The film is most famous for Lon Chaney’s intentionally horrific, self-applied make-up, which was kept a studio secret until the film’s premiere.Ĭhaney transformed his face by painting his eye sockets black, creating a cadaverous skull-like visage. The Phantom, seen only in the shadows, causes murder and mayhem in an attempt to force the opera’s management to make the woman he loves into a star. ‘The Phantom of the Opera,’ adapted from a 19th-century novel by French author Gaston Leroux, featured Chaney as the deformed Phantom who haunts the opera house. “It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween, and also the power of silent film to transport audiences to strange and unusual places.” “The original ‘Phantom’ is a film that seems to get creepier as more time passes,” said Rapsis, who frequently accompanies films throughout the nation. It’s an atmosphere that silent film accompanist Jeff Rapsis will try to enhance in improvising live music on the spot for the screenings. To modern viewers, the passage of time has made this unusual film seem even more strange and otherworldly. “The Phantom of the Opera,” starring legendary actor Lon Chaney in the title role, remains a landmark work of the cinematic horror genre. The show will allow audience members to experience ‘Phantom’ the way it was intended to be seen: on the big screen, with live music, and with an audience. The screening will feature live accompaniment by Jeff Rapsis, a New Hampshire-based composer who specializes in creating music for silent films.Īdmission is free and the program is open to all.

at the Derry Opera House, 29 West Broadway, Derry, N.H. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ (1925), the silent big screen adaptation of the classic thriller, will be shown with live music on Friday, Oct. at the Derry Opera House.ĭERRY, NH - Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky silent horror film! Lon Chaney stars in ‘Phantom of the Opera’ (1925), the original silent film version of the classic story, to be shown with live music by Jeff Rapsis on Friday, Oct.

Cast of the phantom of the opera