I read somewhere recently that "Experiment In Terror", directed by Blake Edwards in 1962, was a big influence on David Lynch, whose work I admire, so we rented it on YouTube for $3.99.
The opening music by Henry Mancini is an absolute banger, and sounds like it's straight out of "Twin Peaks". We see actress Lee Remick, driving a Ford convertible through a beautiful San Francisco night as credits roll. Just over two minutes in she drives past a sign that says..............................................................You'll just have to watch and see for yourself.
I had to pick my jaw up off the floor to enjoy the rest of the movie. It's easy to see why David Lynch was so fond of it.
The next day found me on Discogs ordering a copy of the soundtrack. Since moving to Massachusetts over a year and a half ago, I've bought a lot of records, including every Henry Mancini album I come across. He was the Master.
It was delivered a week later, and came paired with, from the same seller, Ennio Morricone's 1971 soundtrack for "Sacco And Vanzetti".
As a creator of largely instrumental music, I've long been a fan of film soundtracks.
An original RCA black label mono copy in excellent shape for $4.99.
On the back it's stamped, "NOT FOR SALE Promotion Use Only" , and "Jim Paulus -THE MUSIC MAN-WIMA" (Lima Ohio).
A little research found his schedule:
Have a Happy Fourth Of July!
-BBJ
PS- You'll probably see the title track open a Weekend Mix, not this week, but sometime soon.
16 comments:
Great post, BBJ. I'd never heard of Experiment In Terror, and the opening credits make me want to watch it, both for the sound and the visuals.
So many great soundtracks were written by Italians: Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, Henry Mancini, et al.
By the way, the sign you mention is for a real place. I grew up near SF and lived in the city for a while.
- Paul in DK
Hooky song "Lee Remick" by Go-Betweens https://youtu.be/m_p0n051u_0
Stefanie Powers still with us, needs her own song.
I was scared shitless by the film and Lee Remick's beauty has always made me weak at the knees.
Captain Al
Lee Remick died on July 2, 1991. Very timely post!
Lee Remick died on July 2, 1991. Very timely post!
I honestly had no idea and have been meaning to post this for weeks.
I’m a huge fan of Mancini generally and that score in particular.
Great stuff…
Between the film opening, the music and the above comments, this post has to be titled “Experiment in Brilliance”. Thank you!
"So many great soundtracks were written by Italians: Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, Henry Mancini, et al."
I'd add Lynch's friend Angelo Badalemente to the mix.
Looks like you got the original cover; it was later changed to something more discreet.
Don Everly said that "Nancy's Minuet" was the result of an obsession with Henry Mancini's "Experiment in Terror."
Bob in IL
Welcome to Massachusetts the Leominster Colonial Band is doing an all Mancini concert July 23 at Carter Park. Free outdoor concert and appropriate is it used to be the Italian American band. There is a massive record store called Yesterdaze in the nearby Tilton and Cook buildings. you would really like it.
That's just great. Saw that in film school years ago and had forgotten about it. I've always felt that Arthur Penn's "The Miracle Worker" also was an influence on Lynch's "The Elephant Man." Both brilliant films. Thanks for the share.
Thanks for the welcome, Martooni. On July 23 I'll be in Tanglewood seeing Beck perform with the Boston Pops.
When I was a kid growing up in Chicagoland (how Mayor Daley always referred to it), this was the theme song for WGN's "Creature Features" every Friday night. Every self-respecting middle schooler in the area knew this song. Thanks for this. --Muzak McMusics
Watched it last night on TUBI TV - very cool movie - thanks for the tip!
Hahaha, I was like "Sal moved to massachusetts??!!" Nice to see your post, dude.
Small piece of trivia - The bad guy in this film is left unmentioned in the opening credits. Blake Edwards wanted to maintain the mystery of his identity as long as possible. Really good late noir. The Experiment In Terror Twist is a nice variation on the theme song, too. I love what Mancini did for the Mr. Lucky soundtrack as well. Truly a versatile composer. Thanks, Sal!
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