The Phantom of the Opera in the Guinness World Records 2013

1925 Movie starring Lon Chaney and Mary Philbin. The Phantom of the Opera in the Guinness World Records 2013

The Phantom of the opera in the Guinness World Records 2013
So, Musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber is the longest-running show in the history of Broadway musical. According to statistics, opened at The Majestic Theatre in New York City, New York on 26 January 1988 show has performed over 10,000 times! Meanwhile, the longest-running show in the history of Broadway celebrates its 25th birthday next year. “That makes me immensely proud,” – Webber said. Indeed, the Phantom Of The Opera is a worldwide entertainment phenomenon, inspired by the novel of a French writer Gaston Leroux. In addition to the opera, there are, at least 16 movies “The Phantom of the Opera” (from 1914 to 2004).

Silent horror film The Phantom of the Opera, 1925

However, both “Phantom of the Opera” films (1914 and 1916) are lost films. And 1925 black and white silent horror film directed by Rupert Julian “The Phantom of the Opera” is the third film adaptation of the book by Gaston Leroux. The script was rewritten 5 times, though by different writers.

This, in fact, first version of “Phantom” entered the golden fund of classic cinema, and all the credit thanks to the actor Lon Chaney. Chaney’s make-up was based not on the mask, but on a face of a “live” person. In particular, he used some wire carcasses, putting them into the nose. In addition, changed the shape of the face by putting celluloid discs behind his cheeks. Besides, the used eye drops gave his eyes the desired expression.

Interestingly, for the movie were filmed two finals. And two years later in the movie appeared a sound, and that made silent movies doomed. Besides, in 1929, to the film added music, some of the dialogue, and cries of horror. And other actor duplicated Chaney’s voice. Unfortunately, Chaney himself was not drawn to sound, and he died the same year.

Meanwhile, in the production of the film participated about 5,000 people. In particular, the “live” audience filled the hall during the filming. For example, several workers painted the roof of the opera in red with manual colorization. The film makers restored these frames only in 1996 with the help of computer technology.

The Phantom of the Opera in the Guinness World Records 2013

Beautiful Mary Philbin is best remembered for playing the roles of Christine Daae in the 1925 film The Phantom of the Opera opposite screen legend Lon Chaney