Other Films with a Phantom Theme

These movies deliver little shocks of fright in a way that would make Erik proud. Movie listings are listed in chronological order with the names of the director and stars followed by the year of the first theatrical release. After a brief description, format (VHS or DVD) and the company that released the video for home use and the year that company released the video are listed so readers know exactly which version of a film is being discussed.

The Climax Dir. George Waggner. Perf. Boris Karloff and Susanna Foster. Universal Studios, 1944. The talented Susanna Foster plays a young soprano who falls under the sinister control of the Opera physician, Dr. Hohner. It is up to her fiancée to save her before she meets the same fate as Hohner’s lover, who disappeared ten years ago. VHS, color. 86 minutes. Not rated, suitable for all audiences. MCA Home Video, 1996.

The Witch’s Mirror Dir. Chano Urueta Perf. Rosta Arenas, Armando Calvo. 1960. When a witch’s adopted daughter is murdered, she uses a mirror for revenge. Strong Phantom themes including, ghosts, mirrors, deformity and betrayal.

Theatre of Death Dir. Samuel Gallu. Perf. Christopher Lee and Lelia Goldoni. Pennea Productions, 1967. Christopher Lee stars as the driven director Philipe Darvas who rules over the Theatre of Death in Paris in sadistic style. He becomes obsessed with the newest member of the theatre, and soon establishes a terrifying hold over her. Phantom themes here most strongly reflect the Rains version of the film, and include the killer’s shadow and secret passages for the killer to skulk about in. DVD, color, 89 minutes. No rating, not suitable for younger viewers. Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2001.

Tourist Trap Dir. David Schmoeller and J. Larry Carrol. Perf. Chuck Conners, Tanya Roberts. Charles Band Productions, 1970. A quaint little roadside wax museum proves to be the home of a masked predator with supernatural powers. Well worth watching, this film delivers some frightening ideas of just how vulnerable we are to strangers. DVD, color, 83 minutes Rated R. Koch Vision, 1990.

Wonder Woman The Phantom of the Roller Coaster. 1979. This two part episode featured a tortured park Phantom who hies away to protect those he loves. Wonder woman helps him nab the bad guys in the park and to accept the world above him. Approx 2 hours. Warner DVD.

The Funhouse Dir. Tobe Hopper. Perf. Wayne Doba, Elizabeth Miles. Universal, 1981. When four friends decide to stay after closing in the carnival funhouse a killer wishing to keep his secrets to himself stalks them. The film stays true to its promise to deliver little shocks of horror, and the killer is very inventive and charming in his own way. DVD, color, 95 minutes. Rated R. GoodTimes DVD, 2001.

The Munster’s Revenge Dir. Don Weis. 1981 Cousin Phantom of the Opera is hoping for his big break. Luckily that operatic voice of his can break just about anything, including giant bell jars. Mask by Don Post. Goodtimes VHS, 1996. 96 minutes.

Popcorn Dir. Mark Herrier. Perf. Tom Villard and Jill Schoelen. Studio Three Film Corporation, 1990. Horror on the screen escapes into the theatre when some aspiring film students hold an all-night film festival. Members of the crew disappear as the killer seeks his vengeance. There are good Phantom themes in this film, but nothing you can give away without ruining the story. VHS, color, 93 minutes. Rated R. RCA/Columbia Home Pictures, 1991.

Dance Macabre Dir. Greydon Clark. Perf. Robert Englund and Michelle Zeitlin. 21st Century Film Corporation, 1992. Robert Englund plays a dance instructor obsessed with the newest member of his school, who just happens to resemble his lover in her youth. Members of the school meet a number of grisly fates until the two are left alone. Good acting and strong direction. This film is rated R for nudity and violence. VHS, color, 97 minutes. Columbia?Tristar Home Video, 1992.

Rigoletto Dir. Leo D. Paur. Perf. Joseph Paur and Cynthia Jump. Rekab Tserrof, L. C. 1993. When the handsome elfin prince Rigeletto loses his outward beauty, he flees to the world of humans, seeking the one to break the spell. Taking the name Ribaldi, he must come to terms with his fate and learn to open his heart to others to break the spell. Beautiful music and a great story line, this movie also includes strong Phantom themes with a twist. VHS, color, 98 minutes. Feature Films for Families, 1998.

Castle Freak Dir. Stuart Gordon. Perf. Jonathan Fuller and Jessica Dollarhide. Full Moon Entertainment, 1995. Imagine if Erik had a mother right out of Grimm’s fairy tales a mean old she-beast that keeps him locked away in the castle dungeon far from the light of day. Imagine too that one day he escapes, only to receive more of the same treatment from his American relatives who take over when Momma’s gone. It’s hard to pity just one person in this film, since so many of the characters are alone either by design or emotional exile. Despite the sad parts this film is great fun, but rated R for graphic content. VHS, color, 95 minutes. Full Moon Entertainment, 1995.

Abre los Ojos 1997 Open Your Eyes Dir. Alejandro Amenabar Per. Eduardo Noriega, Penelope Cruz. Cesar has a lot of problems. He’s deformed, unloved, and has slight homicidal tendencies. Great Phantom themes and references throughout.

Dark Ride After Dark Horrorfest, 2006. Perf. Dave Warden. An amazing remake of Funhouse with much stronger gore and Phantom themes. Erik fans will love the mask, mirrors, candles, organ music, and genral creepiness. Lots of blood and guts goodness. A true masterpiece of horror. Rated R, for strong grisly horror violence, gore, and so on. Lionsgate, DVD. 94 minutes.

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