THE MEPHISTO WALTZ (1971)

With special guest David Cote

Intro, Debate Society, Hot for Teacher (spoiler-free): 00:00-28:50
Honor Roll and Detention (spoiler-heavy): 28:51-1:02:54
Superlatives (spoiler-heavier): 1:02:55-1:22:18

Director Paul Wendkos
Screenplay Ben Maddow, based on the novel by Fred Mustard Stewart
Featuring Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, Bradford Dillman, Pamelyn Ferdin, Curt Jurgens, Barbara Parkins, Kathleen Widdoes, William Windom

Released June 11, 1971

SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS

When music journalist Myles Clarkson visits ailing piano virtuoso Duncan Ely at his palatial California home, ostensibly to interview the man, Duncan notices something distinct about Myles:  his hands – they’re beautiful, the bone structure perfect for a concert pianist.  Myles, it turns out, is a Juilliard-trained musician whose career tanked after receiving some bad reviews.  Taking an interest in Myles, Duncan introduces him to his artist daughter Roxanne. Soon Myles has entered the pianist’s inner circle, much to the chagrin of Myles’ wife, Paula, who feels more than a tinge of jealousy at the attention being paid to her husband.  But things are about to take a turn for the uncanny.  Roxanne casts a plaster life mask of Myles, and with Duncan on his way out, Myles donates blood to help him.  While Myles is asleep, something happens, and when he awakes, he’s changed.  It’s almost as if he’s someone else. His urge to live, to love, to play music, is revived, leaving Paula to wonder:  just what, or who, is inhabiting the body of the man she loves?

SPOILER-FREE GUEST BIO

David Cote is a playwright, opera librettist, and critic based in New York. His operas include Lucidity – which will be produced by On Site Opera in New York and Seattle Opera in fall 2024, Blind Injustice, which premiered at Cincinnati Opera and will be presented at Peak Performances at Montclair State University February 16 & 18. Other operas include Three Way at Nashville Opera and BAM; The Scarlet Ibis for the Prototype Festival; and 600 Square Feet with Cleveland Opera Theater. His plays include The Müch, Saint Joe, and Otherland. David wrote lyrics for Nkeiru Okoye’s Black Lives Matter monodrama, Invitation to a Die-In and the dating-app song cycles In Real Life, composed by Robert Paterson. David’s TV and theater coverage appears in The A.V. Club, Observer, 4 Columns, and American Theatre. He was the longest serving theater editor and chief drama critic of Time Out New York. He’s also the author of popular companion books about the Broadway hits Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Spring Awakening, Jersey Boys, and Wicked. Recess snack: Ice cubes & maple syrup.

EPISODE NOTE

Music from The Mephisto Waltz by Jerry Goldsmith.

Why did Professor Louryk choose this film? Find out in our Blog.

TRAILER

SUPERLATIVES

The Gaspar Noe Award for Most Disturbing Scene/Moment
David: “Critics—even when they are right, they’re stupid. They don’t understand that after each concert, there’s blood on the piano keys.” —Duncan Ely (Curt Jurgens)
Eric: Dog with Shatner face (mask) at party
Bradford: Dog with Shatner face (mask) at party

The Ellen Ripley Award for Character Who Most Deserves to Live
David: Robin, the dog
Eric: Maggie West
Bradford: Paula Clarkson

The Michael Myers Award for Character Who Most Deserves to Die
David: Dr. West
Eric: Abby Clarkson
Bradford: Abby Clarkson

The Ken Russell Award for Most Baroque Screen Moment
David: Duncan’s swingin’ party
Eric: Duncan’s swingin’ party
Bradford: Paula’s “dog” dream

The Brad Dourif Award for Character Who Could (or Should) Have Been Played by Brad Dourif
David: Myles Clarkson (Alan Alda)
Eric: Myles Clarkson (Alan Alda)
Bradford: Bill Delancey

FINAL LETTER GRADE

David: C-
Eric: C
Bradford: B-