The ninth installment of the Universal Monsters Universe and a prequel to "The Phantom of the Opera" pick. The story begins in Rouen, France during 1866, we see a woman giving birth, after the parents of the baby demand to see him they start to cry. 16 years later we see the mother, bringing food to the attic, where the deformed teenager lives. That night his father is hosting a dinner and the teen manages to escape, he steals a coat from one of the attendants. The next day he's found by a fair of traveling gypsies, they take a look at his coat, where the name "Erik" is engraved, they take him under their wing. 14 years later Erik becomes well known as "Le Mort Vivant", he's a skilled magician and illusionist, but has the dream of becoming a musician. After the Shah of Iran listens to his music, he offers him a place in his palace, Erik agrees and there he falls in love with the Shah's daughter. The Persian helps him escape to Paris, where Erik finds Madame Giry, she lets him stay in the catacombs under the Opera
