This haunting story first came about in 1911 when Gaston Leroux published his book of the same title. Le Fantôme de l'Opéra was set in the Garnier Opera House in Paris and told the story of young soprano, Christine Daaé, who is coached by a mysterious Angel of Music.

Her Angel of Music turns out to be Erik, a disfigured man who lives under the Opera House. He has fallen in love with Christine and is determined to make her a star. As with most stories of this sort, it all ends in tragedy for Erik.

The story was made popular in 1925 when Lon Chaney (pictured, left) starred in the silent movie. This was the movie that really kicked off the horror movie genre. Since then, Phantom of the Opera has been made into several other movies, starring actors such as Charles Dance.

In 1984, Phantom hit the stage in the form of the smash hit musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe. The Original London Cast starred Sarah Brightman as Christine and Michael Crawford as the Phantom - a role that made him a household name. The show is still playing on Broadway and the West End.

Just recently the musical has been made into a movie starring Scottish actor Gerard Butler (pictured, right) as the (rather too handsome) Phantom and Emmy Rossum as Christine, a role which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, one of three nominations the movie received.

I believeThe Phantom of the Opera will continue to draw audiences as long as there is pity and compassion in the world. Hire the movie, see the show, read the book, do what you like. However, just as a word of warning, have your tissues ready - you'll need them!!

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