I don't think this has been posted before -- but Turner Classic Movies is showing an entire day of films with music by Elmer Bernstein. What is cool about this schedule is that the films are being shown in chronological order -- a unique way to chart and experience Mr. Bernstein's artistic achievements from 1956-1962:
Tuesday, July 23rd
6:45 AM: Storm Fear (1956) 8:30 AM: Men in War (1957) 10:15 AM: Drango (1957) 12:00 PM: Anna Lucasta (1958) 1:45 PM: The Young Doctors (1961) 3:30 PM: By Love Possessed (1961) 5:30 PM: Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
I've never seen "Storm Fear" so that will be a treat for me -- and it's been years since I saw "Drango." Whoever programmed this set really seems to have covered all of the genre bases -- a western, a doctor's soap, a romance, a war film, etc. -- so a tip of the hat to TCM and those responsible!
THE YOUNG DOCTORS, with the young Dick Clark among its stars, sounded like some sort of Dr. Kildarean "soaper" (Maltin's term) of hanky-panky among the interns. In fact it turned to be a serious and substantial study of medical idealism vs. the status quo. The main character, embodied by the splendid Fredric March, isn't even young. Directed by Phil Karlson (THE PHENIX CITY STORY) with a New York cast and crew, it came as a considerable surprise to me. Fine score. Hard hitting, jazz-tinged music to establish the tensions; Elmer's characteristic low-key gentleness to bring out the moments of sentiment and reflection. Well done all around.
