The Phantom of Paris

The Phantom of Paris

Year: 1931

Runtime: 74 mins

Language: English

Director: John S. Robertson

DramaCrime

Chéri‑Bibi, a world‑class escape artist, finds his legendary talent useless when he is framed for murder. As one man will kill for money and another will risk everything for love, Chéri‑Bibi must use his wits and daring to outwit the law, clear his name, and survive the deadly intrigue surrounding him.

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Timeline & Setting – The Phantom of Paris (1931)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Phantom of Paris (1931). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century

The movie takes place during the early 1900s, a period marked by social stratification, technological advancements, and a fascination with theatrical magic and illusion. This era featured the rise of modern entertainment like cinema and fascination with crime and detective stories, which influence the plot of deception and pursuit in the film.

Location

Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and vibrant cultural scene. The city has long been a center for arts, fashion, and entertainment, providing a picturesque backdrop for the events of the movie. Its bustling streets and elegant neighborhoods reflect the setting of high society and intrigue.

🌆 City 🗼 Capital 🎭 Artistic hub

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Main Characters – The Phantom of Paris (1931)

Meet the key characters of The Phantom of Paris (1931), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chéri-Bibi (played by John Gilbert)

A master magician and escape artist, Bibi is charismatic, clever, and daring. His journey from being falsely accused to hiding behind a disguise demonstrates his resilience and resourcefulness. His love for Cecily motivates him to fight for his innocence and happiness.

🎩 Magician 🕵️‍♂️ Escape artist 💘 Romantic

Cecily Bourrelier (played by Leila Hyams)

Cecily is a passionate young woman caught between love and societal expectations. She is deeply in love with Bibi but feels conflicted due to her engagement to the Marquis. Her loyalty and longing reveal her tender and hopeful nature.

💖 Romantic 💃 Hopeful 👩‍❤️‍👨 Loyal

Marquis Max Du Touchais (played by Ian Keith)

The nobleman involved in the murder, he is portrayed as a fearful and guilt-ridden character. His illness and deathbed confession add layers of tragedy and guilt, highlighting themes of cowardice and consequence.

🤒 Noble 🕵️‍♂️ Guilty 😷 Dying

Vera Prokoff (played by Natalie Moorhead)

Vera is a manipulative lover who aids in the Marquis's murder and participates in the scheme to deceive the police. Her actions demonstrate greed and moral ambiguity, ultimately leading to her downfall.

🗡️ Villainess 💰 Manipulative 🕵️‍♀️ Co-conspirator

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Major Themes – The Phantom of Paris (1931)

Explore the central themes of The Phantom of Paris (1931), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗝️ Deception

Deception is a central theme, as characters engage in disguises, false identities, and manipulative schemes. The use of plastic surgery and secrets highlights the extent to which characters go to hide their true selves or evade justice, underscoring the idea that appearances can be deceiving.

💘 Love

Love drives much of the narrative, especially Cecily's affection for Bibi and her unhappiness with her marriage to the Marquis. The story explores themes of romantic devotion overcoming class and social barriers, as well as the sacrifices characters make for love.

🔎 Justice

Justice plays a significant role with the investigation, suspicion, and the pursuit of truth. Detective Costaud's relentless effort to uncover the truth reflects themes of moral integrity and the importance of justice in resolving the story's conflict.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

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Unlock the Full Story of The Phantom of Paris

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Phantom of Paris in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Phantom of Paris is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Phantom of Paris Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Phantom of Paris, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Phantom of Paris Summary

The Phantom of Paris Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Phantom of Paris with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Phantom of Paris Timeline

The Phantom of Paris Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Phantom of Paris that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Phantom of Paris Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Phantom of Paris

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Phantom of Paris: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Phantom of Paris