Differences From The Novel
Although this particular adaptation is often considered perhaps the most faithful, it contains some significant plot differences to the original novel.
The character of Ledoux is not a mysterious Persian and is no longer a onetime acquaintance of the Phantom; he is now a French detective of the Secret Police. This character change was not originally scripted. It was a change made entirely during the title-card editing process.
The Phantom no longer has a history of having studied in Persia. Rather, he is an escapee from Devil's Island, who is an expert in "the Black Arts."
The filmmakers initially intended to preserve the original ending of the novel, and filmed scenes where the Phantom dies of a broken heart after Christine leaves his lair. Because of the preview audience's poor reaction, the studio decided to change the ending to a more exciting one. As a result, utility director Edward Sedgwick was hired to provide the climactic chase scene, with an alternate ending where the Phantom, after having saved Ledoux and Raoul, kidnaps Christine in Raoul's carriage. He is hunted down and cornered by an angry mob, beaten to death and thrown into the Seine.
Read more about this topic: The Phantom Of The Opera (1925 film)
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