Das Phantom der Oper (The Phantom Of The Opera), also known as Das Gespenst im Opernhaus, released as a silent film in 1916, is considered to be the first movie adaptation of the story of the Phantom of the Opera.
Made in Austria in 1916, the film was written and directed by Ernst Matray, who also played the Persian, and starred Nils Olaf Chrisander as the Phantom and Aud Egede-Nissen as Christine. No stills, footage or even official imagery from the film have resurfaced, leaving the film considered lost, though it has been referenced in other media.
Judging by vintage accounts, is relatively close to Leroux's version, including scenes where the Phantom coerces Christine to marry him.
The film does differ somewhat in some respects in relation to the finale. Unlike the novel, Christine does not accept the Phantom's love. Instead, Raoul and his male companion find a small opening in the trap room, find Christine, and flee together. The boiler to the trap overheats and explodes, killing Erik in the blast.
The film was shown throughout Austria and the Netherlands from 1916 and 1917, running for 76 minutes. It was then most likely returned to the studio where it was either misplaced or destroyed.