Thriller of the Week x 2

The Student of Prague
1926
Dir Henrik Galeen
Starring: Conrad Veidt and Werner Krauss
*Spoilers follow*

This remake of a 1913 version starring Paul Wegner is the story of a Balduin , the student, this time played by Conrad Veidt.

The film begins with a shot of a monument and ends with the same shot but with the inscription readable on a title card, "This monument is dedicated to Balduin, the best fencer in Prague. He gambled with evil and lost. Pray for the redemption of his soul, you wanderer. Adieu, Balduin"

The story picks up in 1826 where the ever popular, Balduin is running low on funds and finds himself dissatisfied with his current position. He is approached by Scapinelli, a mysterious stranger, played by Krauss (He played Dr. Caligari alongside Veidt in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari). Scapinelli makes Balduin an offer of money and Balduin remarks he really needs a rich woman.

A hunt is held by the wealthy Count Schwarzenberg. His daughter, Margaret, and fiance, a Baron are partaking in the festivities. Scapinelli reveals himself as having supernatural powers by standing on a hill and controlling the pace of the hunt and particularly Margaret's horse. He causes the horse to throw her just as Balduin comes upon her. Balduin rescues the young woman coming into her good graces and a rivalry with her fiance begins. Balduin's lack of money is a barrier to his attempts to court Margaret and Scapinelli makes him a deal. Scapinelli offers him 600,00 gold crowns for anything that can be found in Balduin's room. The deal is made and Scapinelli amazingly produces the coins. Scapinelli begins to look around the room for what he wants in exchange and stops at the full length mirror. In the mirror is Balduin's reflection and it is what Scapinelli wants in return. Balduin entreats the reflection to seperate from Balduin and leave the mirror. The doppleganger leaves with Scapinelli.

Balduin wastes no time spending the money. Making charitable donations and buys a house and then begins to seriously sway Margaret.

The rivalry between Balduin and her fiance intensifies and results in a proposed fencing duel between the two, a bad idea for the Baron. Count Schwarzenberg pleads Balduin to spare the life of the young Baron. Balduin gives his word he will not kill the him.

Balduin's doppleganger, however feels no compunction to honor Balduin's word and shows up in place of Balduin and kills Margaret's fiance. This ruins Balduin's reputation and the reflection goes on to continue finding ways to wreck Balduin's life.

The story ends when Balduin confronts his relection in front of the mirror. He shoots the doppleganger and the mirror breaks as the bullet seemingly passes through the doppleganger/ reflection. The doppleganger disappears but Balduin collapses to the floor gripping his chest. He dies looking at his reflection returned in the broken mirror.


No doubt the greatest improvement over the 1913 version is the substitution of Conrad Veidt in the title role. Though Paul Wegner was a formidable horror star in the early silents, Veidt was a master. In my opinion, only Chaney surpasses Veidt's talents and screen presence. Movies were also generally better made 13 years after the original.


The Student of Prague would be made again but this in my mind is the definitive version.

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Black Moon
1934
Director: Roy William Neil
Starring: Fay Wray & Jack Holt

Occaisonally an unexpected treat comes along and such was the case this week. Rarely do I come across a horror film (particularly from the classic period) I'm unfamiliar with. Though I'm not an expert of the genre like say a Tom Weaver who has wrote extensive books on the horror genre or a William Everson who taught classes in universities about the genre, I still have been a fan for nearly 50 years and have given presentations at a local convention on the genre including "The Evolution of the Universal Monster", "An Introduction to the British Horror Film", "Universal & Hammer an Analytical Comparison"and "The Concept of Horror In the Doctor Who Universe". My collection of Horror films numbers near 1500 and is represented by films from all over the world. Yet, I dare say I miss one from time to time.

While reading an article in Monsters From the Vault 28 about Roy William Neil, who directed most of the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies as well as various horror movies, a short paragraph mentioned his first horror film- Black Moon- starring Jack Holt and Fay Wray. "What is this?" I thought. I couldn't believe I hadn't come across this movie, particularly when my favorite heroine from the classic horror period, Fay Wray, was starring. I was humbled. I quickly got out my Encyclopedia of the Horror Film, a tome where nearly every horror film, through the early 90s of worth is listed and commented on. I didn't find a listing. I felt a little less stupid.
It wasn't long before I found myself engaged in searching for a copy of the film. I got hold of a copy recorded from a TCM broadcast and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the film.






The movie concerns a woman, Juanita, with a devoted husband, Stephen played by Holt, and daughter. She is drawn to go back to the Caribbean Island of San Christopher where she was raised. Early on she is seen compusively drumming out the sounds of the island's natives. Her husband agrees to send her back to the island for a holiday. Her uncle who still resides on the island tries to send a warning to keep her away, as the natives too have become restless, but the message is intercepted.

Juanita, along with her daughter, her daughter's nanny and Stephen's secretery Gail (Fay Wray), who is sent to protect Juanita, embarks on the island.
They are greeted by her uncle who appears to be cruel to the island's natives. He is concerned Juanita's presence will only further rile the natives. The native's treat Juanita as a goddess. Her uncle explains she was "poisoned by the voodoo" as a child.
Stephen responds to a request to come and take his wife home but finds himself trapped on the island with the others after his arrival.
The natives are presented as threatening, superstitious and eventually they begin partaking in voodoo rites and human sacrifice.
A particular treat is the fine performance of Clarence Muse as the boat man named "Lunch". He is the lone sympathetic black character and his character is easily appreciated.
The movie fits nicely between the better known "White Zombie" and Val Lewton's "I Walked with a Zombie" though no Zombies make an appearance, there is much similarity with the latter.
Jack Holt and Fay Wray turn in excellect performances, and the building atmosphere, including the incessant sound of drums and pace of the film make this a true gem worth discovery.

Sunday Sermon 2-27-11

"The Believer's Daily Dozen"
Romans 12:9-13
Pastor Paul Woodruff

Love is the overall rule & Love must be sincere without hypocrisy
If we've experienced The Love, we should be showing The Love
LOVE is the ultimate identifier of the Believer We have a responsibility to LOVE

Love expresses itself in 12 things- The expression of the transformed life
Following the Believer's goal to love is the believer's Daily Dozen

1. Abhor What Is Evil Ps 97:10, Prov 8:13
Evil here is anything bad for you
2. Cling To What is Good Daniel 10:20, Joshua 23:8
The standard for good is found in God's Word
3. Love My Brother 1 Pet 3:18
Love your family in Christ
4. Honoring Others
Value other people
5. Don't Be Lazy- Slothful Ecc 9:10
Whatever you do do it well
6. Boiling In Spirit--Be fervent
Be excited bout life in Christ & let others no Spiritual matters are important
7. Serve The Lord
It is the motive for our zeal
8. Rejoicing in Hope 1Pet 1, Heb 6
Hope of Glory is a certainty for the Believer
9. Persevering In Trials
Keep the Faith, Keep Loving - Keep Serving
10. Constantly Praying 1 Thess 5:17
Attend to prayer without ceasing
11. Meet Needs 1 Jn 3:17
Contribute to the needs of the Saints, share with those in Need
12. Practice Hospitality
Love strangers- open your home

The Following Hand out goes on to exhort practical applications

The message can be heard at

http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Attempting Recovery & Catching up on Sunday Sermons

It has been entirely too easy to use the excuse of a damaged left wing to prevent me from updating these posts. Though I have seen some slight improvement in the range of motion in my arm and the pain has been under better control, it still is uncomfortable to type at my desk for any extended period. But enough is enough.

I've been procrastinating at rescheduling a trip back to the doctor. I already have an annual physical scheduled for March 7th, so I think I'll wait till then and give the arm a little more healing time. In the mean time I've been doing appropriate exercizes with the arm/ shoulder. If it is still no better by the 7th, I'll concede to whatever the Doctor orders.

One thing I didn't mention last time I posted was something I was particularly proud of. One of my goals for 2010 was to become a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. This is a special certification given by the Brain Injury Association of America to persons who meet certain qualifications and can pass their exam. In early January I finally got my opportunity to take the exam. Leading up to the exam, I spent a week studying and the evening before I was feeling pretty confident and spent the evening reviewing material and then I took a practice exam to see where I stood. On the practice exam I scored a 96%. Being the perfectionist I am I decided to spend a little more time on an area I was weak in and about 11:00pm, all of a sudden everything went blank, At that point it was like everything I had been preparing vanished. It was as if my mind went blank. I tried not to panic. I realized I had just overstudied. I reasoned the material had been encoded but it was like I had been filing all this information away and someone had turned the cabinet over and now it was hard to retrieve the needed information- a classic organization problem. I also knew, after a good night's sleep, I should be able to retrieve the information much better and when I took the test, the questions would likely cue me toward the material now stored in memory. Sure enough, I felt confident again as I took the test and felt reasonably sure I had passed. My results came back recently and I passed with a 99%.
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I haven't posted any of my sermon notes for awhile so here are the outlines from Pastor Paul Woodruff's Sunday messages from February 13th and February 20th.
The entire sermons and other messages can be found at The Eagle Creek Grace Brethren Church web site at
http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

2/13/11
"Be Transformed"
Romans 12:1-2
1. A Call To An Act of Presentation
Pesent- To put at God's disposal
God wants us committed to Him- nothing held back- the best we have
Malachi 1:6-9- The priests defiled God because they offered less than their best
An all out presentation of our lives to God is reasonable & logical- not radical
Considering God's mercy toward us and because Jesus gave Himself for us it is reasonable for us to give everything His love for us should compel us

2. A Command to the Precept of Transformation
Don't be shaped by the world (conformed)
Don't adapt to the world's view & priorities
The World of Fallen Humanity is characterized by Self Love / Self Seeking
It substiutes the glory of this world for the glory of God-- Rom 1:23-25
What we must do is Transform
We received a new nature when we became a believer & now we should be transformed by God
It is a process about change and not just growth- real growth happens by transformation
Done By:- The renewing of the mind- We must think differently
How we think will affect how we act
The Christian mind needs to think from an eternal perspective- not a secular perspective
Eternal Life doesn't begin after I die but should determine how I Live
The Method of the Holy Spirit's renewal- God's Word Col 3:10, 16
The Result proves what the will of God is

We discover God's will is what is Good
Ask yourself when making decisions
Is it Good?
Is it Moraly Pure?
Is it pleasing to God?

Dedication to God leads to Discernment which leads to delight

2/20/11
"Humbling Exercize"
Romans 12:3-8

A call for humility within the church as it relates to the exercize of gifts-
A biblical humbling will open the door to love

1. The Caution to Think Humbly About Ourselves vs 3
Don't overestimate our value Rom12;16
I shouldn't think myself better than others
"matter of faith" -a reference to the gifts & the resources to exercize them Eph 4:7
Whatever grace or gift given to us is all of God & He gives us the grace to minister the gift 1 Cor 15:10
When we understand it is all of God we will have sound judgment
1Tim 3:6 a person can easily become conceited
Pride is the first sin- comitted by Satan-- Pride is spiritual insanity- Fueled by the Devil
1 Cor 4:6

2. The Reminder how Important Everyone is to the Body of Christ
Gifts- Deal with our service
Fruits deal with our character
Gifts shouldn't be a copout for service ex." I don't do that it isn't my gift"
Every believer has at least 1 spiritual gift
1 Pet 4:11

3. Call to Exercize your Gift for Service of the Body
We need to Act out what we read in the Bible
Act On What We Believe

The Week That Was

I normally don't like using this space to write about me, but this week I'll make an exception. The ice storm descended on our city on Tuesday and Wednesday last week and brought with it a couple of trials to be faced. I thought I was doing really well. I had no problems getting to work after each night the ice fell, was well prepared, and it didn't interfere with any of my normal routine.
On Thursday evening, however, as Judy and I were going to bed, Judy noticed a circular yellow stain on the bedroom ceiling. Water was leaking in through the roof. This, of course, didn't go over well with me. I hate it when I can't do something about a problem. At 10:30 pm, I was powerless to stop the leak or protect my ceiling. It was difficult getting to sleep. The next morning, before heading into work, I climbed up into the attic, found where water was seeping in, cleared the wet insulation back and placed a pan to catch water dripping in. When I got to work I called the roofing company and made an appointment for them to come out and clear the ice dam which was causing the backed up melting water to find escape through my roof.

I went home early not expecting the roofing company to arrive until the next day. I went back up into the attic to survey things a little more closely. Where I had placed the pan, was not the main culprit, and no water had collected. On closer investigation I found where most of the water was leaking through. I cleared the wet insulation back so air could dry out the the wet wood and tried to set things so the leak could be caught. Bone Dry roofing made it to the house earlier than expected and broke up the ice dam and explained how the attic didn't have enough insulation and it contributed to the problem as warm air was escaping through the roof and melting the underneath side of the ice on the roof but along the eaves the air wasn't warm and the ice dams were solid preventing the melted water from running off. The long term solution is to double the insulation in the attic. Anyway, the immediate problem was solved. the ceiling has dried out and more insulation is on the way.

Saturday evening Judy and I went out to eat with our good friends John and Vicki Hale and I related our roof story to them as they had related they had to stay home from work a couple of days and both of them had suffered falls resulting in aches and pains. With bravado, I spoke of how I made it to work where so many others couldn't.

We joined our good friends Jim and Cindy Barnard for a SuperBowl party the next evening and again, I proudly spoke of my ability to get to work on time during the terrible conditions.

Then on Monday night, about 10:30 pm I stepped outside to bring one of our dogs in. I shouldn't have went outside with just a pair of slippers on my feet. I stepped on the second step and my feet went flying out from under me. I reached back to break my fall but my hand slid behind my back as the rest of my weight crashed down upon my left arm and shoulder. My first thought was I had broken something. The pain was intense and I couldn't move my arm. I slowly got to my feet and made it back inside the house. I shouted out for Judy to come and assist me. There wasn't any deformity, so I didn't believe I had broke anything. Judy suggested I go to the hospital, but like a good nurse I refused. I told her, I'd ice it down and take Advil.
Thankfully, I was able to get some sleep, but the next morning the pain remained intense and my range of motion was severely limited. I drove into work to at least get the things up and running for the neuropsychology department. Of course everyone was telling me I needed to go have the arm checked out. My reply was that most likely I would be told the injury was too acute to make a good assessment and I would be told to do what I was doing anyway. Why spend the money on a co-payment for that and waste the time. If things didn't improve over the next couple of days, I would then go see the Doctor.
One of the Doctor's at the hospital I work for insisted she take a look at it and after doing a brief exam basically agreed with me. There was no evidence of a break and it would take an MRI to reveal other structural damage. She thought it was probably a bad bruising of the deltoid and bicep.
Today, it is still painful but less intense. My range of motion is improving daily. I think, by Monday, the arm will probably be back to full function without pain. If not, I'll probably give in and have it more thoroughly checked out.

It just goes to show I shouldn't have been bragging how well I managed the ice storm. It is true, Pride Goeth Before the Fall (literally in this case). I hesitate to point out I haven't missed a day of work since any of these incidents.
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"Thou shalt not attend a SuperBowl party" has been one of my personal commandments for some time. SuperBowl parties usually mean missing the SuperBowl. I broke this rule on Sunday evening. Judy and I accepted an invitation to meet at Jim and Cindy Barnard's for a little gathering of friends.
When I watch football, I watch the game with intensity. I'm analyzing the game, listening to the commentary, watching elements others don't (like where defensive backs line up on certain plays). This can't be done successfully in a party like atmosphere where people are chatting and paying more attention to commercials than the game. AAAARRRGH!
When I reluctantly accepted Jim and Cindy's offer (There are very few individuals on this earth I would have accepted the invitation from) I expressed "Since I don't have a horse in the race, or should I say a Colt in the game, we would plan to be there. I will say Judy and I had a good time, but I didn't really get to watch the Superbowl the way I normally do and so I will refrain from much comment about the outome.
I was leaning toward the Packers for a few reasons. First, I felt they were the better team. I really like Aaron Rogers their quarterback and before the season started, though I don't predict, if someone held a gun to my head and made me pick teams to reach the SuperBowl, I would have chosen Green Bay and the Baltimore Ravens to be there in the end. I also didn't want the Steelers to win again. I have a friend who lives down the street who used to live in Pittsburg and I grow weary of his constant bragging how great the Steelers are.
Hopefully, there will be a season next year and Indianapolis will be host to next year's festivities.
Incidentally, Las Vegas has given the Colts 9-1 odds to reach the Superbowl next year. Only Green Bay, New England and the Jets have been given better odds. What does that mean-- NOTHING!

Thriller of the Week- The Monster

In 1925, Lon Chaney not only made The Phantom of the Opera but he also starred as the heavy in a film called The Monster. The movie is one of the first examples of the horror-comedy. Johnny Arthur supplies the comedy element in the film playing, Johnny Goodlittle, a store clerk with aspirations of becoming a detective.

As fate would have it, the mysterious disappearance of John Bowman, a wealthy member of the community baffles the local constable at the scene of his abandoned,wrecked vehicle. Johnny, a milktoast of a man and his rival Amos Rugg have accompanied the constable. What the investigators don't know is what the viewers saw at the beginning of the film. Bowman's car accident was no accident. A shrouded figure had been lurking at the roadside and when Bowman's vehicle came down the road, Rigo (as he would come to be known) lowered a mirror in the roadway causing Bowman to think an oncoming car was going to crash into him. Bowman swerved and wrecked the car. A secret tunnel opened in the ground and Bowman was carried away.

Johnny stumbles upon a clue at the crash site. It points to the local sanitarium, but he is ignored by the constable and Amos.

We soon learn of Johnny's love interest in the beautiful Betty Watson the general store owner's daughter, played by Gertrude Olmstead who is being courted by Amos.

At the conclusion of a party, Amos drives away with Betty and Johnny is left walking home when he runs into a strange man and begins following him. Rigo, again sets up his mirror trap and this time it is Amos and Betty who fall victim to it. The man Johnny is following is also part of the scheme and Johnny sees the wreck and he too falls into the hidden tunnel trap in the ground and then Johnny, Amos and Betty all tumble into the sanctum of the asylum where the patients have taken over the asylum and are led by Dr. Ziska, played by Chaney.

From here the story plays out like an Old Dark House mystery and Johnny must use his ingenuity to free Betty, Amos and himself.

Ziska (Chaney) and Rigo

The movie is more comedy than horror and Chaney takes a back seat to Arthur because of it. Chaney does a good job of portraying menace, however. Chaney's expressions add menace to the line Ziska states after his captive guests ask him "Doctor, shall we see you in the morning?"

Ziska's response, "Who knows if one will ever see the morning."

Amos, Betty and Johnny survive Ziska's trap

All in all The Monster is a pleasurable 86 minute film and it helped pave the way for later horror comedies.

Presidential Tales

I just completed reading two similar but very different books. Both books recount historical accounts of past presidents. One is an autobiographical account; the other is a fictional biography of one of our greatest presidents.

In the introduction of Seth Graham-Smith's Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, the author reveals his interactions with a mysterious stranger who presents him with 10 leather-bound books and a bundle of letters all penned by our 16th President of the United States. The writings go on to reveal the secret history of Lincoln's life.

Lincoln's life is unfolded in an interesting style as the author writes in a traditional biographical style interposing both brief and long exerpts from Lincoln's own hand.

Lincoln's story begins during his boyhood in Indiana with the tragic death of his mother which would shape much of Lincoln's character and his discovery her death wasn't a result of "milk sickness' but the act of a vampire. The story continues to reveal Lincoln's personal vendetta with the undead and how every event in his life was shaped by it. We learn how vampires worked behind the scenes shaping the events leading to Civil War and how vampires both warred with and protected Lincoln.

Interestingly enough the book is actually a pretty accurate account of Lincoln's life. Most of the major events are told but here for the first time we learn the unknown truth and meaning behind these events.

It didn't take long to read the 336 pages and I was thoroughly entertained. Additionaly, a number of photshopped photos from Lincoln's life are scattered throughout the book adding more realism to the account.

An amusing anecdote was told to me by one of the doctors I work with who read the book. Evidently, he left the book on the dresser by his bed and his wife came along and looked at the cover. She picked it up, read the title again, then sat it down and commented to him "I didn't know that about him." True Story

Incidentally Tim Burton is producing the film slated to be released in June of 2012. The Russian film director Timur Bekmambetov of the Nightwatch and Daywatch films has been tabbed to direct the film.

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George W Bush's memoir, Decision Points doesn't mention any behind the scenes vampire tales but does give the 43rd president's perspective on his 8 years in the oval office. The book reveals the inner man. He comes across nothing like the stereotype Dumb Cowboy the main stream media often portrayed him as.

Bush comes across as thoughtful, competent, compassionate and intelligent. Without question he is a man grounded in his principles.

Obviously, Bush's account of 9/11 and the aftermath is engrossing. As well, the revelation of what went into making the decisons to send troops into combat in Afghanistan and Iraq were enlightening and should be read by those Bush bashers who believe he haphazardly led our country into war.

If Iraq turns out to be a stable democracy in the region, I believe history will judge President Bush in much better terms than when he left the office. I supported the war in Iraq from the outset and never waivered. I found myself at odds with both conservative and liberal friends as both fell in disfavor of the war as it wore on and extracted so much in devastation and human life. I always felt it was important we took the fight against terror and tyranny to the enemy rather than respond to acts of terror on our shores. The Iraq war not only relieved Iraq of a tyrannical dictator who given the opportunity would have done anything to cause harm to the United States but it also caused terrorist organizations in the region to concentrate their efforts on the insurgency rather than planning new attacks on our country. The war exhausted their resources and led to the capture and death of many of their leaders.

Bush defends his decisions about the war not with bravado but thoughtfulness. He certainly didn't make the decison lightly and he stuck with it.

Bush honestly examines his mistakes and doesn't make excuses for his failures. He also defends his decisions skillfully. As a conservative, I didn't always agree with some of his decisions, but after reading the book, I came away with a greater respect for why he made the decisons he did.

Of note, it is hard for me to believe Bush is not credited more by liberals for another war he waged, the war against AIDS and malaria in Africa. Bush has a great heart for people and after seeing how disease in Africa was destroying the lives of those on the continent, he acted to not only get necessary funds to those who could appropriately fight the disease but also went beyond and set up programs that bypassed the international community with all the unnecessay delays that were inherent in their programs. His efforts privided necessary medications and treatment and placed additional emphasis on prevention programs. Bush's efforts have been highly successful as "PEPFAR supported treatment for over 2.1 million AIDs victims and care for more than 10 million people.. had helped protect mothers and babies during more than 16 million preganancies. More than 57 million people had benefited from AIDS teating and counseling services." His malaria initiative was equally successful.

Bush weaves his personal perspective throughout and tells behind the scenes stories both shining a positive light on his presidency and tales which are less than flattering to his person. I highly recommend his book to anyone, no matter what their political persuasion.

An Awe Inspiring Video and the Sunday Message 1/23/11

Last week Our church had a viewing of Louis Giglio's "How Great Is Our God" tour.


It was one of the most inspirational video's I have seen. Dr. Giglio tours with musician Chris Tomlin providing inspiration from the scriptures with slides presenting the universe and in this presentation the protein laminin. The presentation is half science, half scripture with the purpose to understand just how great God is and by understanding how Great He is, knowing how little man is. Yet, this great God loves little man. The presentation left me in awe. I found his previous tour "The Indescribable Tour" which was equally impressive and I would urge viewers to see the "Indescribale" tour first. The "How Great is Our God" tour recaps and expands on the "Indiscribable" tour and then moves from the wonders of the cosmos to the wonders of God's creation- man.


I'm looking to purchase both sets. In the mean time I showed both my sons the videos and Kyle particulary was moved as he broke down in tears and praise. For the Christian it is difficult to not have such a response.

I would urge people to buy the videos to see them in their full splendor and assuring the originators receive their due revenue, but if you want to preview them first, the videos can be seen on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=louis+giglio+hope&aq=5

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday Message 1/23/11
Stumbling Over The Stone

Romans 9:30-10:21

Pastor Paul Woodruff

Israel Would Not Submit to God's Method of Salvation vs 9:30 -10:5

The Gentiles obtained righteousness without looking for it while the Jews while looking for it couldn't see it. Acts 13:38-52

The Jews took the Law seriously, but not seriously enough for the Law says it must be kept perfectly "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." James 2:10

Only through Jesus Christ can th e law be fulfilled perfectly & the Jews stumbled over Jesus

Israel Wouldn't Accept God's Messiah for Salvation vs 10:6-13

Christ came to them and did all the work- all they needed to do was believe

Isaiah 44:6 ""Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and i am the last, and there is no God besides me."

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega- The First and the Last

The Jews knew Jesus claimed to be God yet they turn from their ways to Him

Israel Wouldn't Accept God's Messengers of Salvation vs 10:14-21

Man must hear about Jesus and someone must tell them and preachers must be sent

The Jews heard then message but refused it

John 5:38-40- The Jews were unwilling to commit to Jesus

It is insane not to turn to Jesus

Salvation in Jesus is a certainty

Telling others about Jesus is necessary

Hear the full message at the Eagle Creek Grace Brethren Church Website

http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Trying to Get Caught Up

I am soooo behind.

Since it is becoming increasingly more difficult to keep up with making entries I will probably scale back.
I haven't been able to keep up with my viewing horror movies as I'd like and thus my blurbs stopped awhile back after viewing The original Phantom of the Opera. Hopefuly I'll have a chance this weekend to watch Chaney's The Monster and then report on it.
The notes I take on Pastor Paul's Sunday messages have fallen behind and now that John Hale is putting the audio messages on the Eagle Creek Grace Brethren Church website there is less need to post my notes. I'll probably still post the outlines and the link to the messages but I'll back off on much of the detail.

Both the messages "I would Go To Hell" from Romans 9:1-5 and last Sunday's message "Mercy Mercy" from Romans 9 can be accessed at
http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Pastor's message "Mercy Mercy" is an outstanding message on Election.

I also haven't commented on the Colt's playoff loss to the Jets.

The game was a heartbreaker. In a grueling game the Colts had fallen behind but a late drive led to a 50 yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri. Unfortunately too much time was left on the clock. The 50 some seconds left were all the Jets needed mostly because the Colt's failed to cover the kickoff well. Antonio Cromartie returned the kickoff 47 yards and the Jets had the ball at their own 46. They only needed to cover 20 yards to be in field goal range. With just 29 seconds left and only one timeout remaining it appeared the Jets were willing to let the clock run down and settle for a long field goal of probably 49 yards. Then inexplicably Coach Caldwell called time out. This gave the Jets an opportuinty for Mark Sanchez to talk it over with the coaching staff and run an extra play. Peyton Manning looked exasperated on the sidelines with his arms raised questioningly. You could tell he was thinking "What are we doing?" What were the Colt's thinking? The next play Mark Sanchez hit Braylon Edwards for an 18 yard play on the sideline. Nick Folk now had a chippy fieldgoal attempt which he made as time went off the clock. Jets 17 Colts 16 Nick Folk may have made the field goal from 49 but his track record hadn't shown he was particularly effective from long range. Caldwell's decison certainly gave him a much better shot.
I'm not one of those stating Caldwell should be fired. That's ludicrous. It was a bad decision, but considering the adversity the Colt's went through this year, He did an excellent job.
The Colt's need not hang their heads, they endured more injuries to key players than any team
should have to and yet were AFC South champions again.
We'll look forward to next year.

Sunday Sermon Notes 1/2/11

"Choose You This Day"
Joshua 24
Pastor Paul Woodruff

Joshua is about new beginnings & what God will do in a life totally committed to Him
Joshua is about living victoriously & experiencing all God has promised

Joshua calls the people to make a choice

Joshua Sets Forth the Motivation to Serve the Lord-- vs 1-13
The Goodness & Grace of God should Motivate us
Whenever one doubts God's call to service thinking it too much one should review his life & remember God's mercy& faithfulness

Joshua Calls for a Decision to Serve the Lord vs 14-15
By and large the people were good but secret idolotry in the camp is revealed, keeping them from full services to God
There was still some hypocrisy undermining their devotion to God
1st John 5:21 "little children, guard yourselves from idols"
God wants & deserves ALL of our devotion
Joshua says choose- don't live with a water downed service to the Lord

Joshua Challenges Their Resolution to Serve the Lord vs 16-18
Joshua points out the people won't be able to serve because God is Holy
Joshua knew the people & knew they would cling to their old ways & he knew the human heart & how man continues to fail after rededication & rededication

Man has a tendency not to fulfill his resolutions. We try to fullfill them in our own power.

We need to think through our decisions & make sure we understand them
Jesus said "You can do nothing without me."
We can't serve God the way we should without the power of the Spirit
Galatians 3:3 "Are you foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?"

Joshua wants the people to seriously consider their decisions & the people continued to say they would serve vs 24 So a Covenant was made vs 25

3 Keys to Serving the Lord in Sincerity and Truth

You must determine in your heart to obey what is written in the Bible
Joshua 23:6 "Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left."

Our decisions need to be based upon what God says. Obedience brings success.

Refuse to Compromise with Sin vs 24:14
Joshua 23: 6-8 is a progression
Be firm in the Word
Seperate from sin
Cling to the Lord

Put away foreign gods & don't mention or serve them- interaction with those things was the 1st step toward compromise

When you compromise with the enemy you will not have victory & you will lose peace- no abundant life if you compromise with sin- Don't live by the world's standards

II Corinthians 6:14-18 ""Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for that partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 'THEREFORE COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPERATE,' SAYS THE LORD. AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; AND I WILL WELCOME YOU. AND I WILL BE A FATHER TO YOU, AND YOU SHALL BE SONS AND DAUGHTERS TO ME' SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY."

Resolve to love God with all your heart- Joshua 23:11

Submit to God's Word
Seperate from the World
Devotion with all our Heart

This message can be heard at the Eagle Creek Grace Brethren Church website at

http://www.eaglecreekgbc.org/Home/SermonAudio/tabid/66/Default.aspx

Colts AFC South Champs & other stuff

I now see why alot of bloggers post less during the holidays. It has been difficult to find the time to write down my thoughts and recollections. Not only has Christmas and New Year's festivities demanded more of my time but my job responsibilities have increased and don't show any signs of lessening for the forseeable future. Ahh, Job security-- a blessing during these tough economic times. One has to have the correct perspective.

The inpatient psychometrist working for our Neuropsychology department decided after a long period of service with the hospital it was time to move on. Her departure has left me with picking up the delirium tracking we do on patients and figuring out how to manage neuropsych testing for patients with now limited resources. If anyone knows a pychometrist looking for work, have them contact me.
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So anyway, Sorry I've gotten behind this week on my Colt's rant. Let's hear it for the now

7 TIME AFC SOUTH CHAMPION INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
(pretty cool for a division only 8 years in existence)

This title has to be particularly appreciated for everything the Colt's have fought through this year.

Sunday, Indianapolis completed the 4 game winning streak they had to have to finish 10 - 6 and win the division giving them a 9th consecutive playoff birth. The Colt's 23 -20 victory over the Tennessee Titans didn't come easy. The Titans were expected by many to roll over. Their season was finished and they had nothing to play for but pride. Pride showed up. I was impressed with their game plan. Tennessee's play selection on both sides of the ball was well formulated and their players seemed up to the challenge. All that said, the Colt's prevailed.

This one wasn't decided until the last seconds when Adam Viniteri kicked a 43 yard field goal on the game's final play. With just over a minute and a half before Viniteri's kick the outlook for victory was bleak as Tennesse had recovered a Dominick Rhodes fumble (while the Colt's had been driving toward a go ahead score) and had moved into field goal range of their own. Then a fumbled Center snap allowed Robert Mathis to fall on the loose football on the Colt's 37 yard line giving Indianapolis possession with 1:25 on the clock. Peyton Manning moved the Colts down into scoring position for Viniteri. There was no way the greatest clutch kicker in football history was going to miss the kick.

There hasn't been time for celebration as the Colts must now square off with the 11 - 5 New York Jets who have been chomping at the bit for a chance to get back for their loss last season to the Colts in the AFC Championship Game. In fact, the Jets did everthing they could to shore up their vulnerabilities to the Colt's and New England's passing attacks. In addition, the Colts will be missing 2 key weapons they had last year, Dallas Clark and Austin Collie. Both did mucho damage to the Jets last year. Be that as it may, Peyton Manning has had a great deal of success against Rex Ryan led defenses and since the game is here in Indianapolis, the Colts will have a slight advantage. It should be a close game, but win or lose the Colts should be proud of their collective effort this year.
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Just a Shout out to my brother in Christ, Jim Barnard on his Birthday this 5th of January
God Bless you, Jim!

Judy and I got together with Jim and his wife Cindy and Lee and Charlotte Martin on New Year's Eve and had a wonderful time. Jim fixed up some mean Chili, we played cards and had enjoyable fellowship. It was the first time we have spent any real quality time with Lee and Charlotte and I came away particularly pleased with these new friends. Lee's conservatism rivals my own and it appears we have much in common.

Cindy orchestrated this first get together and we are planning to make this a frequent gathering.
I am particularly greatful as it brings me together with one of my oldest and dearest friends I've ever known in Jim.
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A project I just began is writing my memoirs. I figure I better get started now at the pace I write and the little time to do so. My sister, Stephanie reminds me because I have always been the healthy sibling, I will probably follow after the long life pattern on my Dad's side of the family but to keep in mind that along with the longer lifespan comes the dementia my Dad and his sisters had to deal with. She tells me, "You'll live along time but you'll think you're a hundred when you're really only 80". Since memory for many of the events in my life are already a little fuzzy I better get to work.

Colts 31 Raiders 26

Sunday the Indianapolis Colts won the 3rd of 4 must win games (though because Jacksonville lost to Washington, the game wasn't really a must win) to win the AFC South crown and tie the Dallas Cowboy's record for most consecutive playoff births in a row at 9. If they can defeat the struggling Tennessee Titans this Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts may be considered a dangerous team in the playoffs.
Many are drawing comparisons to the 2006 team which won the Super Bowl. Though there are some similarities, there is no way I'm going there. Yes, in 2006, the Colts couldn't stop any team's running game, and then came on unbelievably in the playoffs with the return of Bob Sanders and his presence bolstered the run defense and even the top ground games in the league had difficulty getting yardage on the ground. The past 2 games the Colts have stymied two of the best running attacks in the league. The difference in 2006, the Colts were getting healthy.
This year the Colts can't get healthy if for no other reason many key players have been placed on injured reserve and won't be able to play until next year. Included in this group are Bob Sanders, Melvin Bullitt, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzales, Austin Collie, and Jerraud Powers. These are just top contributers and doesn't include players like Tom Santi and Jamie Silva who have made contributions to this team. Others like Kelvin Hayden and Clint Session are still waiting to be cleared to play.
On the encouraging side, the Colts have all of a sudden developed a running game of their own. The Colts racked up 191 yards on the ground against the Raiders with Dominic Rhodes doing the most damage. Donald Brown made some nice runs in limited action and Joseph Addai returned and ran strong. The Colts offensive line has begun to open up holes for the backs and are beginning to look like a better unit. The 191 rushing yards exceeded the Colts passing yardage (179), a rare occurance.
Maybe a more significant outcome of the game is that no Colt player was injured, though Antoine Bethea gave Colts's fans a scare when he went to the sidelines after a play that left him in pain on the field.
All of this bodes well but if the Colts lose Sunday against Tennessee and Jacksonville wins, the Colts will be watching the playoffs on TV.
Looking ahead to the game, the Colts should win. The Titans are in disarray, but Jeff Fisher is a good coach with his back against the wall and he has nothing to lose and could be unconventional . In the past, he has tried many unconventional tactics in his battles with Indianapolis. One year, he started the game with an onside kick and kept trying onside kicks after scores. I wouldn't be surprised if he went for it on every fourth down this year.
Gear up Colts. This one is another must win game.

Merry Christmas

Christmas means many things to many people throughout the world. For some it is a time for families to gather together; for some it is exchanging presents; for some it is decking the halls and Santa Claus. For children, the anticipation of waking up in the morning and finding gifts under the Christmas tree is one of the great joys of childhood.

I find it interesting we make a big deal about giving and receiving presents on Christmas, yet there are very few gifts I remember from Christmas' past. What I do remember is more personal.

I vividly remember sitting in a rocking chair in the living room of the house I grew up in (I was in my early teens) and the lights were out except for the color wheel projecting panels of color against the silver Christmas tree, the ceiling and the walls. Christmas music played on the stereo and I felt a wonderful peace listening to "Silent Night" while watching the alternating beams of color paint the room.

I remember one Christmas, I couldn't have been more than eight or nine, I woke up very early before my parents and I found my grandfather in our family room leaning over a train set that had been set up. He was watching the Lionel engine run in circles following the simple track layout.

I know the joy of spending Christmas with a loving wife and I know the joy of watching my boys filled with excitement early Christmas mornings eager to open the gifts under the tree.

For more than 25 years the tradition for my family was to spend Christmas day at my Aunt Barbara's home in Sheridan, Indiana. I could always expect a great meal , wonderful conversation, laughs, probably a card game and without a doubt a photo shoot. Barbara and Norman were perfect hosts, making everyone comfortable and providing an outstanding spread. At the end of the day it was difficult saying goodbye.

When Jason was younger, one Christmas, he asked me if I knew Xmas is often substituted for Christmas. I paused, recollecting a moment shared with my mother a long time ago. After we saw a Merry Xmas sign displayed on a neighbors lawn, she shared "The term Xmas, as far as I'm concerned is a terrible thing. It takes Christ out of Christmas. It is His birth we celebrate, afterall." I echoed my mother's comments to my son.

Yes, Christmas is all these things to me and everyone has their own special memories, but my thoughts now expand on the celebration of God's own Son coming into this sin stained world.

For everything that babe in a manger represents, when I think of Christmas, I not only see a babe dressed in swaddling clothes being worshiped by shepherds, but I consider what it must have been like for God-- the Creator of all things to humble Himself and take on human flesh.

When I think of Christmas I consider the man Jesus growing up, living sinlessly, ministering to others, performing miracles and teaching the truths of God's Word.

When I think of Christmas, I think of Jesus, the God/Man obedient to the Father allowing himself to be nailed to a cross in order to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

When I think of Christmas, I think of Jesus' glorious resurrection. He is a living Savior, intereceding for me everyday, keeping me, never leaving or forsaking me.

When I think of Christmas, I think of Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords soon to return and establish His Kingdom on earth.

So let me rejoice as the angels did sing that first Christmas day. For unto us is born a savior-- He is Christ the Lord.

Sunday Message- "The Greatest", Colts Back in First

"The Greatest"
John 3:16
Pastor Paul Woodruff


John 3:16 is the heart of Christmas

It is the great salvation spoken of in Hebrews 2:3 "How will we escape if we neglect so GREAT a Salvation?"


God....The Greatest Lover
1 Corinthians 13
Nobody Loves Like God

God Is LOVE- !
John 4: 8-10 "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is Love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

God is the consumate lover of our Souls


So Loved...The Greatest Degree
God's love can't be measured- It is infinite


The World...The Greatest number
People Are what really matter
All persons who have ever lived & will ever live- God loves them all


That He Gave... The greatest Act
The one act that supercedes every act ever done- God gave His only Son @ the Cross
Deity took on Humanity that He would go to the cross


His Only Begotten Son... The Greatest Gift
No One like the eternal Son Of God- God's ONLY Son
No Gift can compare
John 4:10"Jesus answerd and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink" you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water."


Whosoever...The Greatest Invitation
Anyone can come- Whereever your from, whatever your station or situation
Revelation 22:17 "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come..."


Believes...The greatest Simplicity
Belief is in the reach of anyone
It is so simple people stumble over it- They want to add to it.
The rich young ruler asked What shall I do"
Romans 10:19-10 "if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;"


In Him...The Greatest person
Jesus is the Greatest Person Ever.
Wisest, Kindest, Sinless
One day every knee shall bow to Him


Shall Not Perish...Greatest deliverance
Jesus delivers us from perishing
from the wrath of God
from hearing "depart from me accursed one"


But...Greatest difference
Believer--- Unbeliever
saved--- Unsaved
Heaven--- Hell
Glory--- Misery


Have... The Greatest certainty
All Those who accept Christ HAVE eternal life
1 John 5:13 "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life."
I have more certainty of having eternal life that what will happen tomorrow


Eternal Life...The Greatest possession
Greatest gift we can receive
If we have eternal life but nothing else we have everything
If we have all things but not eternal live we have nothing

"For What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36


The Greatest Need is Salvation

The Greatest Mistake is Refusing- the free gift of eternal life

The Greatest Tragedy is Perishing when one needs not

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Colts 34 Jags 24

The Colts put themselves in the driver's seat toward defending their AFC South Division title with a victory Sunday. With victories over Oakland and Tennessee they will be assured of a dvision title and a home game against one of the wild cards in the playoffs.

Credit needs to first go out to the defense for limiting Maurice Jones Drew and the Jags vaunted running attack to just 67 yards and then to the Colts ground game for totaling 155 yards of their own. Donald Brown led the running game with 129 yards and a touchdown. Two of his runs accounted for 49 yards and 43 yards, the second was for a touchdown.

Early in the game it was the Peyton Manning to Austin Collie show as Collie scored twice on Manning passes. Unfortunately, Collie was again knocked out of the game with a concussion. It is unclear whether Austin will return this season and I wouldn't blame him if he decided to move on away from football. Multiple concussions could have terrible consequences. It is quite a shame as the Colts are a much better team when he is on the field. It is clear Peyton trusts him and Austin has become an explosive part of the offense.

All in all it was a good performance by the Colts. Give the Jaguars credit; they didn't give up and they did make it interesting up until they failed an onside kick which bounced into Tyrone Hagler's hands and he took it in for a touchdown. A good time out by Coach Caldwell just before the kick was instrumental in exposing what the Jaguars were up to.

The Colts will need to keep up the intensity when they face a good Raiders team in Oakland.

Sunday Message, 12/12/10, Colts win on Thursday

Guaranteed Glory
Romans 8:28-39
Pastor Paul Woodruf

Major Theme of Romans 8- The Absolute Security of the believer
- vs 1- No Condemnation for those in Christ
- vs 39- No seperation from God
-Every genuine believer is guaranteed Glory

During our lives- lots of tragedy, trials & groanings vs 23
but through it all things will end in Glory
God promised those who come to Him will not be cast out
Jn 3:16-- EVERLASTING Life

3 Fold Guarantee of Our Glory

1.) Perfection of God's Plan guarantees our Glory
"Those Whom"-- all those He foreknew & Predestined are Glorified
It is a done deal- all of God- All according to His perfect plan
If all of God- He won't lose any

1 Peter 1:20 -21 "For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God."

vs 29-30-- Plan
Forknow
Predestined
Called
Justified
Glorified

These all go together- can't have 1 without the others
In light of this the whoms refer back to Romans 8:28
Everything works for good- the good- conforming to the image of Christ
God's purposes can't be thwarted - He secures the present & the future

When we are in Glory we will be able to see how things worked together for good.

2.) The Provision of God guarantees our Glory
5 questions
1.) What shall we say to these thing? vs 31- refers to the teachings in Romans 1-8
2.) If God is for us, who can be against us?
The All Powerful, All Knowing, Creator of all things, The Holy, eternal God trumps all
3.) How will He not freely give us all things
If God didn't spare His own Son- There is nothing He would not give
4.) Who will bring a charge against God's Elect? vs 33 Who is the one who condemns?

Satan is the accuser of the brethren to no avail Rev 12:10

5.) Who will seperate us from the love of Christ?

None of the following can seperate us from the love of Christ
tribulation
distress
persecution
famine
nakedness
peril
the sword
death
life
angels
principalities (demons)
things present
things to come
powers
height
depth
any created thing

Our guarantee rests on Jesus, Not us

3.) Provision of His love guarantees our glory
vs 39
One must come to Jesus to experience God's saving love & then you become His child & this love is unending & eternal & nothing can seperate us from the love of Christ


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Colts 30 Titans 28

Last Thursday the Colts took the first step in the final stretch to reach the playoffs. Peyton Manning returned to form to lead the Colts offense and the defense caused enough havoc early on to disrupt the Titans. A key to the game was the Colts running game getting enough touches to keep Tennesse off balance, helping to open up the passing game. The game wasn't really as close as the final score indicates and it sets up the big game on Sunday the 19th with the Jacksonville Jaguars for first place in the South Division and the likelihood of a playoff birth.

It appears the Colts are going to have a few of their key players back for the Jacksonville game but the Jaguars always play the Colts tough and the Colts will need every able bodied man.

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera

1925

Dir: Rupert Julian

Lon Chaney

Mary Philbin

Universal, after the success of The Hunchback of Notre Dame found a second vehicle for a super jewell film starring Lon Chaney in Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera. The film became the one most asociated with Chaney probably because of the famous makeup he created for the title role.

An eyewitness early in the movie describes the Phantom's features. "His eyes are ghastly beads in which there is no light- like holes in a grinning skull! His face is like a leprous parchment, yellow skin strung tight over protruding bones! His nose- there is no nose!"

In Mark A Vieira's book, Hollywood Horror from Gothic to Cosmic, he describes Chaney's task creating the Phantoms appearance. "He made a chalky cranium by means of a skullcap that had a wig sewn onto it. He glued his ears back, used his cotton-and-collodian technique to raise false cheekbones and hollowed his eye sockets with dark makeup. He molded snaggle teeth with a hard dental rubber called gutta-percha. Creating a nose that was not there was his greatest challenge....Working with a combination of fish skin, spirit gum, and wires, Chaney pulled his nose so high that it looked as if it had rotted away. "It's an art not magic.' Chaney said later. 'I achieved the death's head of that role without wearing a mask. It was the use of paints in the right shades and the right places- not the obvious parts of the face- which gave the complete illusion of horror."

The well known story concerns an understudy, Christine Daae, played by Mary Philbin in a production of Faust at the Paris Opera House which is purported to be haunted by a Phantom.

The Phantom has fallen in Love with Christine and takes measures to propell her to stardom including terrorizing the Opera if his demands are not met.

After toppling the great chandelier on the audience during a performance, the Phantom whisks Christine away and take her to his lair in the subterranean catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House. The Phantom's lair includes a coffin in the bedroom and an adjoining torture chamber.

The Phantom, named Erik, warns her never to look upon his face but her curiosity gets the better of her and she pulls away his mask revealing his face. Christine falls down in terror as Erik proclaims "Feast your eyes- glut your soul, on my accursed ugliness!"

The Phantom frees her with the warning not to engage with her fiance. At the Masked Ball, she unites with her lover, Raoul De Chagney. Erik observes there interaction as he is disguised as the Red Death in a remarkable color sequence of the film taking place on the grand staircase of the Opera House. This leads to the Phantom again capturing Christine and the resultant conflict with Raoul and the investigating inspector.

Chaney is again spectacular in the lead role and the success of The Phantom of the Opera would certainly influence Universal's later leap into the horror film genre in the early 1930s.

Watch the unmasking scene below.