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THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA -1925>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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My wife and I saw this last week on the Big screen (Flying Monkey in Plymouth NH where We see many shows) with a Live score being played . I've seen POTO a few times, but this print (1929 re-issue) was fantastic...sharp clear picture and some early tinting for the time that worked very well, especially "The Red Death" sequences.
The story is pretty creaky and as for most silent films, some of the acting can be described as "Overboard", although it was necessary to get the point across. I found the "romantic" leads quite bland and Christine, in particular, is incredibly shallow as well as fickle.
But, let's be honest...the main reason to see POTO is to watch Lon Chaney do his thing. He is incredibly mesmerizing here with that first rate make-up job. Can truly imagine the screams that erupted back then when He is exposed...even though I've seen it before, had a little quickening of the pulse as Mary Philbin began to reach for the mask. Some amazing sets as well and a good job of all the extras during the Masked Ball, but Your eyes will only be on the figure in red. ***1/2
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