| The Climax | |
|---|---|
 The Climax original 1944 poster | |
| Directed by | George Waggner |
| Produced by | George Waggner |
| Written by |
Curt Siodmak Edward Locke (play) |
| Starring |
Boris Karloff Susanna Foster Turhan Bey |
| Music by | Edward Ward |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures |
| Release date(s) | October 20, 1944 |
| Running time | 86 min. |
| Language | English |
The Climax is a horror film produced by Universal Pictures, first released in the United States in 1944. The credits state this is based on a play by Edward Locke, but the plot has little connection to Locke's play. Originally intended to be a sequel to Universal's Phantom of the Opera (1943 film), it featured new characters and a new plot. Susanna Foster was the only member of the cast to star in the new film.
Plot[]
The physician at the Vienna Royal Theatre, Dr. Hohner (Karloff) murders his fiancee, a prima donna, out of obsession and jealousy. Ten years later, he hears another young singer (Foster) who reminds him of the late diva, and is determined to make her sing only for him, even if it means silencing her forever.
Cast[]
- Boris Karloff – Dr. Friedrich Hohner
- Susanna Foster – Angela Klatt
- Turhan Bey – Franz Munzer
- Gale Sondergaard – Luise
- Thomas Gomez – Count Seebruck
- June Vincent – Marcellina
- George Dolenz – Amato Roselli
- Ludwig Stössel – Carl Baumann
- Jane Farrar – Jarmila Vadek
- Ernö Verebes – Brunn
- Lotte Stein – Mama Hinzl
- Scotty Beckett – The King
- William Edmunds – Leon – theater concierge
- Maxwell Hayes – Count Romburg – King's aide
- Dorothy Lawrence – Miss Metzger
Production[]
The film was originally conceived as a sequel to Phantom of the Opera (1943).[1] The Climax was made using the sets of the 1943 Phantom of the Opera, which was in turn used Universal's set for Phantom of the Opera (1925).
The film was also nominated for an Academy Award in 1944 for Best Art Direction (John B. Goodman, Alexander Golitzen, Russell A. Gausman, Ira Webb).
Reception[]
The Climax currently holds a two and a half star rating (5.3/10) on IMDb.
See also[]
- List of American films of 1944
- Boris Karloff filmography
References[]
- ↑ Scott McQueen, audio commentary on Phantom of the Opera DVD (Universal)
External links[]
- The Climax at the Internet Movie Database
- The Climax at AllRovi
Template:George Waggner Template:Curt Siodmak
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