Darwin Knight: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1990)TV- movie
This is not really a movie but a musical play that has been filmed while played to live audience in Florida. Unlike commonly thought it is not a shameless copy of Webber's play. This version that was played only once and went straight to a video is much more faithful to Gaston Leroux's original novel than Webber's version. It doesn't have but few songs and they are not as "larger than life" like Webber's. The thing that makes people to think this is Webber is that Phantom is wearing a half mask and Mme Giry is also a ballet mistress here instead of a box keeper. But it is not Webber, they even have the Persian in it!
I'll list the songs of the film/play:
Spirit Of Music: (They couldn't use "Angel" because of Webber's play) A young singer named Christine sings with the strange spirit that is coaching her singing in her dressing room.
In The House: Ballet girls are gossiping about the Phantom that is terrorizing the Paris opera house.
Running The Show: A hilarious song between managers Richard and Moncharmin, who are arguing which one of them is the boss. They are both funny, I especially like the guy playing Richard, makes me laugh every time.
Light And Darkness: Christine is first time singing in the lead on the stage. On her left side is Raoul, remembering the girl he once knew. On the right side is Phantom, not looking kindly on two lovers.
An Able Woman: A replaced diva Carlotta swears she will be the lead of this theater again.
Perfect Music, Perfect Love: A definite highlight of the entire show with David Staller playing Phantom seducing Christine in his underground lair.
Something Out There: Christine and Raoul declare their love to each others at the rooftop of the opera house. Nothing to do with "All I Ask Of You" song.
Back Into The Darkness: Phantom has kidnapped Christine again and begs for her to save him from his own madness.
So all in all it is an entertaining little show but nothing incredible. Except of managers song and "Perfect Music, Perfect Love" others aren't really that memorable. Cast is mainly theater actors who are good in their parts, with the exception of Elizabeth Walsh who makes Christine act like a bimbo. The entire show is ruined by the ending where Phantom gives Christine choice between him and Raoul and she leaves with Raoul without looking back.
Last word: Nothing incredible but entertains if one wants to see more faithful musical to Leroux. Still I think they should have filmed Ken Hill's play version of POTO instead of this.
This is not really a movie but a musical play that has been filmed while played to live audience in Florida. Unlike commonly thought it is not a shameless copy of Webber's play. This version that was played only once and went straight to a video is much more faithful to Gaston Leroux's original novel than Webber's version. It doesn't have but few songs and they are not as "larger than life" like Webber's. The thing that makes people to think this is Webber is that Phantom is wearing a half mask and Mme Giry is also a ballet mistress here instead of a box keeper. But it is not Webber, they even have the Persian in it!
I'll list the songs of the film/play:
Spirit Of Music: (They couldn't use "Angel" because of Webber's play) A young singer named Christine sings with the strange spirit that is coaching her singing in her dressing room.
In The House: Ballet girls are gossiping about the Phantom that is terrorizing the Paris opera house.
Running The Show: A hilarious song between managers Richard and Moncharmin, who are arguing which one of them is the boss. They are both funny, I especially like the guy playing Richard, makes me laugh every time.
Light And Darkness: Christine is first time singing in the lead on the stage. On her left side is Raoul, remembering the girl he once knew. On the right side is Phantom, not looking kindly on two lovers.
An Able Woman: A replaced diva Carlotta swears she will be the lead of this theater again.
Perfect Music, Perfect Love: A definite highlight of the entire show with David Staller playing Phantom seducing Christine in his underground lair.
Something Out There: Christine and Raoul declare their love to each others at the rooftop of the opera house. Nothing to do with "All I Ask Of You" song.
Back Into The Darkness: Phantom has kidnapped Christine again and begs for her to save him from his own madness.
So all in all it is an entertaining little show but nothing incredible. Except of managers song and "Perfect Music, Perfect Love" others aren't really that memorable. Cast is mainly theater actors who are good in their parts, with the exception of Elizabeth Walsh who makes Christine act like a bimbo. The entire show is ruined by the ending where Phantom gives Christine choice between him and Raoul and she leaves with Raoul without looking back.
Last word: Nothing incredible but entertains if one wants to see more faithful musical to Leroux. Still I think they should have filmed Ken Hill's play version of POTO instead of this.