Phantom of the Paradise
- Director: Brian De Palma
- Writer: Brian De Palma
- Producer: Michael Arciaga; Gustave M. Berne
CGiii Comment
Released before the Rocky Horror movie (although the stage production premiered in 1973) with a budget that would have made Richard O'Brien quiver with glee.
The result is an inferior, expensive, convoluted nightmare starring the inexplicable Paul Williams - a moderately talented songwriter who should have stuck to writing rather than appearing!
Why do people like this crap? A question that will be asked over and over again.
Can you sing a song from this? Take a step to the right...
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
Evil record tycoon Swan has sold his soul to the devil for eternal youth and success - 20 years ago. Swan's current scheme is to steal the music from composer Winslow Leach to celebrate the opening of his rock palace, The Paradise. While trying to stop Swan, Leach was framed and convicted for drug dealing, and becomes the victim of a freak accident that leaves him horribly disfigured. He takes refuge in the cavernous Paradise, hiding his mangled face beneath an eerie mask and planning gruesome vengeance upon Swan - and everyone else who has hurt him. However, Leach signs a contract with Swan to complete his rock opera based on the legend of Faust for an aspiring singer - Phoenix.
Cast & Characters
William Finley as Winslow / The Phantom;
Paul Williams as Swan;
Jessica Harper as Phoenix;
Gerrit Graham as Beef;
George Memmoli as Philbin;
Archie Hahn as The Juicy Fruits / The Beach Bums / The Undeads;
Jeffrey Comanor as The Juicy Fruits / The Beach Bums / The Undeads;
Peter Elbling as The Juicy Fruits / The Beach Bums / The Undeads;
Colin Cameron as Band;
David Garland as Band;
Gary Mallaber as Band;
Art Munson as Band;
Mary Margaret Amato as Swan's Entourage;
Rand Bridges as Swan's Entourage;
James Bohan as Swan's Entourage