THE FUNHOUSE Music Composed and Conducted by John Beal Label: Intrada Special Collection Volume ISC 484 Film Date: 1981 Album Date: 2023 Time: 77:35 Tracks: 33
Dynamic orchestral score by John Beal arrives on CD! Universal releases no-nonsense horror film in 1981, brings attention to career of director Tobe Hooper, who follows year later with hit scare-fest, Poltergeist. Young cast features Elizabeth Berridge, Cooper Huckabee, Largo Woodruff, Miles Chapin as group of four teens attending local carnival, with veteran Kevin Conway as memorable Barker. Larry Block scripts, John Beal scores.
Vivid orchestral score is anchored by waltz theme emphasizing intervals of the tritone, not just in melody but in harmonic structure as well. Interesting shape has theme begin in solo flute in upper register, increase in weight and density, then close in powerful statement for full orchestra. Harmonic vernacular continues throughout, and in one instance stands out in pure tritone major chords for French horn during closing bars of “All Alone No. 1”, a highlight. When scares arrive, Beal unleashes in kind with intense fortissimo episodes of musical fury. Interestingly, while intensity is keynote, Beal relies on propulsive energy and exciting jabs of color rather than overt dissonance to underscore the thrills. Results are striking!
First half of score leads to the horror, second half provides the thrills. Standout action cues include “The Unmasking”, “Hatchet Job”, “Liz and the Knife”, “Losing Battle”. Spotlight unquestionably goes to lengthy “Monster Mashed” sequence: As gears and chains grind away underneath the Funhouse, so does the score with a relentless obstinate for basses and cellos underneath sharp jabs from the orchestra above. Spoiler alert: As lone survivor Amy struggles with monster, Beal adds chopping figures to his ostinato, creating powerhouse buildup of musical terror. Fortissimo intensity plays all the way up until monster is mashed between the gears. Sensational cue! When all the horror subsides, picture winds up without cheap gimmicks, and Beal returns to his solo piccolo to usher Amy away from danger… albeit all alone. As fadeout turns to ending credits, Beal returns with his powerful waltz theme to close. Very strong finish to dramatic score! Following are numerous extras featuring carnival music, calliope tunes, assorted cues scored by Beal and used as “source music” as teens stroll throughout carnival. Even the bulk of these pieces play with an unsettling veneer.
Complete score presented courtesy of Universal, mastered from the 24-track session tapes recorded by Rick Riccio, mixed by Matt La Point. Score recorded at Evergreen Studios in November 1980. Orchestrations by John Beal, Miles Goodman, Richard Ellis, Don James. Graphic CD package designed by Kay Marshall, informative booklet notes by John Takis. John Beal composes, conducts. Intrada Special Collection CD available while quantities and interest remain!
Tracklist:
01. Funhouse – Theme (Main Title) (5:50) 02. God Is Watching (1:12) 03. Embryo (1:58) 04. No Escape (1:31) 05. Crystal Ball (0:16) 06. Scary Stuff (0:21) 07. All Alone No. 1 (1:31) 08. Too Serious (1:11) 09. Zena Dies (1:47) 10. Bad Idea (3:07) 11. The Unmasking (1:21) 12. No Place To Be (1:50) 13. Hang-Up (0:33) 14. Hatchet Job (1:19) 15. Liz And The Knife (3:13) 16. The Last Of Liz (0:55) 17. Losing Battle (4:54) 18. Manic Montage (2:29) 19. Monster Mashed (5:00) 20. All Alone No. 2 (0:54) 21. Funhouse – Theme (End Title) (1:32) Total Score Time: 43:28
May I ask where you found this information, Amer? There doesn’t seem to be anything on the Intrada forum or Doug’s Corner concerning a new release at the moment.
May I ask where you found this information, Amer? There doesn’t seem to be anything on the Intrada forum or Doug’s Corner concerning a new release at the moment.
Yeah. Nothing on the regular Intrada forum just posted on their Facebook page.
I must admit that the last time I saw this movie, I found Beal's music somewhat overwhelming...but then, I reflect on what passes for horror scoring these days and my mouth shuts right up. What I wouldn't give to have today's horror movies scored like this. I wonder if there's anything missing from the promo.
I must admit that the last time I saw this movie, I found Beal's music somewhat overwhelming...but then, I reflect on what passes for horror scoring these days and my mouth shuts right up. What I wouldn't give to have today's horror movies scored like this. I wonder if there's anything missing from the promo.
Also, Funhouse is one word.
It’s been a while, but I think the promo was complete although some cues were dialed out during some scenes.
Yeah me too. I have the old promo album and played it to death. “Carnival Skyline” is one of my favorite tracks. I really couldn’t imagine this film with any other music. It fits perfectly and doesn’t really sound dated. I wonder how much direction Hooper gave Beal. I think he directed The Funhouse after getting fired from “The Dark” which also has a pretty good score.
If this had been an FSM album, the line of dialogue on the back cover would probably have been from the creepy English barker (played the late Kevin Conroy) "Yes, they wiggle and they dance."
If this had been an FSM album, the line of dialogue on the back cover would probably have been from the creepy English barker (played the late Kevin Conroy) "Yes, they wiggle and they dance."
Pretty cool how he played multiple (three?) different roles in the film.
This movie holds a special place in my heart because it was the first “rated R” horror movie I was allowed to see. It made a huge impact on me as well because I thought the aesthetics and music was very impressive right out of the gate. Despite the illogical story line, I think this movie still holds up really well… even my adult son and daughter thought it was a very effective horror movie even amongst all the modern offerings out there.
Ha. Jason why do people need to be spoon-fed? sometimes its more fun to search and find the link by themselves. And besides when the same exact information is posted here why do you need to go and validate the information ? The reason it's being posted here is for your ease so you don't have to go and look again. Can you explain the logic again for seeing the link ?
And besides when the same exact information is posted here why do you need to go and validate the information ? The reason it's being posted here is for your ease so you don't have to go and look again. Can you explain the logic again for seeing the link ?