One of the lead players in Brian De Palma's, 1974 cult classic..."The Phantom Of The Paradise".
The role was played by musical genius Paul Williams...who has recieved little recognition for his hauntingly beautiful lyrics and melodies produced.
It is a rock opera based on the classical piece "Phantom Of The Opera", with satire and creative social prodding throughout...it did not recieve the acclaim that was due, but has a strong cult following now.
The
tragic story of a talented but naive composer, Winslow Leach (
William Finley). Believing that
music impresario Swan (Williams) wants to
work with him to produce his masterwork, a "rock cantata" based on the legend of Faust, Winslow hands over several songs to Swan's talent scout, Philbin (George Memmoli).
He is deceived by Swan, framed and eventually finds himself maimed and psychotic...with his only connection to sanity being the vocalist "Phoenix (Jessica
Harper) whom he has fallen in
love with.
Swan was the epitome of evil in it's most pathetic and frail form...he is forever engraved in cult film history.
Swan: "
Ink isn't worth anything to me, Winslow." {Drops of blood
drip as he punctures Winslow, to sign away his
soul.}
