Sound and color remake of the Lon Chaney silent picture
PHILM PHACTS
USA 1943
Directed by Arthur Lubin
Cast:
Claude Rains: Erique Claudin/The Phantom
Susanna Foster: Christine Dubois
Nelson Eddy: Anatole Garron
Edgar Barrier: Inspector Raoul de Changy
Also Starring: Leo Carrillo, and Jane Farrar
Filmed at Universal Studio Color
Summary: The plot greatly changes from the Leroux novel and the Chaney film. Erique Claudin, a violinist supporting music lesson for Christine the singer he desires. Down on his luck after being fired from the opera, Claudin tries to get his music published, but after a misunderstanding in which Claudin’s rage leads to murder, he is scarred by etching acid in the face and flees into the sewers. Now reigning as the Phantom he uses his powers to help Christine’s career. When his demands are ignored he cuts the chandelier and carries off Christine. Her two suitors rescue her and Claudin dies when his underground lair collapses.
Other Philm Phacts
Edward Ward, the film’s musical director composed the
Phantom’s concerto/theme “Lullaby of the Bells” while the producer George Wagner provided the violin solo.
Because of the war; the film’s budget was limited so the Studio borrowed set pieces and filmed at Studio 28 (same set used for the Lon Chaney film)
REVIEWS
JOANNA PHANTOM’S REVIEW 3 STARS
Claude Rains’ interpretation of Phantom was too cute. Even though it had some good scenes in it, such as the sawing of the chandelier chain. Rains’ make –up was horrible silly, why he was even wearing a mask is beyond me. This was the first movie where the Phantom had his face burned by acid. Even though this movie was made in the time of war is no excuse for sacrificing realism.
ICEHEART’S REVIEW 3 STARS
This Phantom philck is more of a Hollywood musical than a horror film. There is far more opera than phantom. While he lurks about in the shadows and has lest than 30 minutes of screen time, while the rest of the picture is consumed by three lavish opera numbers. Rains’ Phantom is very sympathetic but not very threatening, At the climax he seems more of just a deranged old man. Age also makes this Phantom lest imposing and interesting than say a younger Phantom. There are also not one but two Raoul character, providing comic relief? However, it dose have a certain charm and is worth seeing. The DVD version has many great special features as well as a good documentary.
Check out Internet Movie Database site for this film.
Visit PCP ONLINE Actor Bio for Claude Rains
