The Phantom of the Opera. . . a very interesting film. Lavish sets, fantastic costumes, lovely story, and great a performance (Lon Chaney). Definitely not as good as the book, or the beautiful Lloyd Webber musical, but worth viewing. However, I would highly recommend reading the book (which is my favorite novel, by the way) before seeing this film. The novel is one of the most lovely, romantic stories I have ever read, and while greatly portrayed in the musical. . . and well done in this film for the most part, the ending is all wrong. Still, if you are a fan of the book or musical (or a film student), this film is a must see. It is not in any way boring, but I would recommend (if you see the same version as I did) muting that awful music they decided to put on the video, and maybe putting on a CD of Faust, or another Opera appropriate to the period. I give The Phantom of the Opera **1/2 (out of ****.)