MovieChat Forums > Phantom of the Opera (1943) Discussion > Did he take lessons or...?

Did he take lessons or...?

posted 9 years ago by Sewaat
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I'm wondering if Claude Rains learned how to play the Violin specifically for this film. If that was the case, then he had one hell of an amazing teacher. His form, grip, posture, etc while playing it is absolutely perfect. I know this because I have a friend who plays the violin and she showed me how to correctly hold it, how to stand, etc. And from what I can tell, he plays the instrument like a professional. I was very surprised.

However, I don't think many actors would be very eager to learn an instrument just for the sake of one film part, so this leads me to think that he already knew how to play it for a long time prior to the film.

If anyone knows anything about this, I'd be grateful for the help.

[–] puirt-a-beul 9 years ago

Interesting post, Sewaat.

I don't know anything about playing violin, so couldn't judge him myself, but I accept what you say, obviously. Maybe Claude Rains had learned the violin previously, prior to this role?

You might very well think that. I couldn't possibly comment.

[–] Sewaat 9 years ago

On his Wikipedia bio there was absolutely no mention of him having any former training in playing string instruments of any kind. The piano skill I can believe because it wasn't an entirely uncommon thing to learn the piano at a young age back then. But the violin? That takes a bit more practice.