Myles Clarkson (Alan Alda) once had hopes of being a classical pianist. Now he is a journalist who specializes in writings about music. Myles is married to Paula (Jacqueline Bisset) and has a young daughter, Abby (Pamelyn Ferdin).
Myles has an appointment to meet the world-renowned pianist, Duncan Ely (Curd Jurgens) for an interview. Duncan is elderly and not in good health. He lives with his divorced daughter, Roxanne Delancey (Barbara Parkins) in their elaborate estate Duncan takes an interest in Myles when he finds out that he used to be a pianist. He encourages Myles to return to playing and practicing his skill. He gives Myles a key to the mansion so he can use one of Duncan’s two baby grand pianos to practice on. Myles becomes close friends with Duncan and Roxanne. Paula, on the other hand, doesn’t like the incestuous couple.
Duncan is dying of Leukemia. Before he dies Roxanne performs a satanic ritual and transfers Duncan’s soul into Myles’ body. Paula begins to notice that Myles is undergoing a personality change. His skill at the piano is also changing. Duncan was on a tour before he died. Myles is developing Duncan’s expertise and takes over Duncan’s itinerary.
As Duncan takes over Myles’ body Paula begins having nightmares that Abby is in danger. Abby becomes ill and dies. Paula figures out that Roxanne and Duncan have made a pact with Satan. The only person left in their way is Paula.
“The Mephisto Waltz” was released in 1971 and was directed by Paul Wendkos. It is an American horror occult movie. The film was based on the novel “The Mephisto Waltz” by Fred Mustard Stewart. Stewart was a Julliard School of Musical Art trained pianist.
Faustian in its themes, "The Mephisto Waltz” is not a bad movie. In fact, it is quite good. It is, however, somewhat drawn out and a little plodding. In addition, none of the characters are all that endearing. Those may be a few reasons why it didn’t do well at the box office. Unfortunately, it is often compared to “Rosemary’s Baby” 1968. I myself don’t see that comparison. Other than her husband making a pact with the devil, Rosemary was raped and not possessed. Making a pact with the devil is like gambling in Las Vegas, Satan, like the house, always wins.
The highlight of the movie is a quick view of the family dog wearing a William Shatner Halloween mask.
The Mephisto Waltzes are comprised of four compositions that were written by Franz Liszt in the 1800’s in Germany. The first and second waltzes were composed for an orchestra. Later they were arranged for piano duets. The third and fourth waltzes were for piano only. The fourth was unfinished. The most popular waltz is the first, “Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke: Erster Mephisto-Walzer” or "The Dance in the Village Inn: First Mephisto-Waltz". Composer Jerry Goldsmith incorporated the pieces into his score for the movie.
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Mephisto Waltz No. 1