Lon Chaney Sr. was a beloved
character actor in the silent film era.
His portrayals of tortured,
often grotesque and afflicted characters are celebrated even today.
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| Lon Chaney's Phantom |
Lon Chaney’s skilled and
artistic use of makeup set him apart in roles such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame 1923, and The Phantom of the Opera 1925.
His unique ability to transform
himself with makeup earned him the nickname, The Man of a Thousand Faces.
Chaney’s characters of
Quasimodo the bell ringer of Norte Dame and Erik, the phantom of the Paris
Opera House are considered to be “the most grotesquely deformed characters” in
film history.
But this is not why he is
beloved by all who view his films. What many forget is the success of most of
his characters resulted from the fact they solicited both sympathy and pathos
from the viewing audience. This is the true testament to Chaney’s ability to
act.
Under the masks he created
for his characters was a compelling need for all things human.
Chaney often picked
characters that experienced unrequited love-- he chose to betray men who it
would be impossible to love. This concept hit home with his audiences because
as author Ray Bradbury once stated, Lon Chaney brought a universal fear--never
to be loved--out into the open.
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| Chaney's Quasimodo |
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| Lon Chaney Sr. |
Lon Chaney Sr. had talents
beyond the horror genre and his makeup artistry. He was a highly skilled
dancer. This is evident in the grace in which most of his characters moved
across the screen. He was also a comedian and a singer with a rich baritone
voice.
He died of Lung Cancer in
1930 at the age of 47.
The Phantom Stage
Stage 28 at Universal Studios
located in Los Angeles is known as The
Phantom Stage. It was on this stage where Lon Chaney filmed his classic
story The Phantom of the Opera.
For years, both visitors and
employees of this studio have considered Stage 28 to be haunted. The ghost that is
seen is believed to be Lon Chaney.
Electricians, carpenters,
designers, art directors and studio security guards have all reported seeing a
man in a black cape who comes and goes without warning.
Many who have seen this
figure’s face close up have stated it is looks just like Lon Chaney Sr.
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| The Phantom of the Opera set is still hidden at the back of stage 28. |
Visitors and employees have
reported seeing Chaney’s ghost running overhead in the catwalks. It is
sometimes reported he carries a chandelier.
Security guards who are
reticent to talk about this ghost often admit that when Stage 28 is shut down
for the night they have seen lights go on and off and heard doors slam shut
when the stage is deserted.
Other witnesses have stated
they have heard whispered voices on this stage that have no logical source.
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