Customer Reviews

The Great Race: Music From The Film Score

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first heard about Henry Mancini while he was doing the Peter Gunn series with Blake Edwards. That music was so lively, that I began paying attention to this Mancini person. It wasn't long before my record cabinet began to swell with his music. My wife asked if there was anyone else out there recording. I said, probably, but who cares? Then, in 1965, The Great Race was released. Of course I purchased the album, and played it literally to death. That was thirty-six years ago, and I still play that record, or the tape I made of it. Now, it's available on CD. That's a no-brainer. I attended several concerts that Henry gave from 1966 to 1981. I was never disappointed. I met him and talked with him several times. He was a most gracious, and patient man. He is sorely missed on the cinema and popular music scenes. His music will live for many eons, and The Great Race will always be in my heart and head.

This is one of the all-time favorites among Mancini's fans: when it was reviewed at the HM site "Henry Mancini Forum", it won the best comments. It is filled with music for slapstick scenes, marches, a waltz, a lullaby, a beautiful love theme (with lyrics by Johnny Mercer) and Dorothy Provine's (who plays saloon singer Lily Olay) funny interpretation of "He Shouldn't-a, Hadn't-a, Oughtn't-a Swang On Me". A great score for probably the most expensive (and longest) road movie ever made.

Did Henry Mancini ever write a bad soundtrack? This one shows his incredible range, from the romantic (and Oscar nominated) "Sweetheart Tree", to the livelier "He Shouldn'ta Hadn'ta Oughtn'ta Swang on Me" and "Pie-in-the-Face Polka." In between, there's a royal waltz, Professor Fate's ominous theme "Push the Button, Max" and a title piece that manages to work in every All-American tune from "America the Beautiful" to "Dixie."

All in all, great music for a fun movie.

I don't really want to slam the whole soundtrack, but I bought the soundtrack specifically for two songs -- and I felt cheated on one of them.

One of my favorite songs from the movie was "Sweetheart Tree" sung (presumably) by Natalie Wood. The version on the soundtrack, however, has all of the vocals handled by a chorus -- no solo singer.

Note: I have since learned that, for the movie, the vocals on "Sweetheart Tree" were lip-sync'd by Natalie Wood and were really sung by Jackie (Robin) Ward. I really didn't care WHO sang it -- I just wanted the CD to have the same vocals that I heard while watching the movie.

Note: My other favorite, "He Shouldn't-A, Hadn't-A, Oughtn't-A ..." was the real deal with Dorothy Provine.

I have seen this film many times over the years and it is always enjoyable. The album is as fun as the film and brings a smile to my face when I hear the music of Professor Fate. I can see him with his Snydley Whiplash mustache yelling at his faithful servant, Max. Mr. Mancini did a wonderful job with this music! I'm sure it will bring a twinkle to your eye as well as your heart.

I have the LP a very rare find. I am happy that it is finally in cd form. It is Mancini at his silly best. The only problem I have with this album is the Pie Fight Polka is not as long as the pie fight in the movie. That and the song The Lover Tree is just too sickening. Overall, it kicks. If you liked the movie you'll want this sountrack.

Service was speedy, product was as described, in great condition, was what I hoped it would be. My son the Soundtracker will love it!

The Great Race by Henry Mancini is absolutely ingenious! Mancini is a wizard of music composition and is always RIGHT ON when fitting the music to the movie. I would highly recommend this CD/soundtrack. It will be a joy for decades to come!

I have alot of confidence in the Amazon family. It is rare that there is any problem and this was the case here. Thank you LMC

The Great Race - one of the very best movies to come out of the '60's - and now the music is on CD. Makes for some great listening - you can almost see the movie all over again while listening to this fantastic CD!!!!