Claude Rains Version of POTO

I'm looking for people who like the 1943 movie of Phantom.

I think the filmakers took the story a little too far. The Phantom being a violinst in the Opera orchestra, I like that. But I didn't like the concept of the Phantom not being in the Opera already.

But I love ''Lullaby of the Bells'' it's wonderful. Susanna Foster sings it beautifully.

:maskrose:O.G.

I love Claude Rain's Phantom portrayal.
The creators changed a lot from the original book. I thought that Claudin (Not Erik here) was a tragic figure. Having to exploit himself to advance Christine's career was a great plot idea. And of course, this is the first film to incorporate the acid as a reason of the disfigurement.

The way that he thought his music was being stolen added to the intensity of that whole scene, a plot which was later mirrored in the Herbert Lom film version.

I loved Lullabye of the Bells, too. It was a haunting song. And of course, Susanna Foster has a great voice.
The main thing I disliked about this film was the conglomerate of phony operas they tried to add. It made the film seem to clastrophobic.

I've actually never seen this version, but I have watched some clips on youtube and I think that I'd like it. Still, I wish someone would post the whole thing

I only have it on VHS
It is a very sad movie, though. With a lush orchestra score.

I THINK I once read like this kind of picture book version of it. I'll have to check my library again.

This is one of the best film adapts if you think about it. The music was sappy partly because the post war world needed some cheering up. Also, since the studio execs axed the idea of Christine being the Phantom's daughter, things got moved around a bit in the timeline.

Christine being the Phantom's daughter? What?

Yes. Whoever has the book will see the original story line. Her father went music crazy and ran away to the opera when she was a baby. Years later he deciedes to make up for this by sponsoring her career. But since they were never too clear on wheter he knows she is his daughter they nixed the story line. Supposedly the footage of Raoul finding out about it is floating around out there somewhere.

Where'd you hear about this!? That's... interesting and yet awful at the same time.

Turner Classic Movies. They play the Rains version once or twice a year. The host digs up all sort of dish on people. I think Flynn mentions it in his Phantom book too.

DeformedErik wrote:
But I love ''Lullaby of the Bells'' it's wonderful. Susanna Foster sings it beautifull.

I agree! I love that song. I figured out how to play it on my cello and everything. And it's a personal favorite to sing in the shower when no one is around. Lol. I did like that version of POTO, even if they did some altering. Made it unique.

I like the humor between Raoul and that singer guy. "lullaby of the bells" is good for bed, hence, "lullaby

Yes, the little snipes that Raoul and the baritone are humorous.