Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise direct Tom Hulce, Demi Moore and Kevin Kline in this Disney animated classic following the deformed bell ringer of the famous Paris landmark as he learns to leave the shadows of the bell tower.

This got me back on the Disney train after feeling like I had outgrown the franchise. Having said that this is about as far away from “family friendly” as Disney has ever attempted. And it is a wholly successful attempt. Witty humour, big glorious songs, beautiful apex hand drawn animation, historical Paris realised with thrust and accuracy, sexual desire, religious intolerance, tyranny, a genuine bastard of a villain, emotionally deep cruelty and full blooded action. Something genuinely for everyone. Out There, Hellfire, Someday… sexy Esmeralda pole dancing… just a wholemeal blockbuster experience and it made the cash to prove it. Why no more like this one, Mouse House?

10

Perfect Double Bill: Beauty and the Beast (1991)

I write regular features about live comedy for British Comedy Guide here https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/bobby_carroll/features/