Phantom of the Opera (Universal Studios Classic Monster Collection)
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Movie Reviews of Phantom of the Opera (Universal Studios Classic Monster Collection)
Movie Review: Fantastic music and acting
Summary: 5 Stars
A great technicolor masterpiece about the crazed monster of the opera. Claude Rains is terrific and the music is impressive. Well done film.Movie Review: "Phantom of the Opera" Movie
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed watching the Phantom of the Opera" movie. I am very glad to be able to buy the DVD version of this movie. It is a classic.Movie Review: phanton of the opera 1943 now dvd
Summary: 5 Stars
DVD REALLY EXCELLENT. SOUNG WAS GREAT AND VIDEO SUPER. NEED MORE OF NELSON EDDY AND DO EDDY AND JEANNETTE MACDONALD ON DVD/Movie Review: The Original Musical Score of Phanton of the Opera
Summary: 5 Stars
Everyone should see this one before seeing the latest version.
Movie Review: Claude Rains, a man with talent. But as the Phantom, well...
Summary: 4 Stars
I had to buy this movie, because I am a Phantom completionist. I am a sap and sucker for saying that, but hey, I have a few Phantom Phan-friends who have more than I do. This is part of the Universal Monsters collection, hailed as something of true splendor, and also... who can go wrong with Claude Rains? Honestly, that man is a true god to Classic Hollywood.
Anyway, to the review. I really like this movie, I do. But it could have been better, but the movie's plot, set-design, and actors save it from being a bad buy.
Erik Claudin is a old violin genius. He knows good music like the back of his hand, and has a pretty decent life. You think... for he is using all the money that he could be using for rent to pay for Christine Daaé's tutilage. He is striken with the poor girl, take it granted he is old enough to be her father. (In a deleted scene, she was.) But he refuses to let himself be known to her.
He has written a concerto, a musical masterpice. And when bringing it to the publishers, in hopes of getting money and having true success, he falsely blames them of stealing it and goes into a mad rapage. The man who makes copies at the printing building, gets killed by his hand and his assistant throws "photo acid" on him, burning his skin. Back then, photo acid would perhaps damage your skin, but nowadays it's more non-toxic, but could really damage your eyes. He becomes scarred and falls down a sewer, leaving behind his old "wanted" life...
Meanwhile, Christine Daaé is being seduced by two people. Her on-stage star Antole, and her "captain" of the police, Raoul. I guess you can say--from the book and the musical--the part of Raoul is divided up between both of the characters evenly. Both wish for her hand... but she plays off them as if she has no desire for them.
The opera managers are being menaced by a Phantom, who leaves them threatening notes warning them to "get rid" of Carlotta. They also take note that their Erik Claudin is missing, but have no idea to put two and two together and find out it's really him.
The first half of the movie is rather boring, only when he becomes the Phantom and starts giving threats, making himself visible, does it show real "Phantom" quality. The key elements of the movie is: The Fly-Space/Catwalk Chase, The Final Opera--The Phantom's Outsmarting and Kidnapping of Christine Daaé, and the ending--where she chooses her carrer over the two Raoul's.
Without the deleted "scene" or sub-plot of Erik Claudin being her father, you would be utterly confused on why the "Melody of the Bells" song means so much to her. Nevertheless, the Phantom was always a "Father Figure" to her, so it's not that important. The sets are a real treat, for the Opera House was reused from the 1925 version of Phantom starring Lon Chaney, and when watching it in it's remastered form (the 1925' version) you can tell! And that set still exists on the Universal Backlot.
All in all, it's a pretty delightful movie to watch. Claude Rains is a superb Phantom and the supporting cast are amazing. Though Christine is a little too stupid. I still don't understand why it would be ranked among the Universal Monsters Classics. Clearly the Lon Chaney is more of a monster film that this one.