If you’re into the Golden Age of Movies from the 30s-60s, one of the most common names on the credits for “Music By” (besides Max Steiner) is Dimitri Tiomkin (1894-1978). It the name is not familiar, the music certainly is, as his songs and themes have graced countless films both famous and obscure, many of which are on this essential 2 disc, 56 song anthology.
Of the more well known songs, you get Pat Boone on “Friendly Persuasion”, Nat King Cole crooning “Hajji Baba” and “Return To Paradise” while Frankie Laine covers the westerns on “”Blowing Wild” “High Noon” and “Gunfight At OK Corral”, and if you’re not singing along to “Rawhide”, then you’re just not paying attention.. Teenage angst is delivered by Gene Pitney on “Town Without Pity” while Johnny Mathis is suave and dramatic on “Wild Is The Wind”. For the musical scores, it’s tough to beat “Red River” , “Strangers on a Train”, “Lost Horizon”, “The Sundowners” and “Giant”. The sweeping drama of this material is inspiring even without the visuals, making you want to take in the movie if you haven’t yet. Bring your popcorn along for this set!