glorious Technicolor adaptation of the Leroux novel
This 1943 version of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is simply stunning. As other viewers have noted, this version is more colourful musical than bloodcurdling horror (and more in tune with Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical than the Lon Chaney silent).
Claude Rains plays the Phantom. In this version the Phantom is a violinist in the opera's orchestra, trying to get his own music published. Because of arthritis in one of his hands, he gets fired from the orchestra and left virtually destitute. A case of jumping to the wrong conclusion leads him to be severely scarred by acid, and he retreats to the cool and dark of the sewers for refuge.
Susanna Foster plays Christine DuBois, a young singer in the opera chorus, who graduates to the lead roles when the resident diva is murdered by the Phantom. Nelson Eddy plays Anatole, the resident lead baritone who is in love with Christine.
The Technicolor photography is lush and vibrant, superbly reproduced for this DVD...
A Beautiful Film
I saw the 1943 version of "The Phantom of the Opera" before I read the book and (last) saw the 1925 version. I have to admit that it was not like the book at all, but the Lon Chaney version was a little. Claude Rains was very convincing as the tormented and lovesick Phantom, and was always more interesting than Lon Chaney. But Claude Rains was not given very much screen time, except near the beginning and end of the film. The sets were fabulous. Nelson Eddy and Edgar Barrier were almost constantly trying to win over Christine, and even though these scenes were funny, I've noticed that they can very easily become distractions that seem designed only to de-emphasize Claude Rains, which only hurts the film. Susanna Foster and Nelson Eddy sang a lot, and while these numbers were very nice and a joy to listen to, they were the only time Nelson Eddy really got a chance to shine, which is unfortunate. However, Susanna Foster fared well throughout the entire film. I would...
Technicolor, Glorius Technicolor
Years ago I taped "The Phantom of the Opera" off an old TV Channel. Not to long before I bought my new copy I hauled out the old tape and watched the film. All the colors had shifted and the copy looked like it was old and tired out.
I bought the new print when I saw it was available and had been cleaned up and beautifully restored. I got goose bumps when I saw this new copy.All the life was back and restored. Susanna Foster looked beautiful as the Opera Saprano and Nelson Eddy was in Fine Voice. Not to mention the gorgeous sets in vivid color. I've always said there is nothing like Technicolor. No other process even comes close. The Music is beautiful.Claude Rains makes a fine Phantom. The Screenplay is very good also. Warner Bros. is doing a fine job restoring these old films. I had to give this one 5 stars. I know this is a Horror Flick but it's a beautifully done Horror Flick.
Click to Editorial Reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment