To further emphasize The Phantom of the Opera ’s epic setting, the filmmakers used color sparingly but with ingenuity. Carre worked at the Palais Garnier and was able to accurately map out the layout of the backstage and the watery catacombs beneath for the studio. We have production designer Ben Carre to thank for the authentic recreations of the Opera House. “ The results are so impressive to behold, it’s nearly impossible to believe the film wasn’t shot on location.” The sets were so large and sturdy, they weren’t fully demolished until 2014! The results are so impressive to behold, it’s nearly impossible to believe the film wasn’t shot on location. Soundstage shoots were the norm of the studio era, thus Universal built massive sets of the grand staircase, auditorium, backstage, and underground catacombs of the Palais Garnier. If you’re enjoying this article, consider joining our fiend club on Patreon for only a couple-a bucks a month!
1925 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA COSTUME FREE
All of our articles are FREE to read and enjoy, without limits. Nightmare on Film Street is an independent outlet. Much like the Notre Dame Cathedral, which Universal meticulously recreated for Hunchback, the studio jumped at the opportunity to create a spectacle with Phantom well worth the ticket price. It was these mysterious features in particular that prompted Leroux to imagine a hideous figure could dwell beneath the Opera House, haunting the theater unseen. The building sits atop sprawling passages and an underground lake. The iconic home of the Paris Opera features a magnificent grand staircase, rooftop resplendent with statues and a massive dome, and a grand auditorium with a gigantic chandelier. Leroux’s novel of behind the scenes drama, horror, and obsession revolved primarily around its setting, the opulent Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris. (The equivalent of nearly $90 million today.) In late 1924, production began on Phantom. The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a massive hit, grossing $3.5 million for the studio. Laemmle’s instincts regarding Chaney were on point. Laemmle devoured the book in one night, and by morning he was determined to make it Chaney’s next starring vehicle for Universal. Leroux gave the studio president a copy of his 1910 Gothic horror novel, Le Fantôme de l’Opéra. While on vacation in Paris that summer, Laemmle met author Gaston Leroux, who was working in the French film industry at the time. With its classic story, spectacular sets, and Chaney’s tour de force performance as Quasimodo, Laemmle was confident he had a hit on his hands.
The horror makeup master and actor had just wrapped shooting The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923). Universal Studios had yet to find its horror niche. The inspiration for The Phantom of the Opera came to Carl Laemmle in the summer of 1922. After she discovers his hideous form, The Phantom unleashes chaos upon the entire opera in order to keep his beloved Christine within his grasp. Her sweetheart, the Vicomte Raoul de Chagny (Norman Kerry), is doubtful.īut the flesh and blood Phantom, whose real name is Erik (Lon Chaney), eventually reveals himself to Christine and steals her away to his underground lair. Her teacher only appears as a disembodied voice that Christine hears while alone in her dressing room. She credits a mysterious tutor for her success.
The Paris Opera House is haunted by rumors of an “Opera Ghost.” Christine Daae (Mary Philbin) is a young singer who has risen quickly from the chorus into stardom. It was produced by Carl Laemmle for Universal, the studio he founded in 1912. The Phantom of the Opera is the first adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel. To kick things off, we’ll look at a classic silent horror with a storied past, The Phantom of the Opera (1925). We’ll explore its history and juicy behind-the-scenes secrets, as well as its legacy and influence on modern horror. Welcome to the first installment of our new monthly feature, Silver Screams ! Every month, I’ll guide you through a look at a classic old Hollywood horror film or hidden gem.
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