Jack Cassidy as the Phantom

Jack Cassidy exudes his own particular charm as the Phantom of Hollywood. Dressed in an executioner outfit the mask of which that strangely resembles Christopher Lee’s death mask in Castle of the Walking Dead, he seems all too happy to impersonate the actors of old. This Phantom, once upon a time known as Karl, an actor whose career came to a jarring halt, keeps his heroes and his career alive by impersonating them in mannerisms and dress. He lives peacefully enough for thirty years, but flies into a rage at the idea of losing the back lot he considers his home.

The Phantom then kidnaps the studio owner’s daughter Randy, as a hostage, only to find out her dad is willing to bulldoze her too. He bonds with the young woman underground, and when she confesses she fears his actions more than his face, he becomes smitten. Her now would-be suitor seeks not only to protect his home but also to keep his lady by his side. In the end though, this dashing and unconventional man must face the fate of all Phantoms, and falls to an inglorious death after losing his balance during his victory speech.

Skye Aubrey is good in the role of Randy, portraying a daughter mostly ignored by her father and courted by the studio’s ad executive. She is determined to have her own life though, and when she realizes her own father would bulldoze her for profit, she accepts the fact and moves on. Randy does seem interested in Karl, but she doesn’t act on it. A shame since he clearly adores her.

This movie is interesting and works on many levels. The Phantom here is a tragic man crippled more by his pride than his disfigurement. He longs to be the elegant hero, and tries to use his fantasies as a shield from reality. In the end he looses everything, but dies in triumph. Perhaps more than anything this film elevates the homeless and tragically destitute to the level of humanity that they deserve. The underlying theme of our obligations to our fellow humans is interesting to say the least.

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