The Big Country is great for so many reasons, but the greatest reason to me has always been Jerome Moross' s magnificent score. From the signature sweeping opening theme to the subtle background for the fight between Gregory Peck and Charleton Heston the music simply amplifies the majesty of the film. One scene in particular leaps out as genius. Early in the film Moross employs a rugged theme for the "war party" riding off for some vengeance. Later, when the culminating showdown approaches in Blanco Canyon, Heston and Charles Bickford have a divisive argument that ends with Bickford riding off alone. Listen at this point for the way Moross accompanies Bickford with a simple lead up to the "war party" theme. Then, as the contrite Heston rides around a bend in the canyon, Moross adds a more complex second peroration of the theme as Heston joins Bickford. Finally, the rest of the war party gallops around the bend to join their leaders Bickford and Heston as Moross adds all the rest of the musical elements of the "war party" theme. The musical moment is simply thrilling!
Reviews
3 Reviews
Good Day for a Hanging
(1959)
Listen to the Score
27 January 2016
OK, this is a good late 50's western with many familiar faces and stars to be. Fred MacMurray in a serious role is in fine form. Young Robert Vaughan and James Drury both went on to bigger things. And as was noted before, director Nathan Juran had several excellent films to his credit. So, the film has a good pedigree.
However, what is George Duning's haunting theme from "3:10 to Yuma" doing in this film? Uncredited "stock" music was commonplace in films and TV, and occasionally it rose above the mundane. But Duning's music was integral to the story in "3:10 to Yuma" in both the Frankie Laine vocal version and the more subdued guitar renditions. Lovely, familiar music was jarringly out of place, to me, in this film.
Again, very worthwhile B+ western overall.
However, what is George Duning's haunting theme from "3:10 to Yuma" doing in this film? Uncredited "stock" music was commonplace in films and TV, and occasionally it rose above the mundane. But Duning's music was integral to the story in "3:10 to Yuma" in both the Frankie Laine vocal version and the more subdued guitar renditions. Lovely, familiar music was jarringly out of place, to me, in this film.
Again, very worthwhile B+ western overall.
Have Gun - Will Travel
(1957–1963)
Fine Series, but watch for some fine music too.
16 December 2014
As a young boy I remember watching all the classic western TV shows so popular at the time, Maverick, Wagon Train, Cheyenne, and countless others. Some had catchy opening themes, often more memorable than the shows that followed. I always remember "Have Gun Will Travel" in particular because of the insistent opening chords that introduce Paladin and the catchy theme song that became popular as well. However, after recently seeing several episodes on DVD recently, I was struck by the appearance of music cues from Jerome Moross. They are completely unmistakable to anyone familiar with his magnificent score for "The Big Country." Even watching a second rate episode of the series, one can marvel at the simple pleasure of Moross's music. For example, in the season 4 episode "Bear Bait" the story and acting were not up to par with best episodes, but music cues were generally stunning. Something for anyone making a foray into this classic series to consider.
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