The Man of a Thousand Faces - Michelle Straube

PRLog (Press Release) - May 9, 2012 - Perhaps one of the best known method actors of all time was a man by the name of Lon Chaney Sr.  When Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera was published in 1910 the public didn’t receive it with a warm embrace. According to Michelle Straube Leroux’s novel didn’t make the number one list, but it did attract the interest of actors and film makers.  The intense love story of a horribly disfigured man attracted a world wide audience when an actor name Lon Chaney Sr. starred on the silent film in 1925. The book’s story that didn’t seem to attract a large audience until now; thanks to the acting of Lon Chaney. You can still watch this silent film today if you want to see Lon Chaney in action, but that’s all you’ll see or hear because other than some mood music this film is a silent film. There were no talkies back in the 1920’s but people still loved to watch films in which Lon Chaney was the main attraction. To read more about the Phantom of the Opera and the Man of a Thousand Faces log on to Michelle Straube’s  blog-site at: http://www.collectionsandbooks.com/the-phantom-of-the-ope....

The Paris Opera House was re-created on Universal’s Stage 28 for most of the movie. If you visit the set today, you can still see much of the steel and concrete structure adds Michelle Straube. Here’s another interesting fact Michelle’s shares in her blog article: Lon Chaney took his makeup techniques to his grave, refusing to share his macabre makeup secret with anyone. According to Michelle Straube the silent film didn’t arrive without its flaws. For one: the initial reaction of movie goers wasn’t a positive one adds Michelle. Many scenes were added and the third movie premiered in New York City after much criticism. To read more log on to: http://www.collectionsandbooks.com/the-phantom-of-the-opera-the-movie/..

The original silent film of The Phantom of the Opera was shot as a silent movie, and then in 1929 half of the film was hot with sound according to Michelle Straube. In 1930 another movie version included more editing and changes. Michelle Straube goes on to mention that the movie was heavily promoted by Universal through posters and magazine ads. You could purchase a number of souvenirs like “Phantom Red” milkshakes and “Phantom Red Velvet Evening Pump” shoes from Saks Fifth Avenue. While the movie may have had much criticism back in the day, it is more appreciated today by those who can see the talents of a great actor-Lon Chaney. Lon Chaney was ahead of the times with his master minded makeup techniques and superb acting skills. People probably didn’t know what to make of such a character, but today we can see how talented and unappreciated he was. The Man of a Thousand Faces would go on to make many more films, and shock the nation once again with his macabre make-up. Today we have come a long way since the days of Lon Chaney’s techniques. You can read more of Michelle Straube’s blog at: http://www.collectionsandbooks.com/the-phantom-of-the-opera-the-movie/.