‘Phantom of the Paradise’ celebrating 50th anniversary in Winnipeg [Video]

A 1970s film that found a cult following in Winnipeg is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a series of special events.

“Phantom of the Paradise,” a rock musical directed by Brian De Palma and inspired by “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Faust,” was released in theatres on Nov. 1, 1974. The film was largely a flop at the box office in every city, but found a loyal and devoted audience in Winnipeg.

Gloria Dignazio with the Phantom 50th anniversary committee saw the movie for the first time when she was 11 while on her first date.

“As soon as the movie started showing at the Garrick Theatre here, I went into another dimension. I mean, I just fell in love with it,” she said.

The film’s soundtrack was celebrated, reporting 20,000 sales in Winnipeg alone when it was released and going gold in Canada. Dean Hunter, another member of …