Customer Reviews

Classic Film Scores for Bette Davis

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This is one of about a half dozen or so recordings of classic film scores conducted by Mr. Charles Gerhardt, performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra, and produced by Mr. George Korngold (Erich Wolfgang Korngold's younger son). These recordings were made in the 1970's, and with, perhaps, one exception, have yet to be equalled much less surpassed! Almost single handedly, they have shaped the film scores of today and made CDs of same a major profit center for the recording industry. Don't just buy this one; grab anything that has Mr. Gerhardt name on it!

For those who cherish those Bette Davis Golden Oldies as I do, you'll not want to be without this CD. All her most memorable film scores are here: Warner's fanfare introduces the exquisite "It Can't Be Wrong/Charlotte's Theme" from "Now, Voyager", Steiner's poignantly haunting score for "Dark Victory" the suitably regal score for "All About Eve" by Alfred Newman and the instantly recognizable theme for "A Stolen Life" - again by Max Steiner.

Korngold's score for "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" is fine as are the various scores for "Deception", "The Letter" and "All This, and Heaven Too" & "In This Our Life". When Davis made "Dark Victory" she was a bit "upstaged" by Max Steiner's score towards the final fade-out of the film. Judy Traherne ascends the staircase, says good-bye to Daffy and Don (her dogs) and quietly insists that her maid Martha leave her alone, undisturbed to die in peace: "beautifully and finely". During this shot, the angels are singing ethereally and Davis flung herself at director Edmund Goulding during reheasal and demanded: "Damn it, who's playing this scene? Max or me??" No fears. It worked. Beautifully.

This is one of the best albums from the classic film scores series conducted by Charles Gerhardt with the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Max Steiner composed most of the scores represented here. Max Steiner was one of the greats. My favorite cut is the "main title" from A STOLEN LIFE. This tune was uesd again in A SUMMER PLACE with Troy Donahue. Both films have their central settings in New England. This tune greatly captures the feeling of the land and sea and the people living on the New England coast. This is a lush and beatiful cd.

I have had this album for years and was thrilled to find it is out in CD. This is a must have for anyone who loves old movies, especially movies of the '30's and '40's. The music is beautiful and fully orchestrated by the National Philharmonic. Each selection elicits all of the atmosphere and attendant feelings of the film for which it was written.

Oh! How I love this CD! For those who wish they have a dramatic score running in the background of their lives, this is it.