THE (1943) PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Let me begin by saying that the 1943 version of Universal's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is not one of my favorite horror films. My opinion is shared by any number of horror film critics as well, so I'm not standing on my own on a desert island.

One sheet poster - Style C.

Boasting "a cast of thousands", it premiered on August 12, 1943. First announced in November 1941, production didn't begin until January 21, 1942, Universal originally wanted to cast the popular Deanna Durbin in the role of Christine, but she declined. Director Henry Koster followed suit. Finally, U signed the 18 year-old Susanna Foster who would play opposite leading man Nelson Eddy.

Directed by the very competent Arthur Lubin, it is shot in technicolor and is visually sumptuous. As a result, if you're looking for a decent romantic musical this could be your cup of tea. As a horror film, it can be called barely that. Universal had planned to remake Lon Chaney's film as far back as the 1930's but the idea was shelved when the Laemmle's sold the company in 1936.

Fresh off filming Casablanca, Claude Rains (who was quite difficult on the set according to Lubin) is woefully miscast. U had been after Charles Laughton to play the role and when he backed out they even considered handing it to Broderick Crawford (!). The original Phantom's son, Lon Chaney Jr. was not in the running; the best he could do was visit the set while it was being filmed (see photos below).

One sheet poster - Style D.

Rains was billed third below Eddy and Foster and it only reinforces U's idea to sell it as a romantic musical rather than a horror picture.

The 1925 opera house set was appropriated and re-dressed to better exploit the Technicolor film stock. The original chandelier was also brought out of mothballs; it had been damaged in the first film, so fine Czech crystal was brought in to repair it. During the scene where Raines' Phantom cuts the chandelier so it will fall on top of the audience, the shot was cut away and the chandelier was placed on the floor with the crystals detached so that it appeared to have shattered.

Makeup man Jack Pierce had to resort to a minimal makeup job on Rains who, much like Henry Hull in his role as the Werewolf of London, felt he was too self-important to have his famous face made up into a monster.

Despite the disappointment of this remake not even coming close to Chaney's version, it did quite well at the box office, even garnering five Oscar nominations, winning Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction-Interior Decoration, Color.

LOBBY CARDS

PHOTOS

Fritz Leiber Sr. showing the famous chandelier.

Caricatures by popular Hollywood cartoonist, Kroll.

FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #10 (JANUARY 1961). REPRINTED IN #47 (NOVEMBER 1967):

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