VALLEY OF THE KINGS / MEN OF THE FIGHTING LADY

Label: FSMCD Vol.7 No.17
Date: 1954
Tracks: 19
Time = 67:39

Original soundtrack from Robert Pirosh archeological adventure movie set in Egypt, starring Robert Taylor. Miklos Rozsa turns in bright "old-fashioned" score for standard orchestral set-up. Exotic flavor comes not from orchestral color per se, rather from twists and turns in primary musical phrase. Exciting triplet figure anchors entire work. Resounding finish to score a highlight. CD also premieres complete 19-minute "Blind Flight" sequence from MEN OF THE FIGHTING LADY. 1954 Korean war drama with Van Johnson plays without original score except for dramatic climax with blinded pilot attempting landing on Navy carrier. Here Rozsa maintains degree of intensity through angled motif that plays with little relent throughout various registers of orchestra. Magnificent highlight: after lengthy work climaxes, final bars become triumphant major key finish. Both scores presented in stereo from original elements. Extra bonus: Rozsa trailer music for otherwise largely unscored MGM 1950 version of KING SOLOMON'S MINES. Customarily excellent FSM presentation from Lukas Kendall and company with authoritative notes about film production, track-by-track details, profuse photos, dramatic cover art. Miklos Rozsa conducts.