Goodbye, Eddie, Goodbye...

If you've ever seen the Dexter's Lab episode: "Just an Old Fashioned Lab Song," then you know one of the people in and involved with this movie. Professor Williams, in the episode, is based on and voiced by the great, Paul Williams, a legend in the music business. All music and lyrics in this movie, Brian de Palma's 1974 comedy rock musical horror film, "Phantom of the Paradise," were written by him, and he also plays the main antagonist of the film, Swan (de Palma also directed classics such as: "Carlito's Way" "The Untouchables[1987]" the first "mission impossible[1996]" "Carrie[1976]" and of course "Scarface[1983]").

Even the title of the episode is based on a song that Williams wrote for the band, Three Dog Night (who did the more well known versions of "Eli's Coming" and "One [is the loneliest number"]) titled: An Old Fashioned Love Song."

just in case ya didn't know. hopefully I don't get struck for this. my main motivation was not being able to find a clip of this performance by the Juicy Fruits, the antagonistic band of the movie (it's floating around YouTube but the subtitles aren't in English and there's a lot of clickbaity videos that lead you to believe it's the clip when indeed it's still images set to music. I might have another version without subs, but let's see how this one does first).

They, of course represent the flaws with the corporate/capitalistic "selling out" aspect of the music business, whilst the protagonist/antihero, Winslow Leach aka the Phantom, played by William Finley, plays less popular, more underground, experimental and artsy style of music. Sadly, his career never took off. And even though this movie was indeed a flop upon release, later it became a cult classic, and favorite among those who enjoy a good blend of independent Horror, Comedy and Rock Musicals. And while the movie itself was panned by critics and general audiences alike, the music was praised by everyone, and was subsequently and appropriately nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for its music.

This is my favorite song from this movie. I know it's not supposed to be. but it is. and it's a great opening number.

anywho. enjoy. fingers crossed I don't get struck.

[daitos]

I will never get tired of watching this scene. A true classic.

[karenpagnoni]

My friend and I would go to see this movie over and over again, we would hide in the theater bathroom so we would not get caught seeing it again and again. 1974, so much fun

[KirkRedgate]

I just love this opening, best song in the film.

[nicolehernandez]

Just came back from Phantompalooza here in Winnipeg! We got to see the cut Brian De Palma would’ve wanted to originally release and it should be released some time in the future. Ugh such an amazing restoration and got to chat with the Juicy Fruits, Paul Williams and the Phantoms (William Finley) son and wife 💖 I absolutely adore the weirdness and tragedy and I will love this film forever.

[BladimirRivas-rhty]

As a dude born in 1993, Brian dePalma is the man.

[sleeeepy_frog]

always debatably my favorite song from the movie. they really just don’t do personality in film like this anymore. i love that they dedicated a whole scene to them.

[guillermolinares]

Also my favourite. Childhood memories.

[astronaut-yobk]

"...the Juicy Fruits?"
"I'm not promising anything-"
"I WON'T LET MY MUSIC BE MUTILATED BY THOSE GREASE BALLS! I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN SING FAUST!!"

[redthunder]

50th Anniversary Show here today in Winnipeg, phantom cult capital ❤

[masterzombie]

Love that the guy gets down with someone then just goes back to singing lol

[jodiwilson]

Genius & epic vocal talent. Pure enjoyment 😉

[sleepinggorilla]

I had the soundtrack for years, and completely misunderstood the story. I thought this was the Overture and that Eddie was the Phantom. I thought "Beauty and the Beast" was a love song between Eddie and Phoenix, but it is just a song Beef sings.

[acedaryl]

I like to watch everyone besides the lead singer. What is even happening on that set?

[chiyo-chanholocaust]

I love this. I have no clue why does the guy talk with a fake mexican accent buy sings in an american one but I love it anyway

[alexerba]

In the style of Sha Na Na the band who played the last year for American Graffiti