The Mephisto Waltz (film)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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The Mephisto Waltz is a 1971 American occult-murder mystery themed horror film.
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Film Synopsis
Plot Summary
Famed classical pianist Duncan Ely discovers he is dying. He uses magic to transfer his soul into the body of music journalist Myles Clarkson so he can continue his career beyond the grave. However, the movie does not have a Faustian theme. There is no clear indication that Ely or any other made a deal to sell their soul to the devil. Deals were made but with whom or what was the deal is never made clear.
Screenplay, and Cast
Ben Maddow adapted his screenplay from the novel of the same name by Fred Mustard Stewart. The film was directed by Paul Wendkos and starred Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, Barbara Parkins, Bradford Dillman, William Windom, Kathleen Widdoes, Pamelyn Ferdin, and Curt Jürgens. This was the only big-screen production from TV veteran Quinn Martin.
Critics' Reviews
While critics noted its plot was derivative of Rosemary's Baby, they were impressed by its stylistic imagery and soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith. Others, for example The New York Times, gave the film a poor review. [1]
Production and Distribution
The Quinn Martin Productions feature was originally released by Twentieth Century-Fox. In 1975 CBS acquired the distribution rights and aired it in prime-time. It was again released by CBS/FOX home video in VHS format in 1989, then re-released again in both DVD and VHS format by CBS Home Video in 2007.
