Sadly, we do NOT get to hear the original Main title on the dvd. UA had the complete film in stereo except for reel one. For the Main title, they duped the stereo Main title from the LP and dubbed it into the film. You can hear the difference because part of it is reused in either the Intermission Music or the exit Musc(can't remember which). The record uses around a 25-30 piece orchestra and about ten voices - the actual soundtrack uses 50 - 60 orchestra and thirty voices. It makes a big difference.
Does that mean that the Overture is also from the LP?
Just bought the soundtrack CD off ebay. Why is Fred Steiner credited for two selections, "The Chase" and "Which Way Did They Go?"
The LP says that those two tracks were "Adapted by Fred Steiner." That could mean that the selections contain music composed by someone other than Bernstein, or music that is in the public domain, that was adapted by Steiner for use in the film. But since no other composers or music titles are mentioned, that probably is not it.
Since Leo Shuken and Jack Hayes are credited for the orchestrations for the album overall, the nod to Fred Steiner for those two tracks most likely indicates that he had a hand in the orchestrations for those selections only.
Bob is correct : in one of the interviews Bernstein did on David Raksin's radio programme "The Subject is Film Music", he mentions that Fred Steiner helped out on the orchestrations for this film and also on The Great Escape.
Since I'm currently listening to it, here's a point of the finger at this very enjoyable performance from the Elmer Bernstein set James F. did a number of years ago:
Since I'm currently listening to it, here's a point of the finger at this very enjoyable performance from the Elmer Bernstein set James F. did a number of years ago:
Thanks! Makes me wish James had done the whole thing (including ALL those choral pieces) before he closed shop.
The movie is currently free on Amazon Prime in a super lovely new HD transfer that will make you chuck the horrible old Olive Films blu-ray in the bin. Even the aspect ratio appears to be correct. Enjoy!
Recorded this film last week. Remember my dad being in fits of laughter at it when we watched it on b&w tv in the 70s. Will try a viewing one night this week.
I remember a mad sand storm where all the various groups - miners, indians, temperance women, soldiers - just keep missing each other.
Even thought it's not perfect, there is something really nice and special seeing and hearing these young men and women celebrating and performing Elmer Bernstein's great music! Bravo to them all and the orchestra and conductor.
Bravo to them all and the orchestra and conductor.
zooba's preaching to the choir.
Would've prefered to have Elmer's God's Little Acre performed instead, speaking for myself. Wonder how many years remain before the word 'hallelujah' is forbidden to be intoned in public.
