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 14 - The Plainsman
Episode 13 - How to Steal a Million
Episode 12 - The Rare Breed
Episode 11 - John Goldfarb Please Come Home
Episode 10 - None But the Brave
Episode 9 - The Killers
Episode 8 - Gidget Goes to Rome
Episode 7 - Diamond Head
Episode 6 - Bachelor Flat
Episode 5 - The Secret Ways
Episode 4 - Because They're Young
Episode 3 - I Passed For White
Episode 2 - Daddy-O
Episode 1 - Prologue
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