The Phantom of the Opera (1962) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial releases of "The Phantom of the Opera" (1962) in the Pacific Northwest. Portland got "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961) for a second feature, and Seattle got 1962's "Hands of a Stranger."

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The Phantom of the Opera (1962)
The film is a loose adaptation of the 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, set in 1900 London. It tells the story of a disfigured composer, Professor Petrie, who lives in the sewers under the opera house. He kidnaps a young singer, Christine, and trains her to sing his opera, which was stolen by a corrupt lord, Ambrose D’Arcy.
Director: Terence Fisher
Writers: Anthony Hinds, Gaston Leroux
Stars: Herbert Lom, Heather Sears, Edward de Souza
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Buy "The Phantom of the Opera: (1962) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
The film is a British horror film based on the novel The "Werewolf of Paris" by Guy Endore. It tells the story of Leon, a boy who is born as a werewolf after his mother, a mute servant girl, is raped by a beggar in a dungeon. Leon is adopted by a kind scholar and his housekeeper, who try to raise him with love and prevent his curse from taking over. However, as Leon grows up, he struggles with his violent impulses and his attraction to a beautiful girl named Christina.
Director: Terence Fisher
Writers: Anthony Hinds, Guy Endore
Stars: Clifford Evans, Oliver Reed, Yvonne Romain
Buy "Curse of the Werewolf" (1961) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "Curse of the Werewolf" (1961) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

Hands of a Stranger (1962)
"Hands of a Stranger" is a horror film based on the novel "The Hands of Orlac" by Maurice Renard. It tells the story of Vernon Paris, a talented pianist who loses his hands in a car accident and receives a transplant from a murdered man. However, he soon discovers that his new hands have a will of their own and compel him to commit violent acts.
Director: Newt Arnold
Writers: Newt Arnold, Maurice Renard
Stars: Paul Lukather, Joan Harvey, James Noah
Buy "Hands of a Stranger" (1962) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

September 12, 1962 ad (Portland)