RARE AURORA STORE DISPLAY MODELS

Back when the Aurora monster models were a big thing, the company would send hobby shops and other retail outlets kits that were pre-built and painted for display. Amazingly, a few more of these still exist and two of them went up for auction last month.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame kit was first released in 1963 and was designed after the 1956 Anthony Quinn film version. It was sold for $350.00.

The Guillotine was first produced in 1964 as a proposed "Chamber of Horrors" line. Parents pushed back on this one as being too morbid for their youngsters and the series was discontinued. This display model sold for a whopping $1,375.00.

The Witch came out later, in 1965, and was not based on any particular monster movie. The Witch sold for $450.00.

View my Hunchback re-issued kit build HERE.

I HAVE A HUNCH

Today, I proudly present another one of my monster model builds -- The Hunchback of Notre Dame, re-issued by Polar Lights. The original Aurora kit was first sold in 1963. The figure was based on the 1957 version of the film, and starred Anthony Quinn and Gina Lollobrigida. Technically, this kit was not a part of the Universal Monsters series as it was produced by Paris Film Productions and released by Allied Artists.

As for the box art, reportedly Quinn had an issue with his likeness being portrayed and artist James Bama created another version, this time with bushier hair.

I actually built this a little over two years ago, but the unfinished post got buried in my queue. This was a pretty easy kit to build as the parts fit better than most. I also got to work more on my wood coloring which I think is the best part of the model. If you look close at his head shot, you can see I added a little saliva coming out of the corner of his mouth, too. After all, it was at this point that Quasimodo cried, "I thirst"!

THE HUNCHBACK RETURNS

Unless you've been strapped to the whipping wheel, you know that this year marks the 100th anniversary of Lon Chaney's 1923 monster epic, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, the first feature film adaptation of Victor Hugo's thinly-veiled indictment of the Catholic Church.

The next film version was in 1939. Produced by RKO, it starred Charles Laughton with a completely different visage than Chaney's but more true to many illustrations seen of the bellringer.

The two articles following are from HOLLYWOOD magazine (November 1939) and PHOTOPLAY STUDIES (December 1939).

By the way, you can read my in-depth, 15-page article on the Hunchback Centennial in the recently re-launched CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN (see end of post).

Order HERE.

R.I.P. GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA

The stunning Italian beauty, Gina Lollobrigida passed away on January 16 at the age of 96. We monster fans remember her as the seductive gypsy Esmeralda in the 1957 version of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME starring alongside Anthony Quinn in the title role. But she was more than that, having a second successful career as a photojournalist. She also was active in the Italian American community and supported their causes as a member of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). Rest in peace, Gina.

QUASIMODO'S FIRST COMICS ADAPTATION

The 100th Anniversary of Lon Chaney's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is next year. In the meantime, I came across what I believe to be the first Hunchback adaptation in the comics in JUMBO COMICS #1 (September, 1938). Drawn by Dick Briefer, there is no credit for the scriptwriter, but it is attributed to the artist. Briefer is of course, known for his Frankenstein series in Prize Comics.

HUNCHBACK ART BOX EDITION MODEL KIT

Now being offered for pre-order is the fantastic "art box" re-issue of the Aurora Hunchback of Notre Dame model kit. Due later in September from Doll and Hobby, the kit is available through numerous online sellers, but my personal recommendation is to purchase it from CultTVman.

Product Description

Doll & Hobby is excited to introduce their lastest model kit, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame Artbox Edition. This model kit is featured in 1/8 scale and will measure 6 x 4.75 inches when complete. Additionally this kit includes a special artbox with clear printed sleeve, double-sided printed backdrop, and rotating display base!

Product Features

• 6 x 4.75 inches (15.24cm x 12.07cm)
• 1/8 Scale
• Ages 15+
• Special ArtBox Edition with clear printed sleeve
• Rotating platform
• Full-color, double-sided printed backdrop
• Based on classic novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
• Requires cement and paint for assembly (not included)
• Box Contents
• 25 Pieces to build Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Double-sided printed backdrop
• Name plate
• Display base
• Instruction sheet