Rating of
2.5/4
The focus is different, but the story is the same.
TheWolf - wrote on 12/21/07
1943's Phantom Of The Opera is usually quite criticized for straying too much from the original story, and for having too much focus on the opera. The heart of the story remains true to the classic story, and the first filming: A phantom stalks the Paris Opera House, and is attempting to get an opera starlet into the spotlight. The opera scenes are well staged, well sung and well acted. The rest of the film is also well acted, and Claude Rains turns in an excellent performance as the man who becomes the phantom. Susanna Foster shines when she is on the opera's stage, and sparkles when she is offstage. Nelson Eddy and Edgar Barrier both play their roles very well. The sets and props are extravagant, and the era in which the film is set is shown accurately. Over all I really enjoyed the way the film turned out.
