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

“The 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 theaters on November 1, 1974. The film was largely a failure at the box office. office in each city, but has found a loyal and dedicated following in Winnipeg.

Gloria Dignazio, of the Phantom 50th anniversary committee, first saw the film when she was 11, on her first date.

“As soon as the film started showing at the Garrick Theater here, I entered another dimension. I mean, I just fell in love with it,” she said.

The film’s soundtrack received acclaim, grossing 20,000 sales in Winnipeg alone upon its release and going gold in Canada. Dean Hunter, another member of the 50th anniversary committee, believes the soundtrack is one of the reasons for the film’s enduring popularity in the city.

“Music is timeless,” he said. “It gives you everything from Beach Boys music to glam rock to smooth ballads and every genre you can imagine. And there it is. And it speaks, and that’s what it’s been doing for 50 years.

“I think one of the reasons we love it is that Winnipeg is a rock and roll music town,” Dignazio added.

A screening of the documentary film “Phantom of Winnipeg,” focusing on the city’s obsession with the film, will take place tonight at the Burton Cummings Theatre. Actor and director Kevin Smith will host the screening and a Q&A session starting at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, two screenings of the film will take place at the Burton Cummings Theater, one at 2 p.m. and one at 7 p.m. The 7 p.m. screening is expected to include appearances by actors Peter Elbling, Archie Hahn and Jeffery Comanor, as well as Paul Williams, who wrote the film’s songs. Tickets for the matinee screening are still available while the 7 p.m. screening is sold out.

-With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace