''The Phantom of The Opera'' (1925)

By Crusader1307

Most screen versions taken from the 1909 French Writer Gaston Leroux novel The Phantom of The Opera, are most often heavily adapted (depending on the Studio and time period). Considered a Gothic tale of romance and horror, the first and most famous version was the 1925 classic silent film. Starring the Master and Grandfather of Movie Monster make-up - Lon Chaney Sr; his rendition of Leroux'  Phantom still hold up today. The classic and iconic unmasking scene (often imitated), still is considered one of the scariest moments on film. The story of this movie Monster is even more close to our sense of human fears. The Phantom is actually one of us. In the original version  Erik (The Phantom's real name), was born with a horribly deformed face. Lacking a nose, lips, eyelids and a face that appeared much as a living skull - he is shunned by society (even his mother puts him into an orphanage). A series of crimes has Eric being sent ot the infamous prison Devil's Island. Escaping, he makes his way to Paris, living (and learning music) underneath The Paris Opera House. Using stage props and old wardrobe, Eric transforms himself in the role of The Phantom. In short, trying to find love, he falls for a young singer (Christine)  loses her to a handsome beau (Raoul) and  after a series of murders, is chased through Paris (to be captured by a Mob of citizens  beaten and drown in the river).

Traditionally, our Phantom dies at his organ (heartbroken at Christine leaving with Raoul). As horror movies matured so did the need to scare the audience. By the 1940s, expensive color films needed a draw. So, a Phantom needed a better back story (and suitable gory make-up). Now, The Phantom of The Opera was a mild mannered (and unknown Composer). Having his work stolen by a greedy Publisher (and taking credit), our new Phantom goes to this crook to get his property. After a proper fight scene, Printer's Acid is thrown into the Composer's face. Horribly scarred, our Composer hides away underneath The Paris Opera House (add the rest of the story, now). The Phantom has been made less deformed (and sometimes even more handsome), as time and tastes have advanced. He even has taken Broadway by storm. But still, we always have our own personal Phantom favorite  to haunt our personal dreams.