DEAD RINGER (1964)

Label: FSMCD Vol.9 No.15
Date: 1964
Tracks: 21
Time = 58:24

CD world premiere of original soundtrack for Paul Henreid macabre thriller starring Bette Davis in twin roles of good and evil, Peter Lawford, Karl Malden as unaware friends to both. Andre Previn anchors with macabre, angular main theme for strings, harpsichord, counterpoints with lean solos for unison French horns. Entire idea has interesting harmonic scheme: music unfolds almost entirely in dark-skinned minor, save brief cadences brightly lit in major. Striking! In balance is warm melody for good twin, made expressive with strings, then given additional strength via powerful descant for French horn. Highlights are numerous but particularly compelling is incredible finish to score: warm melody gives way to impending doom, slashing strings rise upwards, a pause interrupts... then entire ensemble lands below on massive D in unison. Wow! FSM offers complete original Warner Bros. album in stereo from three-track master elements, then supplements with unreleased cues from surviving mono masters. Jeff Eldridge contributes literate notes about film, composer, individual tracks. Packaging offers both graphic new artwork on exterior of booklet, striking original LP art on interior. Andre Previn conducts. One of the great thriller scores from the sixties still hits a bullseye!

1. Main Title (2:05) 2. Edie's Theme (2:52) 3. Maggie's Murder (1:50) 4. This Was His Room (2:44) 5. Hidden Jewelry (3:10) 6. The Fireplace Poker (2:50) 7. The Dog Attacks (2:20) 8. Forgery (2:31) 9. The Morgue (2:04) 10. The Police Is Waiting (2:46) 11. You're Not Margaret (1:55) 12. Figueroa (2:38) 13. End Title (1:42) BONUS TRACKS 14. Edie's Theme - source (4:28) 15. No Children / The Police Is Waiting, Pt. 2 - alternate / She's Dead / Duke (4:25) 16. Tony's Apartment / Investigation / Booked for Murder (5:26) 17. Nothing Visible (1:40) 18. Upstairs (2:41) 19. Muzak for Murder (4:25) 20. No Visitors (0:57) 21. Exchange Watches (1:48)