The Phantom of Paris

"The Phantom Of Paris" is a misnomer as there is no phantom in the picture. The website calls it a drama/mystery, but it basically falls under the heading of a romance story. John Gilbert is the 'title' character, an illusionist deemed unworthy of the daughter of aristocrat C. Aubrey Smith - the villain of the piece, Ian Keith, has that honor. Due to a misunderstanding, Smith is killed and the blame goes to Gilbert instead of Keith. Unfortunately, the atmosphere of tension stops at this point.

From here on Gilbert is a fugitive and the picture becomes his alone. He is quite good and almost convincing when impersonating Keith, although a leap of faith is required on the viewers part. There is no evidence of a laughable pitch to his voice, but now we have recently learned that the alleged falsetto was perpetrated by L.B. Mayer himself in retaliation for an argument between the two.

Despite the concocted ending it holds your interest right to the end, and is well-done in all respects. Leila Hyams was good as his love interest and Ian Keith was, well, villainous. It was on TCM the other morning, and you'll have to wait for it again as it is unavailable in any format.