Comments on: In Memory Of William Finley (1942-2012), 5 Things You Might Not Know About ‘Phantom Of The Paradise’

By: FloydianSlipped

FloydianSlipped — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

What an incredible loss! There will never be another Phantom as down to earth and as relatable as William Finley. Thank you for leaving us this bit of your soul on celluloid for the generations to discover and enjoy forever. R.I.P. May Your Dreams Never End Winslow Leach

By: Larry C. Lyons

Larry C. Lyons — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

I grew up in Winnipeg, now living in the Washington, DC area. I remember very much how Phantom of the Paradise had an impact on kids my age when I saw it age 15 in 1975. I think Mr. Finley's performance as Winslow Leach had much to do with that. His character was so much of what Winnipeg was at the time, that of course it resonated with us. And have stayed with us ever since. Whenever it plays in this area I still make a point of seeing it.

By: Ed Griffiths

Ed Griffiths — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

I'm a Winnipegger now resident in London and for many years I was under the impression that PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE had been a big global hit because of its notoriety and popularity in my native city. I remember all the young people seemed to know it. I was too young to see it at the cinema but remember being surprised how rarely it screened at London's many repertory cinemas when I emigrated there in the latter 1980s.

William Finley is a great loss – one of those character actors with an effortless quality of presence to them. I wish he'd done more movie work. His last turn as the murderer in THE BLACK DAHLIA was characteristically brilliant.

For me, his 'Phantom' is one of the most tragic, funny and sympathetic characters in cinema. His last scene as the Phantom playing in the deserted record studio is, for me, unforgettable.

Haunt those super-creeps forever, Bill!

By: Lois Punton

Lois Punton — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

I too grew up in the 'Peg and remember going to see Phantom with our group of friends more than a few times. The movie spoke to us largely due to Mr. Finley and his fabulous performance. Many of us are deeply saddened by this loss. I still have the original soundtrack on LP and even though I haven't played it in decades I still sing those songs. Thanks for the memories, Bill. We will always remember you. RIParadise

By: Zinjo

Zinjo — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

OMG-LMAO

That is SOOO true!
I grew up in the The 'Peg and I remember my sister and cousins seeing it. I don't believe it was the Garrick theater so much (a remnant of the opulent Vaudeville theaters from the '20s, of which there were many in the city at the time…) but more that city's attraction to it is similar to Rocky Horror's enduring popularity in NY and LA. Somehow it hit a chord with the youth in the city at that time and inexplicably it has been passed down generation to generation. It was cool and corny, scary and fun and nearly everyone I knew had a copy of the sound track before long and just as many had seen it multiple times. It continues to be a local phenomenon, much like the Loc Ness Monster…

By: Tony DeSoto

Tony DeSoto — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

William Finley was a significant part of my childhood. I saw Phantom in Kenner, Louisiana in the 4th grade (1977), and the film NEVER left me when I left that theatre. 35 years later, I still carry the haunting tale in my mind and heart. I am one of those who has seen the movie every year since. I hope Finley was a man of faith. I look forward to meeting him one day in Heaven.

By: Craig Wallace

Craig Wallace — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

OMG!!!!! My all-time FAVORITE movie, and the main character is now dead. Phantompalooza will never be the same 🙁 I was lucky enough to meet Geritt Graham (aka Beef) but never William (aka Winslow akaka The Phantom)

Rest in Peace William . . . you and the cast made my childhood exciting during the 14 trips to the movie theater to see Phantom of the Paradise (1975) . . . The music, the drama, the comedy, and now the sadness . . . .

This fan will always remember!

By: Popcorn Slayer

Popcorn Slayer — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

Finley was one of the few bright spots of THE BLACK DAHLIA. Too bad we didn't see more of him outside of De Palma's oeuvre.

By: evilnik

evilnik — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

brilliant tribute

By: tyrannosaurus max

tyrannosaurus max — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:18 +0000

Great film, great actor. Rest In Peace, Finley.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 13 May 2016 12:42:17 +0000

I liked this movie and Sisters, too. It was strange how he went from the passionate Emil Breton to the geeky Winslow Leach, who acted like he\’d never even touched a girl! There are even fanfics about Phantom of the Paradise! I watched Phantompalooza and laughed when he talked about the Phantom/Winslow action figure and Darth Vader\’s voicebox was inspired by the movie!