The Phantom of the Opera (1991)

Tony Richardson's version of Leroux's oft-filmed novel about a disfigured hermit and his tortured love for a gifted young singer stars Charles Dance as the maimed Erik Destler, aka the Phantom, in a musical adaptation of Arthur Kopit's 1982 play, which renders its protagonist a more sympathetic figure than had previous versions. Gerard Carriere (Burt Lancaster) has managed the Paris Opera House for many years but has been dismissed by the new owners, M. Cholet (Ian Richardson) and his talentless wife, Carlotta (Andrea Ferreol). This displeases the Phantom, who inhabits the depths of the opera house, since Carriere is a friend who has protected him, even inventing the Phantom legend to keep strangers from approaching his domain. Christine (Teri Polo) has arrived to study singing with Carriere but, in his absence, is hired as costumer and given lodging at the opera. When he hears Christine's singing, the Phantom, enchanted by her voice, seeks her out to offer singing lessons while insisting on retaining his anonymity. She agrees, and they begin working together. Simultaneously, a number of accidents befall Carlotta while she is performing, all a part of the Phantom's efforts to drive the mediocre singer from the stage and replace her with his beloved protégée. Surprsingly, given the tenor of Richardson's career, this highly romantic version of the story, which formed the basis of the popular stage musical, is played abolutely straight, with fine performances from Dance, Richardson, and Lancaster.