(1929, 76 minutes) Rupert Julian, Edward Sedgewick
The most commonly available version, this release is
visual-only representation with musical accompaniment) of the 1929 sound reissue
for foreign markets (note that the title sequence and Carlotta's performance as
Marguerite are shot at sound speed of 24 frames per second) and is the best
surviving 35mm version of the film (the 1925 general release version only exists
in 16mm show-at-home prints and is of very poor quality). Far beneath the Paris
Opera House, a mysterious Phantom advances the career of an understudy to the
female lead role in Faust in hopes of claiming her for his love. The
tour-de-force is Lon Chaney's acting beneath several variations of masks and
makeup, rescuing wooden supporting characters and pedestrian directing by Rupert
Julian.
Reviewer: drui3 -
- August 28, 2006 Subject: 35mm print This has always been one of my favourite films! Lon Chaney gave masterful
life to the printed page. The print here on the Archive is really good, clean
B&W quality and I really enjoyed watching it. But... there is still nothing
like seeing the film as it was originally released.
Happily for posterity, a few years ago a pristine master print of the 1925 35mm
print (color filtering and 2 color Technicolor process intact) along with the
synchronized wax sound disks showed up in Germany. For those that have never
seen it before in its original state, I highly recommend looking for it in your
better stocked local rental store. It is available from Turner Home
Entertainment. There is also another edition on the Kino International label
from a mint condition color print with a recreated music track. Although the
original "soundie" is most effective, either edition will really blow
your mind!
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