The Climax

The Climax is a horror film produced by Universal Pictures, first released in the United States in 1944. The credits state this is based on the 1909 play of the same name by Edward Locke, although the plot has little connection to Locke's play. Originally intended to be a sequel to Universal's remake version of "Phantom of the Opera" (1943), it featured new characters and a new plot. Susanna Foster was the only member of the cast to star in the new film.
Plot.
The physician at the Vienna Royal Theatre, Dr. Hohner (Karloff) murders his fiancée, a prima donna, out of obsession and jealousy. Ten years later, he hears another young singer (Foster) who reminds him of the late diva, and is determined to make her sing only for him, even if it means silencing her forever.
Production.
The film was originally conceived as a sequel to "Phantom of the Opera" (1943). "The Climax" was made using the sets of the "Phantom of the Opera" remake, which in turn used Universal's opera house set for "Phantom of the Opera" (1925). Choreography was by Lester Horton. The film was also nominated for an Academy Award in 1944 for Best Art Direction (John B. Goodman, Alexander Golitzen, Russell A. Gausman, Ira S. Webb).
Reception.
"The Climax" was a box office disappointment.
Home video release.
This film, along with "Night Key", 'Tower of London', "The Strange Door" and "The Black Castle", was released on DVD in 2006 by Universal Studios as part of "The Boris Karloff Collection".
In 2020, it was released in high definition as part of Scream Factory’s Universal Horror Collection, Vol. 4 blu ray set.