Produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film stars Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster and Claude Rains.

Violinist Erique Claudin is dismissed from the Paris Opera House after revealing that he is losing the use of the fingers of his left hand.

Unbeknownst to the conductor, who assumes Claudin can support himself, the musician has used all his money to help anonymously fund voice lessons for Christine Dubois, a young soprano to whom he is devoted.

During a performance of the opera Amour et gloire, the Phantom drugs a glass of red wine which prima donna Mme.

Garron plans to have Liszt play Claudin's concerto after the performance, but the Phantom strangles one of Raoul's men and heads to the auditorium's domed ceiling.

Under Koster, the initial casting included Boris Karloff as the Phantom, Allan Jones as Raoul, and Deanna Durbin as Christine.

[5] Karloff also became unavailable, and Koster also considered Cesar Romero, Feodor Chaliapin, Charles Laughton and Broderick Crawford for the Phantom.

[4] Foster, who had just left Paramount Pictures, was cast after meeting Lubin through a mutual friend, and auditioning for Waggner.

Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster and Edgar Barrier reprised their roles from the film; Basil Rathbone replaced Rains as Erique Claudin.

He also composed an original theme song, Lullaby of the Bells, which was heard in the film as the Phantom's piano concerto.

"[9] Variety called it "a vivid, elaborate, and, within its original story limitations, an effective production geared for substantial grosses".

"[12] A review in the Monthly Film Bulletin stated that "rarely has a story so novelettish had such conscientious technical excellence lavished upon it" specifically noting that "it ranks among the screen's highest achievements in sound."

The review continued that "The same careful effort-if not the same dazzling success-is apparent in casting, camera work, costuming and the numerous sets.

Rotten Tomatoes gave this version of Phantom of the Opera an average score of 76%, based on 21 reviews from critics.

"[14] 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.

"[15] 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.

[7] 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.