It’s Not Over ’til the Masked Guy Stings- Hammer’s “Phantom of the Opera” Tonight!

We've shown the 1940s Claude Rains version- now, it's the Hammer House of Horrors' turn, as we present Herbert Lom as the legendary "Phantom of the Opera"!

This 1962  edition of the story has a snooty opera composer, Lord Ambrose D'Arcy, about to premiere his new creation- an opera based on the tale of  Joan of Arc- when  the rumored "strange happenings" throughout the opera house turn viciously tragic- and the opera is postponed!

In need of a new leading lady, the opera's producer, Harry Hunter, auditions for new leading ladies- and, from the background chorus comes the perfect new star- the lovely Christine! The sleazy D'Arcy finds not just her voice- but the rest of her- very attractive, and begins to put the moves on her- but- when Christine is in the dressing room- a strange disembodied voice warns her  about D'Arcy. But- who is this unseen  guardian?

Fortunately, Christine has another guardian, Hunter, who manages to keep her out of D'Arcy's hands- but when they go to the opera house to investigate the mysterious voice- they encounter it again- as well as more grisly mayhem and a glimpse of this Phantom himself!

More bad news is eminent- the spurned d'Arcy decides to go on a firing spree! At Christine's apartment, a chance meeting with her landlady proves to be the key to some operatic secrets- as well as  clues to who the Phantom may be- but, said Phantom has his own agenda for Christine- and more terror and secrets await deep in the sewers!

You'll find some major differences between this version of "Phantom" and some of the others. We'll talk about them, as well as the cast- including Herbert Lom as the Phantom and Michael Gough as D'Arcy-and how Universal suggested theaters promote the movie. Plus- a new Sven  game based on the movie, a new song and more!

The curtain goes up on "Phantom of the Opera" tonight on MeTV at 10 pm eastern/pacific, 9 central, or check local listings-or at www.metv.com- for time and station in your area. Our Chicago viewers will  again enjoy the uncanny Karloff in "The Mummy"  at 11 am on our sister station- WCIU- the U!

Thanks to all who attended the  wrestling event fundraiser last weekend- it was a fun time, and we are proud of the big contribution it made to our young student's  amazing internship adventure to the elephant preserve in Thailand!  Make sure you check the "appearances" tab here on our site for some of the upcoming chances to visit with me!

Also- yes, once again, I am nominated for the "favorite horror show host" in the national Rondo Awards! It's category # 20- you'll find me listed there with a fine group of hosts from around the country-so, vote for whichever is YOUR favorite!  Please follow all the instructions, so that your vote will count- like, voting only once,including your name and e-mail, voting before April 10th, etc. You can vote in as few or as many categories as you wish, but make sure you vote and support your favorites in the horror community.

Tonight, though, enjoy the opera- but beware the man in the mask- that's no usher (and he isn't from the House of Usher, either...)