This Is The Best Rock Musical. (Phantom of the Paradise)

[@gloriadignazio2515]

Gloria here from Phantompalooza here in Winnipeg! We are celebrating Phantom's 50th this weekend, Nov 2 and Paul Williams and the 3 Juicy Fruits will be here! I really enjoyed your synopsis of the movie and soundtrack⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@CWargh63]

The anime movie "Lupin III: The Mystery of Mamo" 1978, The villain, Mamo is directly based on Paul Williams' character Swan. The summer of 74 a bunch of us Navy kids would bicycle over to the base theater around noon, had the place all to ourselves, watch this 3 times in a row, come back and do it again the next day for a week or more. It was all but free and there was little else to do. I was 11 years old. It was like we were some biker gang that would take over a small town dive bar each day to listen to the entire set of some torch singer we were all besotted with...except we were a group of tweens pedaling our banana seat Schwinns onto the most southwesternly American military base at the ass end of the Vietnam war to watch this beautiful masterpiece in an empty rundown movie house. What an odd thing. "Hell of it" is on my top ten of all time songs list.

[@Hum0ng0us]

One of my favorite parts of this movie is the auditions where Swan discovers Beef and all of those different kinds of bands and singers are singing parts of the same song in their varying styles.

[@andrewdelouise4830]

I LOVE this movie! Gerrit Graham steals every scene he's in. To me,this is way better than Rocky Horror. The soundtrack is fantastic,the performances are great. I recommend this movie to anyone who'll listen to me at work.

[@bmljenny]

Favorite line, “I know drug-real from real-real!”

[@rickdavis2464]

Waaaaaayyyyy better than Rocky Horror ...sorta.

[@tboysrocknroll9252]

100% agree...much better than Rocky Horror...

[@mattjackson9859]

"I am a pro-fessio-nal"

[@mattbradley9022]

Yup rocky horror couldn’t get into. This film has heart!!

[@houseofblacklanterns859]

One of my favourite films of all time. Beef is adorable and his debut performance is so wonderfully theatrical. One of the brilliant elements is watching how The Juicy Fruits get reinvented over and over again on the whim of Paul William's character, brilliant commentary on the industry IMO.

[@patjackson8649]

This is AMAZING; I love when someone brings up this genius movie! I live in Winnipeg :) and POTP is part of our DNA here

[@NoLegalPlunder]

Paul Williams is a genius. The Beauty and the Beast (Phantom’s Theme) song is unbelievably haunting. All the songs on it are magical. His songs ‘Rose’ and ‘Where Do I Go From Here’ are two of my favorite songs ever.

[@Generaledger]

I loved the movie and soundtrack when it first came out, but never really appreciated The Phantom's Theme until many years later. When I was much older listening to it again I realized what an awesome song it was. I'd definitely say it's one of my favourites although that is almost like saying who your favourite child is. In this case though I will say it is a favourite.

[@frankenfurter58]

I was shocked when I discovered that not everyone even heard of that movie, let alone seen it. I just assumed it was a big deal everywhere. I was born in and lived in Winnipeg till my early 20's. I was 13 when a long time friend and I skipped out of school to go see the movie. Back then you could stay in the theater and rewatch the movie several times, till they had to throw you out to clean the place before the evening viewings, or close for the night. We watched it three times and to this day I still know every word to every song. Beef, was my favourite character. I had the album and the 8-track, both of which got worn out. Thanks so much for the revival of this movie and its soundtrack. Now I'm going to see if I can find the movie online and watch it numerous times, just because.

[@schoolofrockfortcollins3731]

Phantom of the Paradise has been a guilty favorite of mine ever since my parents took me to see it in 1974 when I was 11 years old . The music captivated me immediately, and I spent the next several years wearing out the LP. Enormously underrated work of art imho - still love it to this day. Long live the Paradise!

[@anastasiabosakowski8651]

Minor correction from a Bowie freak: Paul Williams didn't write songs for David Bowie. Bowie covered the song Fill Your Heart (cowritten by Williams) on his Hunky Dory album.

[@ChristyAbbey]

Very nice to have this music discovered again. "The Hell of It" is in my top 50 of all time. Paul Williams has so much good stuff out there, I can ignore "Evergreen (A Star is Born)"

[@stevepriest1663]

Saw the movie as a kid, what happens to Winslow when he is at the Death Records record press was quite scary to me at the time. A perfect example of a cult classic. Paul Williams had music everywhere in the 70s, from Three Dog Night to the theme from Love Boat.

[@kingzippythethird]

Spoilers man! LOL🤣 Just about to watch it!

[@stevepriest1663]

@@kingzippythethird Sorry, man! I didn't tell you what happened though!

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

Wild, huh? Chances are, I had heard Old Fashioned Love Song or We've Only Just Begun or You and Me Against the World on the radio and did NOT make the connection to the guy who made some poor songwriter's life a living hell. In a further case of poetic irony, I'm fairly sure that dirty bird is still the president of ASCAP. 🤣

[@bloffs3352]

I saw this movie as a kid as a double with Rocky Horror. Loved them both. I left the cinema a little more grown up. I too was freaked out by the record press scene. Well done Justin for bringing to the masses a great under rated movie and soundtrack. I am old enough to have seen little Paul Williams in a few things back then. Cheers.

[@georgehampton25]

That was a disturbing scene. I wouldn't even phase kids these days. lol.

[@SirGuyGrand]

Back in the day in good old London town there wasn't that much to do of an evening. Late night double bills at independent cinemas brightened life. There was plenty of creative programming too. Phantom of the Paradise was a staple. It blew my tiny little mind and I used to see it at least once a fortnight. Still love it just a s much today. Thanks for highlighting this total gem as well as giving people the opportunity to discover the songwriting genius that is Paul Williams. "Tasty, Winslow. Tasty."

[@wellesradio]

Everyone hates musicals until they find the one they absolutely LOVE. 17:26 sounds a bit like Love’s “A House is Not a Motel”. I saw this for the first time a few months ago, but I’d been aware of it for years. Paul Williams is one of those quirky songwriters from the 60’s/70’s who really cared about craft, experimentation, and history of pop music like Harry Nilsson and Van Dyke Parks. Oh and Bugsy Malone is great.

[@frankshailes3205]

The musical I enjoy is objectively not a good film - terribly paced and the characters are way off, but I personally absolutely love it.

[@NickNicometi]

You got some knowledge.

[@rael2099]

Indeed, the Phantom and Boyfriend are the only musicals I can stomach because they're not pretentious over the top. Xanadu only for the music.

[@chriskroll4166]

@@frankshailes3205 it is a good film. You just have no taste.

[@ianbell7205]

My absolute favourite movie of all time. Saw it in the cinema when it came out and I have it on Beta, VHS, Laser disc and I am about to receive my 5th DVD/blu-Ray in the mail any day now. It came out a year before Rocky Horror Picture Show and there were attempts to ape RHPS cult screenings etc. But ultimately Phantom is a lot darker/scarier for mainstream acceptance. The songs are brilliant. The movie is brilliant. Thank you so much for this Justin.

[@ianbell7205]

* Winslow not actually auditioning for the Paradise, he is the warm up act for the Juicy Fruits. Also interesting fact - look at the Phantoms out fit. Big shiny helmet, black leathers, big cap, voice box...now go look at Darth Vader (Star Wars came out three years later).

[@finslaw]

One of Brian DePalma's best, which is saying a lot: Sisters, Carrie, Blow Out, Dressed to Kill, Untouchables, Scarface, Carlito's Way, M:I.........

[@DominusLuna]

I remember SISTERS. Saw both Phantom and Sisters at the drive in when I was little. lol

[@enricopaoli1183]

I love the movie, I saw it when I was 12 and it had a real impact on me. Amazing music. And Jessica Harper went to star in Suspiria, another fave movies of mine. Nice choice Justin.

[@rmmccarthy1240]

Wonderful film. Paul Williams, great writer. Thanks for a Fantastic post and a great editorial.

[@StrangeDevice]

Yes, the Paul Williams video we’ve been waiting for!!!

[@MotherMagenta]

I have lost count of how many times I have seen this film and my sons do too. I have had the soundtrack since I was 16 ❤

[@Em-ou3gi]

Hi Justin, my mum passed away last month, she was only 51 and I'm only 26. She got me into The Darkness when I was younger and we used to watch all your videos together. Thanks for bringing us both joy ❤

[@mattmurdoch3397]

The way you use you're ear,can break music down,explain and demonstrate in such a simple way,you are literally teaching both music history,theory and teaching the guitar in the most palatable way ever. Kudos Justin

[@davegeske7622]

Saw this when i was 16 and living in Winnipeg. Wonderful

[@robswystun2766]

Long-time Winnipeger here. This is indeed one of our minor claims to fame. Winnipeg is one of the only places in the world where this movie became a cult classic on par with Rocky Horror and The Room and other such movies. There is at least one showing per year and sometimes cast members actually come out for meet and greets. I went to a showing with my girlfriend, who loves this movie, and the guy who plays Beef was there to sign autographs and answer questions. Another time, she and her mother went to a showing where Paul Williams himself was in attendance. My girlfriend won a door prize where she could get Paul to hand write lyrics to any of the songs from the film and they would be framed for her. She chose The Phantom's Theme. Even though The Phantom's Theme is a dark, brooding song and the Phantom has a colour scheme of purple, black, silver and red, Paul (or whoever put together the prize) chose to write them out on a piece of parchment adorned with some yellow flowers and put it in a yellow frame. My girlfriend -- a goth girl at heart -- abhors yellow. She still has the framed lyrics, but she keeps them in a closet because the whole thing looks awful and doesn't go with anything else in her apartment. Why they chose yellow to frame the lyrics of this song instead of the Phantom's colour scheme, I'll never understand.

[@brianmunkeskov8749]

Grew up in Portage in the 70's ..very vivid memories of the craze over this movie👍

[@robswystun2766]

@@brianmunkeskov8749 Nice. I actually lived in Portage la Prairie for a few years in the 2010s.

[@Jericho5255]

That is brilliant and hilarious!! My aunt went to this movie a ton of times in Winnipeg and I would love to attend one of the events one day. Shout out to Winnipeg! Also Justin, you know you got to cover a song from this album now.

[@GizzyDillespee]

I've never seen proof positive that this movie (beyond these snippets) or Winnipeg are real, but I still believe in both, and pray towards the northwest.

[@CousinCreepy]

Toronto here, first saw it on CITY TV at midnight - was half asleep when Beef did his thing and thought it was a fever dream. Exhausted at school the next day but totally worth it!

[@rickdavis2464]

Jussy, I'm just a touch older than you (a full fecade) and POTP was a huge influence on me and the musical weirdos I eventually fell into here in the SF Bay Area of The Golden State. It was playing at my local theater for a buck and I bet I saw it 5 times in that opening run. Fact of the matter is I just dropped a POTP referrence within the last week on a social media post regarding the publicity deluge about an upcoming string of LCD Soundsystem shows. 'It's getting the kind of Pub I haven't seen since beef played opening night at the paradise!' Thanks for shining a light on this low budget masterpiece!

[@mrmagyco2101]

I agree, one of the most underrated musicals of the 70s....surprised no one has thought of reprising it..

[@Woody27271]

I hunted this film down after your review, I found it. I watched it. I loved it ..

[@convictTKM]

I saw this movie by chance when I was ten years old on bbc2 late at night, I kept a copy of the TV Times just so I could find it again, dvds of obscure movies weren’t really a thing yet. 2 years later in 2002 bbc2 played it again and I made my older brother stay up with me so I could record it on vhs, I must have worn that tape out and if you were a friend of mine during my adolescence, you’d have been forced to watch this film with me. It’s one of absolute favourites, Williams is a genius and the soundtrack is amazing!

[@Hum0ng0us]

GOD I love this movie!! Having grown up in Manitoba Canada, you bet I LOVE this movie and especially the soundtrack!!!

[@davidmcgugan8076]

old Canadian here..funny you mentioned Winnipeg, I think it went more far reaching than that. when I was a young lad at least a couple of times a year Phantom would show up on Canadian television, I know this because I would watch it every time it did. LOVED IT!! thank you for reminding me of it, think I may just have to go find a DVD of it now.

[@Wulfiebaby]

Ran across this one on cable in the mid-90s and fell in love immediately. It's really cool to hear someone with Justin's musical acumen making so many of the same observations about the pieces, Paul Williams in general, Jessica Harper's voice and such. I'm just a non-musical slob, but I know a fair number of musical people and have tried to absorb the knowledge they impart to me because I love music so much. Makes me feel like my listening has paid off. Jessica Harper's voice was so mature beyond her years. So cool to see her pop up in The Old Man!

[@thetek2006]

I've always loved Paul Williams' voice and the Bugsy Malone soundtrack gets an airing more often than many of my favourite albums of the past 50 years, quite possibly because it always evokes the wonderful visuals of the movie. You're right about the Paolo Nutini sounding vocals, there has always been something about Nutini's vocal style which seemed at once unique but strangely familiar and I could never put my finger on what it was until now.

[@AnthonyCassidy50]

Thanks for bringing this to light. I had never heard of this musical, despite existing for nearly 50 years.

[@WilliamWPhillips]

Songs written by Paul Williams have such a distinct sound and feel to them. Emotion wrapped in melody. The soundtracks for Bugsy Malone (1976) and Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977) are both superb. Definitely worth a listen. Great channel btw!

[@johnjohn37371]

When the river meets the almighty sea....

[@CousinCreepy]

Wow, one of my favorite soundtracks - good for you! Totally unexpected, thanks Justin!

[@KenB-db5ve]

I grew up in a town 50 miles from Winnipeg. I wore out my copy of the soundtrack album, and I still know most of the words to the songs by heart, just like every other teenager in town. I was shocked to learn, years later, that the movie bombed everywhere else in the world (except maybe Paris). I've watched a couple of reviews where it's stated that the director didn't know whether he wanted it to be serious or a comedy. Know what? That's Winnipeg in a nutshell.

[@SmokeJaguar101]

I was obsessed with the Phantom of the Opera since I was 8 as it was the first CD I was ever given (and only CD, weirdly enough, I didnt get given music again until I was about 15) and I was looking up all the different adaptations on the early 2000s internet at school when I discovered this film on Wikipedia. I was desperate to see it but back then it was impossible to find in the UK in 2005 as a schoolboy. Now in an era of streaming I can actually see it. Cheers for Reminding me of it's existence Justin!

[@normclemis1221]

This is the best thing on YT today! Well done JH!!

[@curseofyig6727]

Im in Winnipeg and I've seen it at least 10 times :D

[@Tardisntimbits]

I'm in Ontario, Canada, and I show Phantom of the Paradise to people whenever I can lol. I even did a musical "horror" movie month in a discord I moderate in for October one year, and included it as an excuse to show it lol

[@BeDoRecords]

Dude, Ive been singin EVERY song (literally) from this soundtrack REGULARLY (literally!!!) since it was released and my dad took me to see it in the theater in Detroit Michigan in 1974🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 SO cool you appreciate this on all levels, OLD SOULS is just pure classic Paul Williams at his finest… the ENDINGS!!! And of course I WORSHIP the film itself One of my top 10 favorites ever and w/out a doubt my no 1 all time musical LETS PUT IT ON A STAGE SOMEWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤩

[@inarar5334]

It always cracks me up that the same guy who wrote Rainbow Connection also wrote The Hell of It. Talk about diametrically opposing themes lol.

[@phoenixmylene]

My dad named me Phoenix because of this movie, I love it!

[@mollyhannah2003]

I just happen to have an hour and a half before work without plans.... Thanks for the recommendation, Justin!

[@shaneturner9336]

This is one of the only musicals I like and I LOVE it SO much ! Unfortunately no one I talk to ever knows about this masterpiece! Thanx for posting this !

[@gumbowski]

My all time favourite movie, and yes I am from Winnipeg

[@ChrisCrites-yz2iw]

Agreed. I had initially taped this from the bus tape back in the 90's...grabbed up the vinyl years latrr. When I was scoring horror films and writing for Rue Morgue and Fangoria (2006-2015) , I utilized the access to some genre stars whom I knew we're fans and who could sing...to do a tribute album of Phantom for Charity. Even reached out to Jessica Harper and she was down to reprise her vocal for Phoenix's "Old Souls"; BUT couldn't get it past the finish line as I was informed Paul Williams was working on a stage musical version produced by Guillermo DelToro. So...in the archive it all sits.

[@RakelSpektakel13]

Thanks for doing this! An under-appreciated opus. Shock Treatment is another delightful musical for people like me who also cringe at most musicals.

[@thoth_amon]

shock treatment is a sort of sequel to the rocky horror picture show, the continuing adventures of brad and janet

[@bruceandt]

Watched this to the end. All of the thoughts and considerations you offered are the exact same as most people feel about this film. Mine included. Paul Williams will never be truly recognized for the backbone of this film. For all those who appreciate this film, you must stand in awe of the entirety of the musical shifts in generations. I have never watched a movie before or since that made a film such a tiny packet of its time.

[@hazbin34]

I enjoy watching your channel. You are completely entertaining talented and super positive, which the world needs more of. Thank you for all you do 🤘🏽

[@Det.DrCowboyNinjaCyborgSamurai]

That first song in the film is my favorite, but it’s so full of great music throughout. Showed it to my wife for the first time last year and she loved it. I think it’s weird charm makes it timeless.

[@karinlouise5489]

I remember you saying it was Simon Emmett that had suggested you see this movie. I’ve always heard Paul Williams influence in the singing of John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and The Angry Inch. Midnight Radio is a brilliant tune and it always reminded me of the style of the music in this movie. Glad you finally got round to seeing it. Now you know what the fuss is all about.

[@sierrasample8632]

Love you Justin! After watching your video, I visited my dad who had introduced me to this movie, and we watched together. I had no idea Paul Williams was Swan! After his first appearance in the movie, my dad informed me, and it just made the film that much better. Great music, and an incredibly weird and entertaining movie. What an interesting era!

[@onusgumboot5565]

Good evening Justin. It is I Onus Gumboot. I saw this movie in the theater when it was new. I loved it then and now. There is a documentary about Paul Williams if you haven't seen it, that is great. It's called "still alive" I think. He is still huge in two places. Probably the same ones you mention here. It's strange how that works. Some day you yourself may be huge somewhere. But nowhere else. I'd still come to see the show where ever that is. "and though your music lingers on. We're so very glad you're gone" Obviously I put up this comment before the end of the video.

[@FrogFarmRecords]

Dude!!!! I am so glad you discovered this. I have watched and listened to The Phantom of rage Paradise since I was 10. I watched this in a drive through in Mississippi. I was immediately in crush mode with Jessica Harper ( Phoenix). A month after I bought a Paul Williams song book because it had songs from the movie. I actually watched Phantom of the Paradise last night for the zillionth time. You should do a remake of this album. Thanks for doing this video.

[@DrJeebles]

"One slice of ham too many." Yes! Another phrase I'm no doubt going to borrow from you. I hate musicals, in general, but every so often... This one looks like it may be something I could dig.

[@CharlyDS]

What a great video you made. Paul Williams is a songwriter with a fabulous range (a good actor too, and lovely singer and pianist, of course) - what he achieved here in the most diversity of the material is great (mostly based I guess on how Swan and his peeps twist the original Winslow cantata), not being his primary songwriting style for his own albums. Forever a surprise for me. Now, Hell Of It is something I can picture David Bowie doing, possibly (after all he was quite the vaudevillian in the awesome Hunky Dory and he even covered Williams' own Fill Your Heart)

[@Caligulon]

I grew up with this movie! Amazing soundtrack! Paul Williams is a genius and Jessica Harper is terrific in this.

[@2ten88]

Finally - someone else who reckons this movie ROCKS (and rolls, and shimmys, and glamours and...you get the picture). Congrats, Justin and yes, I too have seen the Paul Williams homage/special thingy, and agree he's worth seeking out, not to mention his catalogue of classic songs from the 1970's 👍🏻

[@timothym2241]

Good job. Thanks for bringing this forgotten gem back to light.

[@harveybojangle475]

I used to live in Dallas, not far from the Majestic Theater. Knowing it was the filming location for The Paradise always made me smile. Also, there's a tapping sound in "The Hell of It' at around 2:27 minutes into the song, and that was meant to coincide with a scene of a little girl tap dancing on Beef's grave for Swan. Sadly (for Williams, in particular), it was never shot.

[@jeffdowning4877]

There are so many memorable and great tracks in this film, and the film itself it's such a clever mix of Faust and The picture of Dorian Gray and of course Phantom of the Opera that it is a mystery to me why the film and the soundtrack were just a flash in the pan at the time. And there is a ton of dark and subversive humor in it as well. It had a short run at the movie theaters , like a matter of weeks, when it came out play remember going to see it with my sister and we sat through two screenings of it consecutively and then went to see it again the next week. I don't rewatch movies too often but I've seen it dozens of times since. Absolutely love this film soundtrack

[@Eigenstates.]

First- we've been waiting for you to do this and you definitely nailed it. We share your adoration of this and Paul. Second- may I suggest that if you really want to question your life choices, have a viewing of a musical film called The Apple. I expect if you do, you may send people after me. Finally, we would pay a bazillion dollars if some how we were to discover that you had covered the entire album and quietly released it in some obscure fashion. Thanks a lot for this Justin.

[@JRHamify]

Phantom of the paradise is one of my favourite movies and everyone I show it to falls in love with it. Just needs to be seen

[@sandrahaight7278]

Absolutely brilliant. Huge fan of Paul Williams music and Brian DePalma films. Better late than never, this discovery. You never cease to amaze me. Thank you

[@kidmarine7329]

The music on this soundtrack is sublime. Not one bad song.

[@miss80smoviesandmusic]

I freaking love Phantom Of The Paradise! I cannot sing it's praises enough!

[@jukeboxcowboy]

🤠 It's one of those movies/soundtracks. After you discover it, you feel compelled to tell everyone.

[@miss80smoviesandmusic]

@@jukeboxcowboy Definitely!! I have to thank my friend Kent for introducing it to me. He sent me the vinyl soundtrack and I fell in love!

[@anneominous7172]

Paul Williams also absolutely smashed it on Daft Punk's 'Touch' - also their best song, in one's humble opinion.

[@belindamorentin2477]

I heard you mention this movie - I was delightfully shocked - and saying you would do an episode on it, and you were true to your word! I saw this when I was in high school (yep, I'm old, lol). During the pandemic I ordered the movie on blue ray. Still love it!!

[@mary-janebelec9082]

Just came across this because Paul Williams popped into my brain! I love his songs, i also love his unmistakeable vocal technique. And although you may not be fond of musicals, i think you would be fantastic starring in one.

[@catharsis77]

I got to see this when it came out and really enjoyed it. Some of the songs are still haunting favorites. I'm getting a real kick out of watching you explain the movie.

[@NatalieValentina6]

Came here after you mentioned it in your lovely Olivia Newton-John tribute/Grease video. I've never even heard of this musical, & I can't wait to check it out. Thanks!

[@adamhodges8882]

Hi Justin. What, if any, did The SWEET play in the Darkness as an influence? What do you think of SWEET? Do you and the band get a say in where you tour? The Darkness have graced our shores here in Australia on repeat occasions, where a lot of bands tend to not tour because of the distance. I look forward to seeing you and the band again in Oct 2022 Down Under.

[@stephenhawk8384]

You were doing so well Justin, and then you made me realize how much older than you that I am. You just can’t defeat time. Anyway, thanks for this video. FOTP is one of my wife’s favorite movies, and thus, by proxy, one of mine. It is both cynical and sweet, and Paul Williams showcases what makes him special. Well done.

[@archive303]

This film has disturbed me and caused knightmeres from the first time i watched it! Thank you for bringing that home!!

[@sisan3131]

First of all Mr Hawkins, I LOVE your channel and all the musical content that you've been putting out, second off all, if I could raid ANY person's closet ever, I would definitely raid yours. I mean... I couldn't focus on what you were saying because I was so infatuated by that vest of yours. You literally serve every time and I'm really impressed.

[@BBRocker75]

It is amazing how decades later THIS MASTER PIECE is getting recognition from all places: filmmakers, film schools, musicians, producers, singers, artist in general. I love this movie from my 9 years old. This movie is not only a master cinema piece, it is a prophecy about entertainment industry in next decades to date.

[@jonzfriend]

If I go simply by the number of times I've seen a film, "Phantom of the Paradise" must be my number one film of all time. My late brother in law and myself bonded over this film (which he showed for weeks in a submarine, and garnered new fans.) Still untouched by any other film since. Something special, the LP version of "Hell Of It" cut that 1920's sort of ragtime ending by fading out. In the CD release, we're treated to a much longer ending with all of the bouncy dazzling keyboard over that honking bass that was in the film.

[@mattymac1399]

Awesome! My favourite De Palma along with Blow Out. I recall that Peter Grant objected to Swan's label being named Swan Song in the movie and the filmmakers had to make the change.... Anyway, Paul Williams is an incredible artist, love his song used at the end of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.

[@eily_b]

OMG, I love that movie/musical. I watched it as a teen late at night and tried to find it for years (before the internet) and finally found it a few years ago and own a copy of it now. 👍 There are only a few musicals/music movies I can stand: Hair, Quadrophenia, Tommy, The Wall,The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hairspray, Velvet Goldmine and Phantom of the Paradise.

[@spiderriff]

Thank you for this episode.

[@phoenixgirl70]

He co-wrote the score as well and was nominated for an Oscar for it. I saw it as a kid a couple times. Funny to see him guest star on Community and I had also though he was dead! Talented guy.

[@krytikos5509]

Justin, as always great vid with a perfect peppering of hilarity and seriousness (

[@colinfoy5928]

Absolutely love this movie! Glad people are coming around to the brilliant chaos of Phantom of the Paradise

[@teresagarrison8872]

I swear I heard Lionel's Hello this morning and thought about this movie. Found your video and absolutely loved it! Thank you!

[@Viperkal]

Brilliant and amusing rundown of Phantom of the Paradise, the best rock musical indeed!

[@Swampberry]

This was so interesting and spiralled off into many internet searches thank you - Release the hounds snazz!

[@markukeley2924]

That Phantom Song has a Harry Nielsson "Can't Live If Living Is Without You" vibe. Very Seventies, but very cool. Cheers, Justin!

[@chrishepburn1503]

Such a great movie. Saw it years ago and now I want to watch it again.

[@christianmaltais]

Awesome movie.Great songs. Fantastic performances. Smart script. Downer ending. Superb visuals.

[@gelsol]

I love that T.O.N.T.O. is in this (giant synth). It now resides in a museum in Calgary.

[@Kempever]

I went to this when i was kid at the theatre my brother took me and i bought the soundtrack immediately after seeing the movie. I love all the music but I think my favorites are sung by Jessica Harper(phoenix) old souls especially love that song but the entire album is amazing thanks for spotlighting a secret special movie that not many know Thanks Justin

[@MichaelBrown50000]

Love Paul Williams - thanks for remembering him!!! Brilliant songwriter and singer! He was also big in South Africa in the 70's.

[@stef2432]

I hope there will be other videos about movies’ relevant soundtracks, I had suggested it in the past and glad we have one here.

[@cheayunju]

I've loved Paul Williams since I was a kid just from Muppets, Love Boat, and various other cameos and musical performances. I discovered Phantom of the Paradise later in my twenties and thought it was incredible. Fave songs are definitely Goodbye Eddie and Old Souls. Paul Williams is a real deal song writing genius.

[@rosebyanyname]

They're having a 50th anniversary celebration for this movie next year in Winnipeg - I so hope Justin attends!

[@karmelodion]

Absolutely made my night.. hearing Screaming Lord Sutch performing covers of my favourite film.. Magnificent.. Givin' Up would fit Right into the phantom soundtrack.. and thank you for the heads up about Bowie and Paolo Nutini.. please cover the full album!

[@Foghornish]

I'm not a massive fan of musicals either, but one thing I really appreciate, especially about the ones made in the 70s, is how awesome and warm the bass guitar sounds. Probably a precision or sg bass with the pickup in the middle and played finger style. Also I'm used to classic rock and metal so the bass really cuts through better and not struggling in the mix. I respect alot of funk, ska and reggae for this too.

[@StrangeDevice]

I still maintain that Bugsy Malone is a masterpiece.

[@bridgetyoung190]

Loved it. 🤗

[@lindalaw5466]

I agree ❤

[@nkirk8740]

Yes, I've always enjoyed Bugsy Malone.

[@StrangeDevice]

@@hexxpro I know! That’s why I mentioned it. And the muppets…

[@imabigfan2305]

Agreed!

[@jukeboxcowboy]

Man, I love that movie, partner! Ever since I saw it in the '70s, I wanted to be in a room surrounded by synthesizers! 🤠

[@biccytrollox]

Hopefully not after falling into a music press!

[@jukeboxcowboy]

@@biccytrollox Lol ...Hmmm....but if I had to...and I could choose what album would be stamped into the side of my face... I'd probably go with The Motor Booty Affair.