of the Opera an average score of 76%, based on 21 reviews from critics. The site's consensus states: "Though it lives beneath the 1925 version, Claude Rains plays title character well in this landmark color version of the classic tragedy". Diabolique magazine said "the story was reconfigured as a musical more than a horror saga... Once you accept that, this works well on its own terms and Lubin's touch is assured; it looks splendid". However, many horror fans — especially those of the classic Universal monster films — have criticized the film for focusing on more on the musical aspects of the film, and downplaying or eliminating the horror elements that were found in the original film. Lon Chaney, Jr. was reportedly unhappy that the studio never seriously considered him to play the role made famous by his father, even though he was under contract to them. Chaney reportedly also resented Rains for his portrayal. Cancelled sequel: The Climax Following the success of Phantom of the Opera, Universal announced that a sequel would be made, titled The Climax. Nelson Eddy and Susanna Foster were to return, along with Claude Rains as the Phantom, most likely meaning that his character survived the cave-in at the finale of the first film. The sequel, however, was later cancelled due to story troubles and problems concerning the availability of Claude Rains. Universal reworked the film completely, so it is not related to Phantom of the Opera; Foster stars in the film, alongside the original choice for the Phantom, Boris Karloff. Awards The film was nominated for four Oscars, becoming the only film in the studio's horror franchise to be nominated. It ultimately won in two categories at the 16th Academy Awards ceremony: Art Direction (Color) (John B. Goodman, Alexander Golitzen, Russell A. Gausman and Ira S. Webb) (Won) Cinematography (Color) (Hal Mohr and W. Howard Greene) (Won) Music (Scoring of a Musical Picture) (Edward Ward) (Nominated) Sound Recording (Bernard B. Brown) (Nominated) References External links Phantom of the Opera on Lux Radio Theater: September 13, 1943 1943 films 1943 horror films 1943 musical films Remakes of American films Horror film remakes 1940s English-language films Films about composers Films about opera Films based on horror novels Films based on The Phantom of the Opera Films directed by Arthur Lubin Films set in a theatre Films scored by Edward Ward (composer) Films whose art director won