The Original Phantom of the Opera
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The Paris Opera Ghost brought to life by Lon Chaney
The Phantom of the Opera, Erik, is the main character in Gaston Leroux's 1909 book by the same title. This musical genius lives beneath the Paris Opera house in the catacombs masking his face because of a physical deformity.
In 1925, the Phantom of the Opera was vividly and terrifyingly brought to life by the man of a thousand faces, Lon Chaney, who created the grotesque makeup long before modern technology existed.
The famous unmasking scene where Christine finally sees Erik's 'accursed ugliness,' caused people to faint in 1925. This scene is often cited by critics and connoisseurs of film art as one of the most memorable moments in the history of film.
Photo Source: Wikipedia. Wikimedia. Lon Chaney as the Phantom of the Opera. Public Domain.
Feast your eyes, glut your soul
on my accursed ugliness.
"The Phantom of the Opera," 1925
The Phantom of the Opera 1909 Book
Available as a Free Download
The original book version of the Phantom of the Opera are now collector items and as such very expensive.Thanks to Project Gutenberg, a volunteer effort to digitize, archive and distribute cultural works, the original Phantom of the Opera is available to read online or as a free download.
- The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
- Download the free eBook from Project Gutenberg.
Excerpt from the Phantom of the Opera
The Opera ghost really existed.
He was not, as was long believed, a creature of the imagination of the artists, the superstition of the managers, or a product of the absurd and impressionable brains of the young ladies of the ballet, their mothers, the box-keepers, the cloak-room attendants or the concierge.
Yes, he existed in flesh and blood, although he assumed the complete appearance of a real phantom; that is to say, of a spectral shade.
Gaston Leroux
Phantom of the Opera in the Amazon Spotlight
The Phantom of the Opera
Amazon Price: $21.56 (as of 07/09/2009)![]()
This book of the Phantom of the Opera is the most famous work of French author Gaston Leroux. The story is much darker than the stories familiar to audiences of today.
Leroux's Fantom is a genuine murderer, and the story, a true Gothic murder/horror tale. Many have found it fascinating and absorbing reading, with depths not to be found in the later, extraordinarily popular adaptations.
Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera (in French, '''Le Fantôme de lOpéra''') is a French novel by Gaston Leroux. It was first published as a serialization in Le Gaulois from September 23, 1909 to January 8, 1910. Initially, the novel sold very poorly and was even out of print several times during the twentieth century. Today, it is considered to be a classic of French literature, though it is overshadowed by its many subsequent adaptations. The novel was translated into English in 1911. It has since been adapted many times into film and stage productions, the most notable of which were the 1925 film depiction, 2004 film depiction and Andrew Lloyd Webbers 1986 musical. The Phantom of the Opera musical is now the longest running Broadway show in history, and one of the most lucrative entertainment enterprises of all time.
Phantom of the Opera Collectible in the Amazon Spotlight
Lon Chaney as Phantom of the Opera Silver Screen Edition
Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 07/09/2009)![]()
The Silver Screen edition Original Phantom of the Opera has black and white paint deco representing the tones of the original film.
The 12" Phantom of the Opera figure has over 20 points of articulation and comes with a violin, bow, fedora, mask, opera cap and textured foot base.
Phantom of the Opera 1925 - The Unmasking on YouTube
This is often cited by critics and connoisseurs of film art as one of the most memorable moments in the history of film.
Phantom of the Opera Bust in the Amazon Spotlight
Phantom Of The Opera Bust
Amazon Price: $99.99 (as of 07/09/2009)![]()
Hand painted Phantom of the opera bust.
You can have your own 16 1/2 tall bust of the most famous Lon Chaney role.
Phantom of the Opera 1925 Version
On YouTube
The 1925 Version of Phantom of the Opera.
The Phantom of the Opera - 1925 Film Version
More about the Film version starting Lon Chaney.
The Phantom of the Opera is a 1925 silent film directed by Rupert Julian adaptation of the Gaston Leroux novel of the same title. The film featured Lon Chaney in the title role as the masked and facially deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House, causing murder and mayhem in an attempt to force the management to make the woman he loves a star. It is most famous for Lon Chaney's intentionally horrific, self-applied make-up, which was kept a studio secret until the film's premiere.
The film also features Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry, Arthur Edmund Carewe, Gibson Gowland, John St. Polis and Snitz Edwards. The only surviving cast member is Carla Laemmle (born 1909), niece of producer Carl Laemmle, who played a small role as "prima ballerina" in the film when she was about 15.
The movie was adapted by Elliott J. Clawson, Frank M. McCormack (uncredited), Tom Reed (titles) and Raymond L. Schrock. It was directed by Rupert Julian, with supplemental direction by Edward Sedgwick, and Lon Chaney (unconfirmed).
Want to be the Original Phantom of the Opera, the Lon Chaney Version for Halloween?
Phantom of the Opera Costumes Available on Amazon
Articles about Lon Chaney Sr.
- American Masters . Lon Chaney | PBS
- American Masters on PBS pays tribute to Lon Chaney Sr.
- Lon Chaney - Man of a Thousand Faces, Silent Film Actor
- Golden Silents pays tribute to The Man Of A Thousand Faces" - Famous silent film actor Lon Chaney.
- Lon Chaney: A History of Horror
- The story of Lon Chaney from A History of Horror online.
- The Official Web Site of Lon Chaney and Lon Chaney, Jr.
- The Official Web Site of Lon Chaney and Lon Chaney, Jr. presented by Chaney Entertainment, Inc.
- The Most Fiendish Face in Movies
- A look at Lon Chaney's in the Los Angeles Times.
- Lon Chaney
- Information about Lon Chaney from the Internet Movie Database.
- Silent Film Sources Review
- Review of a silent film star, Lon Chaney.
- Chaney Room
- An online tribute to one of Hollywood's brightest stars of the silent film era, Lon Chaney.
Original Phantom of the Opera Photos on Amazon
An Indepth Look at the Phantom of the Opera
Available on Amazon
The Undergrounds of the Phantom of the Opera: Sublimation and the Gothic in Leroux's Novel and its Progeny
A more academic look at the fascination with the Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)
The original restored version of the movie.
The Phantom of the Opera (Hollywood Archives Series) (v. 1)
A complex look at one of the most famous silent films ever made. Includes information on the footage that was cut from scenes considered too horrible for audiences in 1925.
Bringing to life the Lowest Types of Humanity
I wanted to remind people that the lowest types of humanity may have within them the capacity for supreme self-sacrifice.
The dwarfed, misshapen beggar of the streets may have the noblest ideals. Most of my roles since The Hunchback, such as The Phantom of the Opera, He Who Gets Slapped, The Unholy Three, etc., have carried the theme of self-sacrifice or renunciation.
These are the stories which I wish to do.
Lon Chaney Sr.
A Master of Makeup
Lon Chaney was one of the most versatile and powerful actors of the silent film era. He was dubbed the "Man of a Thousand Faces" for his ability to transform himself using makeup techniques that he invented himself.Lon Chaney is now acknowledged as one of the master of cinematic makeup. Long before all of the modern makeup technology was developed, Chaney was able to create some of the most grotesque physical portrayals of characters on film. Many of his characters and makeup techniques were an "exercise in self-torture." His 1925 Phantom of the Opera has become the image that many associate with the frightening portrayal of the phantom on film.
His makeup in The Phantom of the Opera was his own creation. To develop the terrifying effect of the Phantom of the Opera, Chaney created a skull-like impression to his eyes, by pulling his eyeballs out from their sockets with thin wires, making them bulge. He inserted wires into his nose to spread the nostrils, enlarged them with black paint and lifted the tip to enhance the skull-like appearance. Celluloid discs were places inside his mouth to distort his cheekbones. A set of jagged false teeth with prongs to draw back the corners of his lips completed the makeup to create the deformed look of the Phantom.
Sources:
Wikipedia. The Phantom of the Opera 1925 Film.
John Brosnan. Lon Chaney. A History of Horror.
A Thousand Faces in the Amazon Spotlight
A Thousand Faces: Lon Chaney's Unique Artistry in Motion Pictures
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/09/2009)![]()
Chaney was a master of makeup who crafted some of the most grotesque physical portrayals of human misery on film.
Author, Michael Blake, a make up artist himself tracks Chaney's rise from freelancer to MGM star, as well as his partnership with director Tod Browning, whose dark visions permitted Chaney's tortured protagonists to thrive.
Lon Chaney Sr. - The Man Behind the Phantom on Wikipedia
Lon Chaney (April 1, 1883 - August 26, 1930), nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Faces," was an American actor during the age of silent films. He was one of the most versatile and powerful actors of early cinema. He is best remembered for his characterizations of tortured, often grotesque and afflicted characters, and his groundbreaking artistry with film makeup.
Phantom of the Opera Commemorative Stamp
On September 30, 1997 The United States Postal Service honored many of the horror genre icons with the release of the "Classic Movie Monsters" stamps at Universal Studios Hollywood.These commemorative stamps included Lon Chaney as "The Phantom of the Opera", Bela Lugosi as "Dracula", Boris Karloff as " Frankenstein" and "The Mummy" and Lon Chaney, Jr. as "The Wolf Man."
More about the Commemorative Stamps
- Lon Chaney - United States Postal Service Stamp Collectables
- You can still order the United States Postal Service Stamp Collectables from the Lonchaney.com store.
- United States Postal Service - Monster Stamps
- More about the United States Postal Service Classic Monster Movie Stamps issued: September 30, 1997.
Phantom of the Opera on CafePress
Phantom of the Opera - The Song
- In sleep he sang to me
In dreams he came
That voice which calls to me and speaks my name
And do I dream again for now I find
The Phantom of the Opera is there
Inside my mind...
Phantom of the Opera Jewelry on Amazon
The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)
The Phantom of the Opera is a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the French novel Le Fantôme de lOpéra by Gaston Leroux. The music was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. The musical focuses on a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius known as "The Phantom of the Opera."
The Phantom of the Opera opened in Londons West End in 1986. The production was directed by Hal Prince, choreographed by Gillian Lynne, designed by Maria Bjornson, with lighting by Andrew Bridge. In 2008, the West End production surpassed its nine thousandth performance. It is the second longest-running West End musical in history and the longest-running Broadway musical. According to its official website, it is the most successful entertainment project in history, grossing more than $5 billion worldwide by 2007. Now, a musical sequel is in the making entitled Category: Phantom: Love Never Dies - , which i...
A Squidwho Lens on The Phantom of the Opera
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The Phantom of The Opera
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The Phantom of the Opera began as a novel written by Gastron Leroux in 1909. In the novel we are introduced to the character Erik, or the Phantom of the Opera, a horribly deformed musical genius also known as the "Opera Ghost." Over the yea...
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Phantom of the Opera Costumes Available on Amazon
The Phantom of the Opera is one of the easier costumes to create. All you need is a mask and a cape.
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PHANTOM OF THE OPERA DELUXE MASK
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Phantom of the Opera Musical Website
- The Phantom of the Opera: The Official Show Site
- Official website of the Musical version of The Phantom of the Opera.
Phantom of the Opera Musical
On YouTube
The Phantom of the Opera/Music of the night
Two songs from the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical. Starring Colm Wilkinson as The Phantom. I'm very sorry but I'm not able to send anyone a copy of this video.
Runtime: 7:16
297653 views
10 Comments:
More Phantom of the Opera Costumes
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Phantom of the Opera Musical on YouTube
Phantom of the Opera on YouTube
Wear Your Phantom of the Opera
Phantom of the Opera Jewelry Available on Amazon
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Music of the Night - Lyrics
Hear it, feel it, secretly possess you....
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams.
Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before.
Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar.
And you'll live as you've never lived before.
Music of the Night
Music of the Night MP3 on Amazon
Phantom of the Opera Music, Movies and Books
An extensive collection of music, movies and books from the different versions of the Phantom of the Opera.
You can vote for your favorite.
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Piano Strings Tribute to the Phantom of the Opera
<p>1. Think Of Me&lt more...0 points
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The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)
Musical Drama based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's celeb more...0 points
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The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)
Musical Drama based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's celeb more...0 points
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Phantom of the Opera [1990 TV Mini Series]
This is a Region Free DVD of the classic 1990 TV m more...0 points
Phantom of the Opera Products on CafePress
Other Phantom of the Opera Related Lenses
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Gerard Butler
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I just recently saw this actor in the film "300" and was impressed as much by the fact that I'd never really seen him in any other film (outside of Reign of Fire) as I was by his screen presence. Oh, that, and this lens is also a kissing c...
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Sarah Brightman
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Very often, fans of Sarah's latest works are surprised to learn of her illustrious past in Andrew Lloyd Webber productions on Broadway and the West End. Conversely, those who remember her landmark role in Phantom of the Opera find themselves marvelin...
Reader Feedback on the Phantom of the Opera
Your place for feedback, comments, suggestions and thoughts
What do you think about the Phantom of the Opera?
JJNW wrote...
Hi! Happy Squidoo Positivity Week! This is a COOL lens! I love Phantom and have seen and read most of the versions. Happy Squidooing and 5 * rating for you!
LadyZ wrote...
Very much enjoyed scrolling through this lens of Phantom of the Opera... Good Choice. Good Job.
LadyZ
GypsyPirate wrote...
What a wonderful lens - thanks for all of your hard work pulling it together! Thanks for joining us in The SquidBOO Home!
rms wrote...
I love this story. Thank you for another wonderful addition to the Gothic Temptations Group!
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Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief & bereavement, professional health educator, profess...
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