So many movies ... so much to celebrate!!!
On this day in 1971 (in the U.S.), that sterling mecca known as New York City, New York played host for an exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of The Mephisto Waltz. Directed by Paul Wendkos from a story by Ben Maddow and Fred Mustard Stewart, the film starred Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, Barbara Parkins, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An old, dying satanist arranges to transfer his soul into the body of a young concert pianist."
For the record:
At the 2018 Saturn Awards, an all-new home video release of The Mephisto Waltz received a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD / Blu-ray Classic Film Release.'
-- EZ
On this day in 1971 (in the U.S.), that sterling mecca known as New York City, New York played host for an exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of The Mephisto Waltz. Directed by Paul Wendkos from a story by Ben Maddow and Fred Mustard Stewart, the film starred Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, Barbara Parkins, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An old, dying satanist arranges to transfer his soul into the body of a young concert pianist."
For the record:
At the 2018 Saturn Awards, an all-new home video release of The Mephisto Waltz received a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD / Blu-ray Classic Film Release.'
-- EZ
From Google.com:
The Mephisto Waltz (1971) is a stylish, psychological occult horror film starring Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, and Curt Jürgens. Directed by Paul Wendkos, the film follows a dying Satanist pianist who transfers his soul into the body of a younger journalist and aspiring pianist (Alda), leading to a terrifying nightmare for his wife (Bisset).
Key Aspects of the Film:
Legacy:
The Mephisto Waltz (1971) is a stylish, psychological occult horror film starring Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, and Curt Jürgens. Directed by Paul Wendkos, the film follows a dying Satanist pianist who transfers his soul into the body of a younger journalist and aspiring pianist (Alda), leading to a terrifying nightmare for his wife (Bisset).
Key Aspects of the Film:
- Plot: Duncan Ely (Jürgens), a virtuoso pianist and Satanist, uses dark magic to possess Myles Clarkson (Alda) to continue his life and career.
- Performance & Tone: The film is characterized by its "giallo" sensibility and "darkened brightness" cinematography, focusing on creeping dread rather than jump scares. It is often compared to Rosemary's Baby.
- Cast: The film features an acclaimed performance from Jacqueline Bisset as Paula Clarkson, who navigates the sinister supernatural plot.
- Production: The movie is noted for its swinging 1970s Los Angeles aesthetic, a strong thriller script, and a solid score.
Legacy:
- It is considered a "worthwhile curio" of 1970s horror, pre-dating The Exorcist in its exploration of occultism.
- It is sometimes considered a "must-see" for fans of arthouse-influenced horror from that era.
- The movie is currently available on various streaming platforms.
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