KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park

KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park

Year: 1978

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Gordon Hessler

HorrorMusic

Rock band KISS confronts mad scientist Abner Devereaux, who has developed a method to clone humans into robotic minions in his amusement‑park laboratory. He plans to unleash the army during a KISS concert, using the show as a worldwide broadcast. The band must employ their unique powers to foil his diabolical scheme.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1970s

The events unfold in the late 1970s, an era of extravagant rock concerts and larger-than-life stage productions. The park's tech-savvy atmosphere mirrors the decade's fascination with innovation and spectacle. This setting amplifies the tension between entertainment value and safety, driving the plot forward.

Location

Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain serves as the backdrop for a spectacle-driven story where a theme park's engineering dreams collide with rock-star spectacle. The park features rides, animatronics, and an underground lab that becomes the scene of mind-control schemes. It’s a glossy playground where entertainment hides danger and a sinister plan unfolds beneath the surface.

🎢 Amusement Park 🏁 California setting 🎭 Pop Culture Backdrop

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:54

Main Characters – KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (1978)

Meet the key characters of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Abner Devereaux (Anthony Zerbe)

The park's engineer and creator of the animatronic attractions; driven by a resentful need to outshine Kiss and control the park's narrative. He employs mind-control devices and traps to exact revenge, blurring the line between genius and madness.

🧠 Mind-control 🧪 Technology 😡 Obsession

Melissa (Deborah Ryan)

A concerned park guest who seeks help after Sam's disappearance. She pushes for answers, partners with Kiss, and acts as a compassionate voice that motivates others to uncover the truth.

💖 Hope 🔎 Investigation 🧭 Loyalty

Sam Farrell

A park employee and Devereaux's assistant who becomes the target of mind-control. His disappearance triggers the central investigation, and his actions—driven by the implanted device—propel the plot toward the talisman showdown.

🧠 Mind-control 🧭 Manipulation 🔎 Investigation

Calvin Richards (Carmine Caridi)

The park's owner who believes the Kiss concert will boost revenue and address quality concerns. He ultimately fires Devereaux and must manage the crisis to protect guests and the park's reputation.

💼 Business 🛡️ Authority 🎭 Showmanship

The Demon (Gene Simmons)

One of Kiss's members who appears as himself, aiding the band in confronting Devereaux's plan. His presence embodies the band's resilience and willingness to fight for their integrity and audience.

🎸 Rock 🛡️ Heroism 🤝 Band solidarity

Star Child (Paul Stanley)

Kiss's frontman who participates in resisting the mastermind's schemes. His leadership and performance power help rally others and drive the confrontation toward a resolution.

🎤 Lead 🛡️ Ally 🎶 Music

Space Ace (Ace Frehley)

Kiss's guitarist who joins the band in their stand against the mind-control plot. His presence reinforces the band's unity and willingness to take action.

🎸 Rock 🛡️ Ally 🎶 Music

Cat Man (Peter Criss)

Kiss's drummer who stands with the band to thwart the imposters and safeguard the concert. His role highlights the band's teamwork under pressure.

🥁 Rhythm 🛡️ Ally 🎶 Music

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:54

Major Themes – KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (1978)

Explore the central themes of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Obsession

Abner Devereaux's fixation on control over his creations drives the conflict. His obsession with superiority over Kiss and the park leads him to manipulate people and events. The story explores how a single fixation can corrupt judgment and thrust a creator into ruin.

🧠 Mind-control

Technology is weaponized to govern human will, exposing the peril of abuse when devices override autonomy. Sam's neck device and the use of robotic imposters demonstrate the fragility of free will under manipulation. The theme questions whether power over others equates to genuine influence.

🎸 Music

Kiss's concert serves as a beacon of resistance against exploitation. The band's camaraderie and performance prowess help reclaim agency and restore order. The moments of live music underscore how art can unite people and overturn a tyrant's scheme.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:54

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Narrative Summary

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Unlock the Full Story of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park

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KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park Summary

Read a complete plot summary of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park Summary

KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park Timeline

Track the full timeline of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park Timeline

KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park Spoiler-Free Summary

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KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park Spoiler-Free Summary

More About KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park

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