During an auction held at the Paris Opera House, a small delicate music box is placed up for bids and it is swiftly bid upon by an elderly gentleman named Roul Vicomte de Chagny. It appears that perhaps this mystifying musical box embraces some sort of extraordinary memory for him. The leftovers of an older style chandelier are exposed and we are instantly rush back to a time during Raoul’s youth, when the very same chandelier is seen hanging elegantly in the Opera House. Lefèvre, who is the Opera House’s current manager briefly explains that he is about to retire and he proceeds to introduce Andre and Firmin, who are the two new managers.
All of a sudden, one of the backdrops collapses from above nearly killing the stage star Carlotta. She is so upset with her recent encounter that she storms off the stage and out the door leaving the production without a replacement star. Upon asking questions, the new managers discover that this was not the first of the accidents to occur her. They quickly realize that too many of the accidents have been happening as of late. It is soon suggested that perhaps dancer Christine Daae could take the departed Carlotta’s position in the play. Christine readily admits that she has been taking lessons from the Angel of Music with whom her deceased father promised would someday pay her a visit.
Upon her live performance, it is met with considerable approval and Raoul visits her backstage to extend congratulations to her. Upon meeting, they realize that each already knew the other as they were playmates as children. Upon Raoul’s departure, a strange figure makes an appearance to Christine. It is none other then the Phantom teacher for whom she had not seen previously. Christine is lead by the Phantom to levels beneath the Opera House where he has constructed a lair. Christine out of curiosity uncovers the Phantom’s face. The Phantom concurs to return her to the world she knows but meanwhile the upstairs opera has been tossed into a state of confusion. Everyone in attendance has received a note from the phantom demanding that Christine replace Carlotta. The voice of the Phantom is even heard foreboding a calamity beyond anyone’s imagination if his demand are failed to be met.
When the demands are not met he trigger Carlotta’s voice to emit the sounds of a croaking frog in place of her singing. Upon realizing the powers of the Phantom Carlotta is quickly replaced with Christine.
After a series of deathly events occur Christine in fear flees with Raoul up to the roof of the Opera House. As they agree to depart together the Phantom emerges from hiding vowing revenge.
Eventually Raoul comes upon an idea of how to snare the Phantom using the opera house as bait. Christine fearfully agrees to sing as with her singing the Phantom is certain to appear. As Christine accomplishes the Phantoms own opera entitled “Don Juan” she becomes acutely aware that Piangi has been replaced by the Phantom himself.
Surrounded by the police the Phantom pulls down the chandelier and escapes taking Christine with him. An angry mob flocks to the Phantoms underground liar. As the angry mob descends upon the lair all that can be seen remaining of the Phantom is his white mask.
