Filmed at the Opera Garnier, the original setting of Leroux’s novel, in Paris, France.
PHILM PHACTS
France/Hungary/ USA 1990
Directed by Tony Richardson
Cast:
Charles Dance: Erik, the Phantom
Burt Lancaster: Gerard Carrier
Terri Polo: Christine Daae
Adam Stroke: Phillpe de Chaney
Also Starring: Ian Richardson, Andrea Ferreol
CBS-TV Color
Summary: This version of Phantom was based of the American Musical written by Kopit/Yeston (not to be confused with the Andrew Lloyd Webber show) with screenplay by Arthur Kopit. The TV miniseries presents a more romantic and theatrical version of Phantom. Charles Dance brings compassion to the character. Turning away from the horror Genre, this film focuses more on the tragic romantic side of the story.
Other Philm Phacts
Actress Terri Polo actually sang her characters songs in the beginning part of the film, before she receives her music lessons from the phantom.
This is the first time the real Paris Opera House was used in the filming of a Phantom movie
REVIEWS
JOANNA PHANTOM’S REVIEW 5 STARS
This is one of my favorite versions. The musical Phantom by Yeston and Kopit is based off this movie. I love this movie mostly because the relationship between Phantom and Christine is the most developed and touching. And man, he looks sexy in that mask
ICEHEART’S REVIEW 5 STARS
I enjoyed this musical and was glad to see a film version of it. The story is very charming and Dance and Polo have great chemistry on screen. Polo has to be my favorite Film Christine. There is also a lot of enjoyable comedy as well as romance. And yes, Charles Dance is a very, very sexy Phantom.
JULIE KATHERINE'S REVIEW 4.5 STARS
This is my favorite movie version. Not only does it contain the emotion needed to remove it from the inevitable horror movie genre Phantom is usally doomed to, but it is also flimed in the Paris Opera House! This is a real treat for those of us who could only dream of what it could be like. It definitely dosen't follow the story perfectly, but instead creates another side of the story without destorying the original.
If you see the movie and enjoy it, remember that this is Arthur kopit's masterpiece. He made the film in order to entice someone to produce his musical, Phantom. Needless to say, it worked, so check this musical out as well, it's defintely worth it. There are several charming love songs that need to be heard. Granted, it's not ALW, but instead follows a more tradtional musical style.
Visit the Internet Movie Database for more information about this film
Visit the PCP ONLINE Actor Bio Page For Charles Dance
