The Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey
TV & Film:Film History
"The Missouri Breaks" is arguably the worst film to feature a John Williams score ... at least up to that point in his 17 years as a film composer. Though it starred Oscar-winning actors Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, it was a misfire from the start, with Brando going off the rails in terms of acting choices, and Nicholson looking unfit for a Western. John Williams took on the challenge of using music to keep the film on track, but Williams himself takes some eccentric choices. The primary derivation Williams took was using a very small ensemble for his score instead of an orchestra filled with dozens of musicians. The score is dominated by harmonica and guitar, with a love theme that desperately needed strings. The film has gained a cult following. Does the score deserve the same? Host Jeff Commings believes it's on par with the other 1967 scores by Williams: decent but forgettable. Take a listen to the music and judge for yourself.
Episode 34 - The Paper Chase
Episode 33 - The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing
Episode 32 - The Long Goodbye
Episode 31 - Tom Sawyer
Episode 30 - Pete 'N' Tillie
Episode 29 - Images
Episode 28 - The Poseidon Adventure
Episode 27 - The Cowboys
Episode 26 - Fiddler on the Roof
Episode 25 - Jane Eyre
Episode 24 - Story of a Woman
Episode 23 - The Reivers
Episode 22 - Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Episode 21 - Daddy's Gone A-Hunting
Episode 20 - Heidi
Episode 19 - Valley of the Dolls
Episode 18 - Fitzwilly
Episode 17 - A Guide for the Married Man
Episode 16 - Not With My Wife You Don't
Episode 15 - Penelope
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