he would use his makeup case to transform himself into a pirate, half-breed, old man or whatever else was needed. This gave him an advantage over the other extras (who, like Chaney, were hired on an as-needed basis) and got him noticed by directors.

In the late teens, although he had advanced to prominent supporting roles, Chaney left Universal on a salary dispute - he wanted his salary raised to $125 a week with a five-year contract. The studio manager refused, claiming he'd never be worth $100 dollars a week. When Universal signed the actor to star in The Hunchback some four years later, he was paid $2,000 a week for the six-month shooting schedule.