Watch The Phantom of the Opera

The 1962 film version of The Phantom of the Opera is a classic horror movie, featuring a chillingly atmospheric soundtrack and some truly suspenseful moments. Herbert Lom stars as the titular Phantom, a mysterious and disfigured man who lives beneath the Paris Opera House and becomes obsessed with a young, up-and-coming singer named Christine (played by Heather Sears).

The movie opens with scenes of the Paris Opera House, which is said to be haunted by a phantom who has been terrorizing the opera company for years. We then meet Christine, who is onstage rehearsing for a performance. She catches the eye of Raoul (played by Edward de Souza), an aristocrat who is immediately smitten with her. However, Christine is already being courted by a mysterious figure who communicates with her from the shadows, promising to help her become a star.

That figure, of course, is the Phantom. We soon learn that he has been living beneath the opera house for years, using secret passageways and hidden chambers to spy on the performers and sabotage their shows. He becomes fixated on Christine, believing that he can turn her into a great diva and use her to exact revenge on those who have wronged him.

As the plot unfolds, we see the Phantom grow increasingly unstable and dangerous. His jealousy and anger reach a boiling point, leading to some truly terrifying scenes. Meanwhile, Christine and Raoul try to navigate their own complicated feelings for each other in the midst of all the chaos.

One of the standout elements of this movie is the music. The Phantom's theme is instantly recognizable and creates a creepy, foreboding atmosphere throughout the film. There are also a number of impressive operatic set pieces (some of which were filmed on location at the Paris Opera House), showcasing the incredible vocal talents of Sears and other cast members.

Lom's portrayal of the Phantom is also worthy of note. He brings a certain pathos to the character, making him seem almost sympathetic at times despite his increasingly violent and erratic behavior. Sears is also excellent as Christine, conveying both her talent and her vulnerability. De Souza plays the more straight-laced, heroic Raoul with confidence and charm.

Overall, this is a solid adaptation of the classic story, with plenty of suspense, drama, and impressive visuals. While some aspects of the plot may feel dated by today's standards (such as the Phantom's possessive behavior toward Christine), the movie still holds up as a classic horror tale that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Phantom of the Opera is a 1962 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.