Here is the song, "The Costume Ball", as it was recorded on a 45-rpm single on Dunhill Records. Sung by Mama Cass Elliot; Music by Elmer Bernstein; Lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman -
I've neither seen the film nor heard the music before, but this reminds me of Bernstein's main title music for THE GRIFTERS, which it resembles up to a point.
Thank you so much for directing us to this rare gem. I haven't seen the film, but have heard the Main Titles and now the song, both are based on a very quirky waltz that reminds me far more of Maurice Jarre than anything I've heard by Bernstein. Very interesting. Would be very neat to hear the rest of this score, but I understand there is very little music in the movie.
A cringe-worthy film and fairly middling Bernstein score but I have a strange affection for it as it resulted in one of my highest profit eBay sales.
I had received a promo copy of the Dunhill 45 from our own "Soundtrackman" when he worked at his college radio station back in the 70's. I gave it a listen or two and filed it away. Several years later around '98 or '99, I put it up for auction on eBay, expecting to net maybe a few dollars from it. Needless to say, I was absolutely floored when it generated a heated bidding war and went to a Cass Elliot completist for $150.00!
I never saw Doctor's Wives so can't comment on the score. A friend saw the film when it came out and said Elmer's score was awful! Anyway, I played the song and like it. It reminds me a little of his Where's Jack? style. I'd be interested in what others will say when they see the film.
He says there is around ten minutes of score in the film, counting the main titles and song. There may have been more music recorded for this movie, but if not then the best we can hope for is that this ten minutes will one day be paired with a longer Bernstein score (though IMO it would pair perfectly well with a Jarre score, too).
