TIME MACHINE, THE (1960 - OST)

Label: FSMCD Vol.8 No.13
Date: 1960
Tracks: 16
Time = 52:54

World premiere of original soundtrack from George Pal take on H.G. Wells time travel classic, starring Rod Taylor. Pal mixes equal parts character sentiment, futuristic fancy - Russell Garcia picks up baton, delivers warm themes, flights of fantasy in balance. Garcia anchors with soaring major key main theme, suggests both optimism of George the time traveler, the love he finds. Flexible melody also affords composer opportunity to use it as nostalgic reminder of home. In balance is minor key theme in quasi early 20th-Century English modal style, best described as Filby's theme but actually serving dual purposes: spotlighting meaningful relationship between two very close friends, illuminating turn-of-the-century London setting. It's a beautiful line for woodwinds and strings, first displayed immediately following the credits ("London 1900"). If main theme forms the heart, Filby's music forms the soul. But there's more! Garcia introduces descending 3-note motif in forte low strings during very next cue ("Terror"), then builds upon idea for elements of time travel. When George engages in conflict with future Morlocks, composer supplies dynamic action music. Interesting idea: Garcia builds his action material from dramatic low brass motifs emphasizing octaves, fourths, fifths. Results are thick - yet striking and distinct - melodic building blocks for most of second half. A fancied, important score. FSM provides splendid presentation of complete work in stereo from (no longer missing) original session elements, adds customarily solid graphics, liner notes. What a treasure to have this one survive the years! Russell Garcia conducts. Bullseye!

1. Main Title/Credits/London 1900 (3:11) 2. Terror/All the Time in the World/Fourth Dimension/Time Machine Model (2:49) 3. A Sick World/Warm Friends (2:24) 4. The Time Machine/People Scurry/Fast Change (2:59) 5. Ancient Auto (1:04) 6. A Good Friend Gone/Off Again/Quick Construction/Prayer/Sunburst/Land of the Eloi (4:54) 7. Beautiful Forest/Fear (3:11) 8. Rescue (1:40) 9. Weena (1:48) 10. Trapped in the Future/Night Scare (2:55) 11. Reminiscing (1:44) 12. The Time Traveler (2:42) 13. Morlocks/Fight/Escape (8:39) 14. Love and Time Return (2:38) 15. End Title (2:02) 16. Outtakes Suite (7:33)