The Phantom of the Opera (1989) dir. Dwight H. Little, Breton Film Productions/21st Century Film Corporation/Dee Gee Entertainment
A depressing bit is that this is probably the most faithful adaptation of Leroux's novel besides the Lon Chaney version.
Christine Daae (Jill Schoelen) is an opera singer waiting for her big break. She knows that if she could just find the perfect song to sing at her next audition, that will cinch it. Her friend Meg (Molly Shannon) thinks she has the perfect song. She finds an opera, Don Juan Triumphant written by the infamous Erik Destler.
While singing some of the piece, a sandbag falls and knocks Christine out. When she comes to, it's 1885. She's also an opera singer with the local opera house; an understudy at least to the diva la Carlotta (Stephanie Lawrence).
She's also has the full and undivided attention of Erik Destler (Robert Englund) himself, who quickly cuts his way through the cast for their real and imagined slights towards Christine. He also chats with Christine, albeit as the 'angel of music' sent by her father.
Under his tutledge, Christine's skills improve. She's earning standing ovations, even her boyfriend Richard (Alex Hyde-White) notices. When a critic gives her a bad notice, Erik murders the hell out of him.
When Erik makes it clear she will be his bride, Richard chats with Inspector Hawkins (Terance Harvey), who makes it clear Erik is real and will take Christine unless they stop him.
Can Richard save his beloved? Will Christine get back to the 80's?
Like I said, shockingly close to the book. They were going to have the chandelier falling but that was sadly cut out. Englund steals the show though, with Erik being both tragic and monstrous in equal measure.
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