MT
Mordaunt Hall (The New York Times)
Praised the ambitious scenic effects and visuals but found the narrative mechanical and lacking subtlety, though it would appeal to popular audiences.
The deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House causes murder and mayhem in an attempt to make the woman he loves a star.
Directed byRupert Julian
Written byRaymond L. Schrock, Elliott J. Clawson, Gaston Leroux, Winifred Reeve
Budget$632,357.
Box office2 Million
Critical Consensus
7.5
IMDb
7.1
TMDB
The 1925 film received mixed contemporary reviews, with critics praising its visual spectacle but noting narrative shortcomings. Later assessments have been overwhelmingly positive, celebrating Lon Chaney's iconic performance and the film's enduring impact as a horror classic.
The Cast
Lon Chaney
Erik, The Phantom
Norman Kerry
Vicomte Raoul de Chagny
Mary Philbin
Christine Daaé
Arthur Edmund Carewe
Ledoux
Gibson Gowland
Simon Buquet
Snitz Edwards
Florine Papillon
John St. Polis
Comte Philip de Chagny
Virginia Pearson
Carlotta
Olive Ann Alcorn
La Sorelli (uncredited)
BA
Betty Van Allen
Ballerina (uncredited)
Trivia
The film had a budget of $632,357 and grossed $2 million during its initial theatrical release.
In 1953, the film entered the public domain in the U.S. because Universal Pictures failed to renew its copyright registration.
Stage 28 on the Universal Studios lot was the first soundstage created with steel girders set in concrete, built for the film's elaborate Paris Opera House set.
Lon Chaney's ghastly, self-devised make-up for the title role was kept a studio secret until the film's premiere.
During production, Lon Chaney and director Rupert Julian had strained relations and eventually ceased communicating, requiring a go-between for directions.
Reviews
0 reviews
Avg: 0.0 / 5
Critics
T
Time
Commended the film's sets but ultimately described the picture as "only pretty good."
V
Variety
Found it technically sound but its terrifying premise, focused on a criminally insane mind, made it intensely unsettling and a "sleep destroyer."
RE
Roger Ebert
Awarded a perfect score for creating a grotesque cinematic setting and Chaney's transformation of an absurd character into a haunting one.
A(
Adrian Warren (PopMatters)
Described the film as terrific, unsettling, beautifully shot, and atmospheric, with Chaney's performance elevating it to legendary status.
TO
Time Out
Gave a mostly positive review, praising Chaney's performance as the best version of the character and the climax, despite "hobbling exposition."
TG
TV Guide
Called it one of the most famous horror movies, noting its ability to still frighten audiences more than 60 years after its release.
RT
Rotten Tomatoes
Holds a 90% approval rating, with critics noting its enduring ability to scare and Lon Chaney's performance as a benchmark in horror.
Audience
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