Hugo Friedhofer: The Best Years of His Life [Hardcover]

Linda Danly (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 1999 | Series: Scarecrow Filmmakers (Book 64)

A comprehensive survey of the career of one of Hollywood's composers of film music. From his beginning in 1929 with film scoring pioneers like Max Steiner, Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Alfred Newman, through his nine separate Oscar nominations, and his work on 120 films, including "The Best Years of Our Lives" in 1946, Hugo Friedhofer has made his influence felt on the way that Hollywood makes a film (and people view it). Friedhofer's life is examined through essays, letters and interviews with film historians and personal friends of the composer. Friedhofer himself provides an oral history of his life conducted by Irene Atkins in 1974 for The American Film Institute. In addition to lucid discussion about his own work in film, Friedhofer offers insight into Hollywood filmmaking and ethics during its (often self-proclaimed) Golden Age. He discusses working with Samuel Goldwyn, Billy Wilder, George Stevens and William Wyler, as well as his association with great composers and musicians of the time, including Arnold Schoenberg, Aaron Copland, and George Gershwin. Essays are included by Linda Danly, Gene Lees, a music journalist and friend of Friedhofer, and David Raskin, composer, colleague, and friend.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...the career of Hugo Friedhofer is brought to life for the first time through this collection of essays, personal letters and interviews...an appropriate and valuable appreciation of a life well spent in film music. (Soundtrack )

I recommend Danly's The Best Years of His Life...it is an appealing and accessible introduction to Friedhofer. (Journal Of Film Music )

An engaging blend of biography, filmography and interview...an essential purchase for soundtrack enthusiasts. (Film Review ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Linda Danly is a composer and film music historian. She teaches the history of film music at the University of Southern California. Other published writings include biographical essays on screen composers Herbert Stothart, Leigh Harline, and Fran Churchill for the American National Biography, Oxford University Press.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (June 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810835827
• ISBN-13: 978-0810835825
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,354,246 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare look at a fascinating composer's life!, June 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Hugo Friedhofer: The Best Years of His Life (Hardcover)

It's so satisfying to learn about the life of the film composer who wrote the score to such movies as "The Best Years of Our Lives," "The Adventures of Marco Polo" and "The Young Lions" - some of my favorite Hollywood film scores. Much of this book contains the story of Hugo Friedhofer as told by himself through interviews and his own personal correspondence. With droll and witty comments and a collection of truly wonderful photos Ms. Danly has truly presented a well-thought-out book. Hugo was well-respected by everyone in Hollywood (he had a photographic memory and a reputation for knowing the classical literature to a fault) and now with this biography we know why.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fake Giant in a World of Pygmies?, February 17, 2001

By 

Don Benham (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hugo Friedhofer: The Best Years of His Life (Hardcover)

Hugo Friedhofer, one of the great Hollywood film composers, was more than the consumate musician. His wit and his loving personality are shown in this engaging book. His analysis of music, composers, producers, films, actors and actresses is captivating. Hugo worked with George Gerswhin, was close friends with Oscar Levant and had Bud Powell play piano in his living room!

In his interview for the Film Music Archive, Hugo Friedhofer tells it like it is, and the book shows that he is not fake, but was a real giant in the Hollywood that used to be littered with talent and quality. Even if you know little about film music, this book is great history of the Hollywood of yesterday.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fake Giant in a World of Pygmies?, February 17, 2001

By 

Don Benham (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hugo Friedhofer: The Best Years of His Life (Hardcover)

Hugo Friedhofer, one of the great Hollywood film composers, was more than the consumate musician. His wit and his loving personality are shown in this engaging book. His analysis of music, composers, producers, films, actors and actresses is captivating. Hugo worked with George Gerswhin, was close friends with Oscar Levant and had Bud Powell play piano in his living room!

In his interview for the Film Music Archive, Hugo Friedhofer tells it like it is, and the book shows that he is not fake, but was a real giant in the Hollywood that used to be littered with talent and quality. Even if you know little about film music, this book is great history of the Hollywood of yesterday.