![]() ![]() He doesn’t just live underneath an Opera House-he is constantly performing. However deranged he may be, the Phantom, like Chaney, is a sly master of spectacle. Like all great villains, the Phantom has a well-honed sense of theatricality. Best of all is Chaney’s interpretation of the deranged villain. But, like a Ginsu-knife commercial, we also get so much more. It is, of course, an opportunity to shock us with the makeup he designed for the deformed Phantom. Phantom might have been the greatest vehicle for him, even if it’s not his best movie. But even if the film weren’t importantly historically, with one of the first moments of moving technicolor (rather than hand-tinted film), it allows us to watch Chaney in all his sympathetic, oddball glory. The film has a complicated history, including a frosty reception upon its first (and second release). It was heartening to see both showings had sold out. The Cathedral is an attraction in itself, and it’s hard to imagine a more appropriate place to see the 90-year-old gothic classic. What I’m trying to tell you is that on Halloween, I had the privilege not only of watching Lon Chaney’s Phantom of the Opera, but of watching it in Grace Cathedral Church, with live organ accompaniment. 2015 was my first year back, after an absence of about 15 years-really, I find it’s best not to count any more. The Bay Area’s economy may suck, but it can still be an amazing place to be if you love films (and can afford the occasional pricey event). I have a question – what is this thing on my head? (still from ) ![]()
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