The Phantom of the Opera (1990)

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(483 ratings)

This adaptation of Gaston Leroux's indefatigable "grand guignol" piece The Phantom of the Opera stars British actor Charles Dance as Erik the Phantom. This adaptation by playwright Arthur Kopit soft-pedals the horrific elements of the story to concentrate on the love the tragic Erik bears toward… More This adaptation of Gaston Leroux's indefatigable "grand guignol" piece The Phantom of the Opera stars British actor Charles Dance as Erik the Phantom. This adaptation by playwright Arthur Kopit soft-pedals the horrific elements of the story to concentrate on the love the tragic Erik bears toward innocent chorus singer Teri Polo. The film boasts a stronger supporting cast than was usual for a TV movie, including Burt Lancaster (as the masked phantom's father), Ian Richardson and Jean-Pierre Cassel. The 1990 Phantom of the Opera reunited director Tony Richardson and composer John Addison, who'd both won Oscar for Tom Jones. Filmed on location in France, Phantom was originally telecast in two two-hour installments. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 3 hr. 10 min.
Directed By: Tony Richardson
Genres: Drama, Television, Horror, Romance

In Theaters: Mar 18, 1990 Wide
On DVD: Oct 12, 1999

Critic Reviews

Luis Martinez, Cinenganos
Una de las mejores versiones, pese a lo distinto de la obra original. Un Burt Lancaster genial y una fotografía espléndida de la verdadera Casa de la Opera.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Carlos M

Nice TV version by Arthur Kopit, who deviates from the original story; features one great performance by Burt Lancaster, good art direction and a fair score by John Addison.
Morgan S

many people say this is thier Favorite addaptions of POTO mostly b/c the Phantom is "KINDER" guess what people!? The Phanotm *if you accually would read the book and susan kays novel Phantom* YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THE PHANTOM IS NO SUPPOSE TO BE "KIND!!" I always saw… More
many people say this is thier Favorite addaptions of POTO mostly b/c the Phantom is "KINDER" guess what people!? The Phanotm *if you accually would read the book and susan kays novel Phantom* YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THE PHANTOM IS NO SUPPOSE TO BE "KIND!!" I always saw Erik as a mad genius with an amazing sence of humor! Thats what I missed in this Phantom was his almost insulting humor. Also, Eriks mother did not love him. In both of the books i mentioned above it tells how much she dispised his face! and how ugly he was. I did enjoy watching Charles Dance. He has a nice voices (I know he didnt accually SING) It annoyed me that EVERYONE SEEMED TO LIPSINK!! ugg it was terrible!! This Christien had me on the fence. I LOVED that she seemed more connected to Erik but then she goes and plays that IF YOU LOVE ME card waaaaay to much! she was almost Bipolar in her choices!! ugg that kinda bugged me. Do the producers think that if they change Raouls name to Phillipe people will hate hime less?? WRONG! lol. ONe part were i was LMAO was when the were in the "forest" with all those dead animals!!! and after Christine faits Erik goes and knocks over a dear! I completely cracked up! **I had strong issues with the ending.** i will not spoil it tho. Although this is not my favorite addaption (I think i will just never b satisfied) I did not find it unenjoyable. The singing *although its not coming from the actors,* is top notch. And Charles Dance is quite Charming! If you are such a phantom phan as i would recomend seeing this flim.
Marion R

My favorite adaptation of The Phantom Of The Opera. I have seen many versions of the same story, and I enjoy this one the best. It was done very nicely and it didn't lag, for being a longer version.