As if Globus was the steady head in that legendary film production duo. I say “surprising” because my expectations were based on Menahem Golan. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) the sequel never came to pass and all that we’re left with is this surprisingly competent adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel. During the transition, the screenplay gained the modern framework and the expectation of a sequel called A Phantom of the Opera 2: Terror in Manhattan, which feels a little too close to a real-life Hamlet 2 for comfort. Originally a Cannon release, the film changed directors and shifted to Menahem Golan’s 21st Century Film Corporation when Cannon went bankrupt. If You Sing It, He Will Kill (And Try to Marry You) She develops a secret admirer who may or may not be killing anyone who stands in the way of Christine’s success. She awakes in 1885 London, the understudy to the diva of an opera company. Fun! As Christine performs the piece during her audition a sandbag falls from the scaffolding and knocks her unconscious.

Having never heard of the composer, Eric Gessler, the two do some digging and discover that he may or may not have been a mass murderer. In modern day Manhattan, Molly Shannon hands young opera singer Christine Day (Jill Shoelen) a mysterious piece to perform for her audition. I’m hoping just one person tossed on this version of The Phantom of the Opera expecting classy production values and Andrew Lloyd Webber soundscapes. Just because a movie title contains the words “opera” or “music” does not make it a musical. This particular DVD set, “MGM Movie Collection – 4 Musicals” featured The Phantom of the Opera, Absolute Beginners, The Saddest Music in the World, and Sandra Bernhardt in Without You I’m Nothing.

I didn’t realize I owned this until I was sifting through some multi-movie releases.

The phantom of the opera 1989