This month I composed a post on Classic Monsters of the Movies' deluxe edition of Universal's The Phantom of the Opera 1925. As a stylish companion to that volume, Classic Monsters' Nige Burton & Jamie Jones give fans a special edition on Hammer's 1962 remake, directed by Terence Fisher and adapted from Gaston Leroux's world-renowned novel by coproducer Anthony Hinds.
The magnificent Herbert Lom portrays the relocated-to-London Phantom, commencing the character as the doomed Professor L. Petrie, in a nod to Claude Rains' Erique Claudin from Universal's 1943 remake. Lom's powerful performance is acknowledged through the volume, as are his sterling costars.
As such, there are worthy bios on Heather Sears (Christine Charles), Edward de Souza (Harry Hunter), Thorley Walters (Lattimer), Patrick Troughton (the ratcatcher), Ian Wilson (the "dwarf" henchman) Michael Ripper (the grubby cabbie) and in one of his most fiendish performances (and considering the many he's played, such says a lot), the distinguished and pleasingly demeaning Michael Gough (Lord Ambrose D'Arcy).
For the volume, Fisher and Hinds receive apt commemoration, as well as cinematographer Arthur Grant and composer Edwin Astley, with reflection on the production's decision to "water down" the horror. To enhance the text, there are plenty of rare, black-and-white and color photographs, publicity materials, quality quotes and trivia.
In my estimation, The Phantom 1962 hasn't received the respect it deserves, and so I'm glad that Burton & Jones took time to analyze it in this endearing, 36-pg edition. It would be great if they stepped back to essay The Phantom 1943 and later adaptations. I'm certain they'd do a splendid job in each and every instance.
Order Classic Monsters of the Movies' The Phantom of the Opera 1962 at
https://www.classic-monsters.com/shop/product/the-phantom-of-the-opera-1962-ultimate-guide-magazine/
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