The film premiered on September 2, 1923 at the Astor Theatre in New York, New York, then went into release on September 6
The screenplay was written by Perley Poore Sheehan and Edward T. Lowe Jr., based on Victor Hugo's 1831 novel, and is notable for the grand sets that recall 15th century Paris as well as for Chaney's performance and make-up as the tortured hunchback bellringer Quasimodo
This was the seventh film adaptation of the novel. The film elevated Chaney, who was already a well-known character actor, to full star status in Hollywood, and also helped set a standard for many later horror films, including Chaney's The Phantom of the Opera in 1925
Two classic stills showing Chaney as Quasimodo can be seen on the internet, highlighting the makeup job,as well as the film's program book