Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

George Memmoli: Philbin

Photos 

Quotes 

• Beef : Listen, Philbin. There really is a phantom. He was just in my shower. He threatened my life. He said his music was just for Phoenix. Only she can sing it. Anyone else who tries, dies.

  Arnold Philbin : What the hell are you talking about?

  Beef : Look, Philbin. I am a professional. I have been in this business a long time. Now if I don't want to do a show, it's not because I got stage fright. It's because some creature from beyond doesn't want me to do the show! Now gangway!

  Arnold Philbin : [stopping Beef]  Bullshit! Now, how did that really happen?

  Beef : Can't you feel the vibes in your own house? Bad, sport, real bad. I mean, the karma's so thick around here, you need an Aqua-Lung to breathe.

• Swan : [to an assassin, ragged voice]  Remember, she must be hit just as Philbin says "till death do you part."

  Arnold Philbin : Now, what a minute. This may be none of my business or anything. But if you're gonna kill her, why do it here tonight?

  Swan : An assassination live on television coast to coast? That's entertainment!

• [Crowd chants Beef's name as his corpse is carried away in a body bag] 

  Swan : Philbin, have you ever seen such a crowd?

  Arnold Philbin : No, and I never want to see another one.

  Swan : Look at them, they've really been entertained. They never want the show to stop. The Paradise is more magnificent that I ever dreamed.

  Arnold Philbin : Sure, how often is a rock star fried on stage?

  Swan : Quite an attraction.

• Swan : Philbin, it was genius making the end of the opera a wedding.

  Arnold Philbin : You mean Faust, instead of burning in hell, he gets the girl?

  Swan : Yes. And you, Philbin, will be the priest.

  Arnold Philbin : I ain't never been a priest before. That's terrific.

• Beef : Oh, I knew I shouldn't be screwing around with a dead man's music. This place is... possessed.

  Arnold Philbin : What are you talking about?

  Beef : You trying to tell me you didn't hear that shriek? That was something trying to get out of its premature grave, and I don't want to be here when it does.

  Arnold Philbin : Opening night prima donnas. Look, iron man, if you're so uptight, take a shower and cool off.

  Beef : My pleasure... bones.

• Arnold Philbin : Bullshit, I know what it really is.

  Beef : Oh you do, huh?

  Arnold Philbin : Yes, I do.

  Beef : Why don't you tell me what it is.

  Arnold Philbin : Speed.

  Beef : Speed?

  Arnold Philbin : Yeah!

  Beef : What do you know about it? You just pass the stuff out, I take it! I know 'drug real' from 'real real'!

• Arnold Philbin : You know what?

  Winslow Leach : What?

  Arnold Philbin : I think the Juicy Fruits are gonna dig it.

  Winslow Leach : The Juicy Fruits?

  Arnold Philbin : I'm not promising anything, kid...

  [Winslow slams Philbin against the wall] 

  Winslow Leach : I'm not gonna allow my music to be mutilated by those greaseballs!

  Arnold Philbin : Hey, take it easy...

  Winslow Leach : I'M THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN SING "FAUST"!

  Arnold Philbin : Relax, kid, it was just an idea. Swan make all these decisions, you know?