Incredibly sad news! It seems Universal Studios Hollywood will be tearing down their historic "Stage 28," originally built in 1924 for "Phantom Of The Opera" starring Lon Chaney Sr. which still houses the oldest standing set in Hollywood, most likely in the world - the Paris Opera House set. The set was built for the 1925 "Phantom," also used in the Claude Rains Technicolor remake, in "Man of a Thousand Faces," Hitchcock's "Torn Curtain," "The Sting" and countless other films at Universal. It is a part of cinema history; by rights it should have been declared an historic landmark by the government.
I hope something can be done to stop the demolition of this amazing set, and "Stage 28" itself. The Opera house set is constructed of wood and re-inforced plaster -- even if it could be moved, damage is very likely, due to it's age. Evidently Universal needs more room for their tourist theme park. If so, they should turn the opera house set into an elaborate movie dinner theater, and show Universal features there. It is in great condition, there is no reason why they can't use it as part of the tour. It would be a real tragedy if this is lost! See footage which features the set when it was restored for filming the recent "Muppet Movie" as Kermit's theater.
Here's an article about the impending demolition > http://variety.com/2014/artisans/news/universal-to-demolish-phantom-of-the-opera-soundstage-but-preserve-silent-films-set-1201292227/
Click here for a tour: http://www.thestudiotour.com/ush/frontlot/stage28.php
We've learned that the historic and newly restored Phantom of the Opera Set on Stage 28 is in Danger!
Please SAVE this wonderful piece of movie history from the past! Destroying it would be erasing history and surely Universal can find better ways to use this wonderful set to it's advantage. Please SAVE IT for future generations!
