PHANTOM FILMS FROM 1925-1980

The following list includes many Phantoms that aren’t in the opera house. For clarity’s sake, the distributor of the video and year it was released on video by that distributor is also included after the review.

The Phantom of the Opera: The Ultimate Edition This collection features both the 1929 restored version of Chaney’s film, as well as the 1925 original feature. A wealth of bonus features such as multiple soundtracks for the 1929 version, an extract of the lost opera Faust from the film, and two audio features round out the films. The still selections are impressive and include many deleted scenes from the films. This set is a must for the true Chaney fan. Suitable for all ages. Milestone Film and Video, 2003. 2 DVD set, B&W, Handschiegl color process, 4 hours and 28 minutes. Film Review

Song at Midnight a.k.a Singing in the Midnight, Ye Benge ge Shen. 1937. Dir. Weibang Maxu. Per. Shan Jin, Menghe Gu. Not too long after the Chaney film this gem was released. A tortured Phantom must face his disfigurement and the problems his disappearance from the world causes. A rather sad version, but splendid acting and superb singing voices. Film Review

Phantom of the Opera. Dir. Arthur Lubin. Perf. Claude Rains and Susanna Foster. Universal Studios, 1943. The DVD of the Claude Rains movie includes several improvements. The picture and soundtrack have been cleaned up, resulting in a more vibrant Technicolor and crisper sound. This DVD in particular contains a short bonus documentary The Opera Ghost, A Phantom Unmasked, production photos and a selectable film commentary. No rating. Suitable for all ages. Universal, 2000. DVD, color, 93 minutes. Film Review

El Fantasma De La Opereta Dir. Fernando Cortes Perf. Tin-Tan, Ana Luisa Peluffo. G.B.K, 1959. Comedy star Tin-Tan runs afoul of a gang of Phantoms when he opens his own theatre. But who is the true Phantom, and what does he want of the beautiful star? This wonderful film is a delightful mix of comedy, music and horror. Mexicine. DVD, B&W, 80 minutes.Film Review

The Phantom of the Opera. Dir. Terence Fisher. Perf. Herbert Lom and Heather Sears. Hammer Films, 1962. Coming from one of the greatest horror studios of all time, this Hammer remake features a Phantom of grand passions and enough violence to earn it a respectful place among the studio’s classic films. This film is suitable for viewing by most ages. MCA Universal Home Video, 1995. VHS, color, 85 minutes. Film Review

Santo vs. el Estrangulador AKA Santo Vs. The Strangler Dir. Rene Cardona. Perf. Santo, Roberto Canedo. 1963.A strangler is knocking off the cabaret singers. You have to feel sorry for him considering the quality of the acts. DVD or TV. Black and white. Film Review

Santo Contra El Espectro del Estrangulador AKA Santo Vs. The Ghost of the Strangler Dir. Rene Cardona. Perf. Santo, Roberto Canedo. 1963. A rather odd follow up finds the Strangler helped by his genius assistant in creating havoc. Too bad he doesn’t take his assistant’s advice. DVD. Film Review

Santo en el Museo de Cera 1963. AKA Santo in the Wax Museum. Samson in the Wax Museum Dir. Alfonso Corona Blake, Manuel San Fernando. Perf. Santo, Claudio Brook.A wonderful adaptation of the Phantom story, with a real lunatic as the Phantom. Yes, this is Santo. The Sampson in the English title doesn’t exist. Story subtext may offend some viewers, be warned. DVD. Black and white.

Monster of the Opera AKA The Vampire of the Opera Dir. Renato Polselli. Perf. John McDouglas (Giuseppe Addobati), Vittoria Prada. 1964 Leroux’s tale gets an odd spin with a vampire Phantom haunting an abandoned theatre. Italian, no subtitles. B&W Not rated, mature content. Film Review

La Sombra del Murcielago AKA Shadow of the Bat Dir. Frderico Curiel, Luis Enrique Vergara. Perf. Jaime Fernandez. 1966. Our Phantom here is an honorable lucha whose actions are meant to protect both himself and his murderous, incompetent helper. Film Review

Phantom of the Paradise. Dir. Brian de Palma. Perf. William Finney and Jessica Harper. Harbor Productions, 1974. When composer Winslow Leach has his music stolen by soulless record producer Swan, he plots his revenge. He’ll have to endure many indignities before it happens also an unfortunate accident leaves him deformed. Despondent, Winslow takes sanctuary under the Paradise as the Phantom. But his love for Phoenix sets him free to fulfill his destiny. Great music throughout. CBS/FOX Video, 1988. VHS, color, 92 minutes. Film Review

Phantom of Hollywood Dir. Gene Levitt. Perf. Jack Cassidy and Skye Aubrey. MGM, 1974. This made for TV movie has everything you’d expect from a Hollywood Phantom. The Phantom hides beneath the studio back lot for some thirty peaceful years until the studio owner decides to sell the lot for quick cash. An enraged and very suave Phantom emerges to protect his territory, killing all who challenge him. VHS, color, 72 minutes. Film Review

KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park. Dir. Gordon Hessler. Per. Anthony Zerbe and Deborah Ryan. Hanna-Barbara Productions, 1978. When Kiss comes to the theme park to do a concert, they run into the Phantom. This movie includes great music by KISS, as well as solid acting throughout, a real treat for KISS and Phantom fans alike. Anthony Zerbre plays a sympathetic Phantom the viewer will love. Featured songs include Rock & Roll All Night, Shout It Out Loud, and Beth. GoodTimes, 1988. VHS, color, 96 minutes. Film Review

Phantom of the Bijoux A.K.A. The Meateater, Blood Theatre. Dir. Derek Savage. Per. Arch Joboulain, Dianne Davis. 1979. This movie is so much fun it is a shame more people aren’t aware of it. With film techniques that remind one of Texas Chainsaw, this is one cannibalistic Phantom that piles on the good old wholesome gore. Video Treasures, 1986. VHS, color, 92 minutes. Film Review

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