413 OVERFLOWS

Broadsword calling Jack Brooks

Failed to mention I found the choral version of “Turandot” outstanding, nice inclusion of Ralph Vaughn Williams, another slice of trivia re “ The Swiss Family Robinson” the second unit direction was in the hands of Yakima Canutt and he is the subject of Tony’s excellent programme 124 Stunts (2nd half) do check it out.

Tex Ritter and Erich Wolfgang Korngold on the same bill, wow that would be a concert to behold, sadly never to be, but our host Tony did just that. As Tony says the song sung by Tex came from Alan Ladd’s western “The Big Land”, in the film Virginia Mayo performs the song (dubbed by who ?) Halliwells puts the film down but I think it’s a cracking little western with the classic gunfight at the end ( like Shane) with the hero taking on TWO baddies. One of these baddies is a fabulous character actor Anthony Caruso, he and Alan Ladd were great friends, they were both struggling young actors from way back, if you check the credits from Alan Ladd movies at the height of his fame you will find Anthony Caruso in the supporting cast. From Programme 404 Staying Home Tony had to leave out William Alwyn’s “Swiss Family Robinson” , a lovely score and going back to last week’s programme (the one that upset our host) this film is just one example that BRITs can compose foe Action Films. Missing from Programme 405 was Peggy Lee singing “ I Belong to You “ music by Alex North and lyrics by Jack Brooks, from the 1955 film “ The Racers” , a very exciting main title by Alex North competing with very loud sound effects (and I believe an uncredited title sequence by Saul Bass , our host Tony has Two previous programmes about this talented man) In the brief info notes that our host supplies below the picture promo of the very very excellent programme 395 Horses I noticed the name of “Jack Brooks” , to my shame I did not know of this man ( his link with Programme”Horses” , he composed the song “ A Four Legged Friend “ sung by Roy Rogers ) I checked out “Jack Brooks” , the quality and quantity of his work is Jawdropping. I do hope that Tony will devote a programme to him, in my opinion he’s up there with the best of the best. This programme sent me on another quest so yesterday I caught up with two movies I had not seen......”The Big Land “ and “The Racers” . I’m delighted that Tony played “Where Eagles Dare” , missing from Clint Eastwood programme (it’s my fav Ron Goodwin score) Tony you can play this anytime even with the very slow and quiet start ( forget your ex programme controller, he can go fly a cable car) Always nice to hear Adam Faith. I am sure our host Tony and Soundtracks listeners will correct me but I seem to remember “The Anvil Chorus” being put to film of Long horn Rams head butting (poss in the early days of the BBC test transmissions. ? ) George Antheil always welcome , missing from Programme 406, bolero from “ The Pride and the Passion “ One last word on “ The Big Land” this WB Film was expertly scored by (another unsung giant of filmmusic ) “ David Buttolph” he worthy of a revival. Keep overflowing Tony just be sure it’s radio.........”Broadsword calling Danny boy”.