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Movies Forum Index » Silent Movies Forum » Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Rome, NY
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| Joanne Capella |
 Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 6:20 am |
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While HELLBOY, the science fiction action thriller based on Mike
Mignola's comic book opened in theatres across the country this
weekend, the Capitol Theatre in Rome, New York offered a silent film
featuring one of Hollywood's earliest "hellboys" -- Lon Chaney as THE
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. This, the first film in the Capitol's 2004
Spring Silent Movie Series was very well attended. Strong promotion in
the local media and the decent weather (decent for Central New York in
early April, that is) no doubt contributed to the good turnout. The
feature drew a crowd consisting of many new comers who were perhaps
novice silent film fans. For instance, no one cheered when Snitz
Edwards appeared on screen.
The 35mm print shown was the 1929 reissue which included a brief sound
introduction. It was shown in two parts with an intermission. Although
Art Pierce told me that he had been warned it was a dark print, I
found it to be very good overall with the exception of a few dark
scenes of Mary Philbin in her room in the Phantom's lair. The
Technicolor portion of the masked ball was spectacular, exceeding all
my expectations. The red of Chaney's costume seemed to sear through
the screen.
PHANTOM retains its power to thrill and frighten new generations of
fans. While most are familiar with Chaney's gruesome image as the
Phantom, often seen in film clips and stills, it is always unnerving
to experience his masterful performance within the context of the
entire film.
During intermission I overhead a father ask his 10 year old son,
"Aren't you glad we came to see this instead of HELLBOY?" The son
enthusiastically answered, "This is way more cool!"
Besides, HELLBOY doesn't have the accomplished musician Dennis James
at the Moller organ to set the mood. This was the fourth time I have
had the privilege of hearing Mr. James accompany a silent movie at the
Capitol. Each performance seems to surpass the previous one. Prior to
the film he played "The Funeral March of a Marionette," better known
as Alfred Hitchcock's theme. According to the notes in the program,
Mr. James adapted the Hinrichs and Winkler score of the original film
to the 1929 re-issue, and music from Charles Gounod's FAUST was
"performed to coincide with the scenes depicted on the screen." At
the movie's end, when Mr. James turned to the audience to receive his
well-deserved applause, he was wearing a Phantom (!) mask, much to the
delight of all.
On May 8th, the silent movie series continues with a night of films
from the year 1919. The feature will be BEHIND THE DOOR with Dr.
Philip C. Carli on hand to perform the score.
Many thanks again to Art Pierce, who coordinated this series, along
with all the folks and the Capitol Theatre and the Rome Theatre Organ
Society. There are not many venues left in which to view silent film
in the manner that the genre was meant to be experienced. Oftentimes I
moan and groan about the disadvantages of living in Central New York,
but I feel very fortunate to have the Capitol Theatre and its fine
silent movie series so close by.
Joanne |
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