First released some ten years ago as a horror film with Lon Chaney displaying his acid-distorted profile, "Phantom of the Opera" has had its face lifted, this time the gruesome details being definitely in a minor role. The new technicolor production's efforts are centered on the operatic background and on a cleverly handled romance, rather than depending on sheer horror to draw, the flocks to the box-office. The result is a thoroughly enjoyable picture, thanks to well proportioned bits of music, color, comedy, horror, and yes, even romance.

Paris operas, with their over lavish settings, are ideal meat for the color camera and although Nelson Eddy never was too appealing as an actor, he can roll that bartone of his. Claude Rains, of "Casablanca" fame, portrays the third violinist, and incidentally, the masked phantom. Eddy and the gondrame officer, Edward Barrier, put on a rather amusing and seemingly original Alphonse and Gaston performance at the mere presence of the budding opera star, Susanna Foster.

Whatever made Hollywood dig into its back picture files to rejuvenate "Phantom of the Opera" deserves all moviegoers" hearty approval. It is one of the best films of the year.