I have mentioned in earlier posts that I am a fan of classic motion pictures and the stars of earlier days. Halloween is no different. Once again I find myself going back and enjoying a number of old horror movies. True classics such Universal Pictures Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman starring Bela Legosi, Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr. respectively. I enjoy these old pictures equally but it is the original silent film version of Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney Sr. that is up at the top of my list every year.
A silent film you ask? Yes a silent film. For an old film it follows the story line of the book quite well.
I first viewed this film about 10 years ago when American Movie Classics was commercial free. There have been many film adaptations of this story, most of them are forgettable. The other I somewhat enjoyed, was the filmed version Andrew Lloyd Weber’s production. I have not seen the stage performance but would like too.
The 1925 version of the film uses color tinting to set the mood in various scenes and uses more elaborate color effects during the masquerade ball scene and again on the roof of the opera house as Erik (the phantom) in flowing red robes eavesdrops on a conversation between Raul and Christine.
Unmasking the Phantom.
Learn more about the 1925 film here.
The Phantom of the Opera was written in 1910 by Gaston Leroux learn more about him and the history of written works here.
A couple years ago I looked for a good copy of this film on DVD. Mostly what I found were very poorly transferred copies by companies I had never heard of. But in the end I did find a nice 2 disc set that I am pleased with. If you are interested in buying this film consider the version I have. It can be found on Amazon here.
We had a beautiful night for Trick or Treaters. We had a Mike Wasowski, Capt. Jack Sparrow, Stitch, two Minnies', a dog dressed as Woody, and dozens of Disney Princesses. The number of kids tonight was crazy. My wife had to go out for more candy. In all we handed out 8 bags.
Happy Halloween everyone.
2 comments:
8 bags, wow! Only about 5 on our end. Bunch of Jack Sparrow's, some of the cutest little princesses (including my daughter who went as Jasmine...go figure..only red-headed Jasmine out there...).
Great piece on the Phantom... I too put that in my DVD player quite often.
Post a Comment