The Phantom of the Opera

As Raoul once more passed through the great crush-room, this time in the wake of his guide, he could not help noticing a group crowding round a person whose disguise, eccentric air and gruesome appearance were causing a sensation. It was a man dressed all in scarlet, with a huge hat and feathers on the top of a wonderful death’s head. From his shoulders hung an immense red-velvet cloak, which trailed along the floor like a king’s train; and on this cloak was embroidered, in gold letters, which every one read and repeated aloud, “Don’t touch me! I am Red Death stalking abroad!”

Then one, greatly daring, did try to touch him…but a skeleton hand shot out of a crimson sleeve and violently seized the rash one’s wrist; and he, feeling the clutch of the knucklebones, the furious grasp of Death, uttered a cry of pain and terror. When Red Death released him at last, he ran away like a very madman, pursued by the jeers of the bystanders.
—The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Paris, in the year 1910, Gaston Leroux’s novel—Le Fantôme de l’opéra—was published. It has captured the imagination of the world ever since. The story follows the beautiful young singer Christine and her arrival at the Paris Opera House. Soon her adventure turns to horror as a mysterious and bloodthirsty stalker murders all who stand between him and the imperiled Christine.

Many times Leroux’s novel has been adapted—for films, made-for-tv movies, miniseries, rock opera, and broadway musical. If one is interested, one may learn about the other versions here, or one may simply read the novel itself.

Of course the good phantom doesn’t stay away for long. Even though Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash Broadway hit debuted 18 years ago, our Opera Ghost will be back in a movie version of Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, expected to be released December 22. Watch this for an early taste.

Posted by Ned at octobre 30, 2004 12:57 AM