The Mephisto Waltz (film)
| The Mephisto Waltz | |
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| Directed by | Paul Wendkos |
| Produced by | Quinn Martin |
| Written by |
Ben Maddow Fred Mustard Stewart (novel) |
| Starring |
Alan Alda Jacqueline Bisset Barbara Parkins Bradford Dillman William Windom Curd Jürgens |
| Music by | Jerry Goldsmith |
| Cinematography | William W. Spencer |
| Edited by | Richard K. Brockway |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
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Release date
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Running time
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115 min. |
| Language | English |
The Mephisto Waltz is a 1971 American horror film about an occult-murder mystery. It was directed by Paul Wendkos and starred Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, Barbara Parkins, Bradford Dillman and Curd Jürgens. The name of the movie is taken from the piano work by Franz Liszt of the same name (see Mephisto Waltzes). Ben Maddow adapted his screenplay from the novel of the same name by Fred Mustard Stewart. The film was the only big-screen work of veteran television producer, Quinn Martin.
Myles Clarkson (Alan Alda), long ago frustrated in his hope for a career as a pianist, is now a music journalist and interviews Duncan Ely (Curd Jürgens) , perhaps the world's greatest virtuoso on the instrument. At first annoyed with Myles' presence, Duncan soon takes notice that Myles' hands seem perfect for the piano. From that point, Duncan and his adult daughter, Roxanne (Barbara Parkins), strongly pursue a friendship with Myles and wife Paula (Jacqueline Bisset).
Paula does not much like Duncan and especially dislikes Roxanne. While Paula is disturbed by the level of attention being paid to them, Myles is honored to be considered a friend by Duncan, who is dying of leukemia. Unbeknown to them, Duncan and Roxanne are Satanists. As Duncan's physical body nears its end, father and daughter perform an occult ritual that transfers Duncan's consciousness into Myles' body.
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