Phantom Of The Opera (1943) *** [Universal Monsters Double Feature Pt. 2]

Though it features lush Technicolor cinematography, beautiful costumes and sets, and plenty of opera (so much), if that’s your thing, Arthur Lubin’s Phantom Of The Opera (1943) is one of my least favorite classic Universal Monsters movies (of the ones I’ve seen). It has a decidedly different vibe than the other well-known Monsters films. For one thing, it’s in color; for another it’s a much lighter affair. There’s lots of fluffy humor that feels like it belongs in a family film. The love triangle is humorous (and very gay), but there’s not enough horror (the too-brightly-lit sets are partly responsible for that), the film is longer than necessary (almost all the other Monsters movies are 70 to 80 minutes long, while this one is over 90), and Jack Pierce’s makeup is one of his weaker efforts (and barely featured). Admittedly, I did enjoy the picture a bit more on this viewing. As a film, it’s entertaining enough—though not overly exciting—but as a Universal Monsters movie, it’s subpar, and isn't as good as the 1925 Phantom (review).

(Classic) Universal Monsters Films Ranked