The Phantom of the Paradise

Little-Known 70s Rock Musical Worth a Look

Judy Phillips
Considered a rock musical classic in France, this movie has been largely forgotten in America. Which is a shame. Directed by Brian De Palma and released in U.S. theaters on Halloween in 1974, the plot is a combination of "Phantom of the Opera" and "Faust", with a little "Picture of Dorian Gray" thrown in for good measure. The music is Paul Williams, who also stars as a record producer who inks his contracts in blood. At times humorous (intentionally, and unintentionally by reason of being now over 30 years old), and at other times just a really cool take on some classic horror themes, anybody who likes "Tommy" or "Rocky Horror" even a little should give this one a try.

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