10 Amazing Movie Music Themes

As a collector of original vintage movie posters, I also have a passion for movie music themes.  Think Star Wars.  Now . . . imagine Star Wars without John Williams’ pulsating, awe inspiring music.  The movie would not be the same.  Movie music themes have been part of movies since the beginning of film.  In the silent days, music was everything.  Throughout history, some of the most famous movies are remembered not only for the movies themselves, but also for the music that was created by some extraordinarily talented composers. 

We recently sold a wonderful, popular poster.  When I corresponded with our customer, he said he only likes the popular movie music themes, such as Gone With the Wind, Star Wars, Robin Hood and the James Bond films.  I can certainly relate to this.  Throughout my life, though, I have accumulated many other extraordinary movie music themes of other films.  

So, I would like to share with you some of my favorite movie music themes.  These are in no particular order and I have many other favorites besides these, but as the saying goes, you’ve got to begin somewhere.  If you get a chance to listen to any of these, let me know what you think. All of my art work has been created listening to a lot of these incredible compositions.

Parrish – This movie starred Troy Donahue, who was a heart throb to many young women in the early 1960s.  The music was by Max Steiner and guess what . . . Max also composed the music from Gone With the Wind.

Robin and Marian – Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn were Robin Hood and Maid Marian.  The music was by John Barry and it is gorgeous.

Antony and Cleopatra – Cleopatra had two lovers (in the film at least).  One was Marc Antony and the other, of course, was Julius Caesar.  The music I like best is Antony and Cleopatra.  Considering Elizabeth Taylor fell in love with her Antony (Richard Burton) during the making of this movie, give a listen to this wonderful music by Alex North.

The Wind and The Lion – Wow, wow, wow!  This music by Jerry Goldsmith is beautiful. 

Defending Your Life – Michael Gore scored the music for this movie.  I love the main theme, as it really captures the end of the movie, where the lead character has to truly find himself, in order for his soul to move forward.  Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep were great.  If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like, after you have passed into the next world, watch this movie.

Legend – The music by Jerry Goldsmith for this movie is the one you should listen to.  There is some confusion as to whether Jerry Goldsmith or Tangerine Dream did the music.  Personally, I love the Jerry Goldsmith version.  To this day, I still think Tim Curry was the sexiest devil I’ve ever seen.

The Cardinal – This movie with Thomas Tryon was a major motion picture.  My favorite part of the movie was the music by Jerome Moross.
 

First Born – This needs some explaining.  About twenty years ago I watched a mini-series called First Born.  The movie was about a scientist who mated a gorilla’s genes with a human’s.  The result was a creature who was human looking but with gorilla overtones.  I was glued to the set each week to see what would happen next.  Hans Zimmer, who is quite famous now, composed the music and it is incredible.  It matches the story and pulsates with passion.  It took me several years to locate the music, which was on a tape.  I bought it and had it recorded onto a cd.  Dear Hans Zimmer, please re-release this for everyone’s listening pleasure.  PS: See the mini-series.  Food for thought.

Life As A House – Kevin Kline and Hayden Christensen made this movie come alive.  The music is by Mark Isham and I listen to it all of the time and think about the father and son and how they learned to love each other and connect.

A Summer Place – Percy Faith was a remarkable musician.  He recorded the most popular version of the theme to this movie.  It lasted nine weeks at the top of the billboard charts.  Max Steiner is credited for composing the music.  So Faith or Steiner, when you have two musicians this powerful it is magical.  Many people have heard this one, but if you haven’t, give a little listen.

For those of you who are John Williams fans, did you know this?  In the early days of John’s career, he was known as Johnny Williams and he composed the theme to a wonderful mystery series called Checkmate.  If you get a chance, listen to it.  It is not as long, but it is as good as Star Wars.  Way to go Johnny . . .John!

I could go on and on, but I won’t.  Stay tuned . . .

What is a Lobby Card or Still, and Why Collect Them?

Still - The Unholy Wife  Diana Dors and Thomas Tryon

Lobby Card - Stewart Granger and Eleanor Parker

I have been collecting movie memorabilia since childhood. Now I am helping other people with their collections. What fascinates me the most is seeing the posters that our customers purchase. Rather than choosing the most famous films, like Gone With the Wind, so many people choose the more obscure films which have obviously struck a chord with them.

I have often said to my husband that we deal in memories. When people buy a vintage movie poster, they obviously go back in time. They remember where they were when they first saw this film, who they were with, and how it made them feel. Perhaps it was a first date. A first kiss. A day with their parents or child. Think about the special movies that sit in the back of your mind. Just thinking about those memories can warm your heart.

If you have a special movie or movies, please check out FFF Movie Posters and see if we have the poster or lobby card that rekindles that special spark in your mind.

I have often been asked what the difference is between a poster and a lobby card. I have a special passion for lobby cards, and I will tell you why. Simply put, lobby cards can be extraordinary. These cards are pictures of scenes from a movie. Below, you will see many differences between posters and lobby cards. Take a look at the example of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger from 1977. The movie starred Patrick Wayne (the Duke’s son), Jane Seymour and Taryn Power (Tyrone Power’s daughter). The special effects of this movie were created by Ray Harryhausen, who was a master of special effects. The poster for this movie, as you can see, is colorful and represents all the derring-do of the movie. Now take a look of the lobby card next to it. This is an exquisite scene with Patrick and Jane (not Patrick Jane from The Mentalist!). If you liked this movie because you are a fan of Jane Seymour, the lobby card shows off her exquisite beauty. If you are considering buying the poster of Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, you might also want the lobby card if you want a great image of Jane Seymour or Patrick Wayne.

Now take a look at The Taming of the Shrew. The poster is great and represents the fun, passion and general excitement of the movie. But frankly, the lobby cards make me swoon. The pictures of Elizabeth Taylor are to die for. They are some of my favorite images of her and truly show off her unique beauty. When I heard that Lindsay Lohan was going to play the part of Elizabeth Taylor, I was devastated. All I could think of was the lobby cards of this movie and my mind went “Lindsay Lohan?” Take a look at these lobby cards and tell me what you think. Please don’t judge me harshly, but anyone who has read my blogs or gone on our website knows that I am one of Elizabeth Taylor’s biggest fans. I know that some of you may challenge me . . . so go ahead, I would love to hear from you.

To sum it up, lobby cards represent a moment in time and would make an exciting addition to complement your poster purchase.

There is an old expression that one picture represents a thousand words. Take a look at this picture.

What more can anyone say? I fell in love with this picture of Gene and I told my husband that “Gene wants me to have this picture.” Gene Tierney was a major film actress of the 1940s and 1950s. Her beauty and talent were legendary. Her movies were successful and her fan base was large. When I look at this picture I can go back in time and feel like I am with her at the height of her glory.

Stills are photographs of your favorite actors and actresses. Many times, the photographers like Richard Avedon and George Hurrell, who took these kinds of pictures, were as famous as the people they were photographing. Photography was indeed an art, and these stills were considered very valuable to the studios in marketing their talent to the public. So for my viewing pleasure, and I hope yours, take a look at some of my favorite stills.

The VIPs (Elizabeth Taylor)

Lana Turner

Hedy Lamarr

Captain Blood (Errol Flynn & Olivia de Havilland)

Patrick Wayne

Brigitte Bardot 

Honky Tonk (Lana Turner & Clark Gable)

Jane Seymour

For added information, you might want to know that stills can be black and white, color or sepia.

So enjoy your journey through FFF Movie Posters. Check out the posters, lobby cards and stills. If there is something you are looking for and we don’t have it, let us know. Let us look for you. It gives me a thrill to do that, and what is a thrill if you can’t share it.

Jack Nicholson Turning 75 Years Old

He’s baaaaack! In fact, Jack Nicholson is such a strong and charismatic presence on screen that it seems that he’s always been with us . . . and will always be there! He is most famous for his dramatic portrayals of very troubled characters. He is the second most nominated actor for the academy award behind Meryl Streep. Jack has been nominated 12 times and won the Oscar twice, once for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and As Good as It Gets. Jack also won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Terms of Endearment. It should be noted, that in addition, he won seven Golden Globes, the Kennedy Center Honor Award and an American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. WOW! He is an actor who has made his mark and left a lasting impression. And now he is turning 75 years old.

Jack Nicholson was the son of a showgirl, which may explain the attraction to some of the most beautiful women. He was brought up to believe that his grandparents were his parents. This was because of the speculation about who the identity really was of Jack Nicholson’s father. He was voted class clown in high school; and he also had the distinction of being in detention every day for a whole school year. Later, a theater and drama award at his high school was named in his honor. I’m sure he is grateful for his phenomenal success in his profession or who knows what award might have been given to him.

Jack’s first job in Hollywood was as a gofer for Hanna and Barbera at the MGM cartoon studio. He was so talented as an artist; he was even offered a position as an animation artist. Jack knew early on that he wanted to be an actor, so he declined this offer. He next collaborated with Producer Roger Corman. He made The Little Shop of Horrors, The Raven, The Terror and The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. He also made two low budget westerns but he believed that his film career was going nowhere.

It wasn’t until a part opened up in Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper’s Easy Rider that Jack Nicholson received his big break. He ultimately received an Academy Award Nomination for Easy Rider but it should be noted that he almost didn’t play this part. It had been written for Rip Torn but Rip came to blows with Dennis Hopper and for Jack, this was his lucky break. His star was finally born. Thanks to a quirk of fate.

Next Jack played in the academy award nominated Five Easy Pieces. This role was followed by Chinatown, Tommy, and The Passenger. I believe that One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was another breakout role. As Randle P. McMurphy, Jack Nicholson lit up the screen. He received his first Academy Award for Best Actor in this role. The following parts came his way: Goin’ South, The Shining, Terms of Endearment, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Reds, Prizzi’s Honor, The Witches of Eastwick, Broadcast News, Ironweed and A Few Good Men. Wow! I think that is the strongest word I can think of when I think of Jack Nicholson. To have played all of those interesting characters in so many stand out and strong films make Jack truly unique and iconic.

Later years saw him play Batman’s, The Joker. For his part, Jack made 60 million dollars. Following Batman, Nicholson played in Hoffa and the Academy Award winning film As Good as It Gets. In 2006 he played in Ron Reiner’s The Bucket List.

Many actors in Hollywood have played parts or characters in wonderful movies but Jack Nicholson’s unique characterizations have truly set him apart from the pack. Although he could play a leading man, it was in the character actor roles that he stood out and captured the audience’s appreciation.

Jack has always admired beautiful women. He’s dated Michelle Phillips, Bebe Buell, and Lara Flynn Boyle. He had a 16-year relationship with Anjelica Huston. This was followed by a relationship with Rebecca Broussard. They had two beautiful children together, Lorraine and Raymond. He has two other daughters, Jennifer and Honey from previous relationships. He was obviously a very busy man!

In California he lived next door to Marlon Brando and lived near Warren Beatty. Because of these three men, the street they lived on was called "Bad Boy Drive." Not even Errol Flynn had that recognition.

Jack is a die hard New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers fan. In 2011, Jack received an Honorary of Fine Arts degree from Brown University. Not bad for a boy who spent a year in detention!

Below are a collection of vintage movie posters featuring Jack Nicholson. See what memories they stir for you. His Easy Rider and Five Easy Pieces defined the 60’s decade. He is an actor’s actor. He has said that he was particularly proud of his performance as the Joker. His motto is “more good times”. Right on Jack! He has also said “I don’t want people to know what I’m actually like. It’s not good for an actor”. We all know Jack for the parts he’s played and for the memories he has created in our minds.

In 1980 Stanley Kubrick directed Jack in The Shining. When Jack walked in the room and said, “I’m back!” we all knew Jack had arrived.

Jack Nicholson’s birthday is April 22. He will be 75. Keep partying Jack! We love you. Happy Birthday and many more!

Five Easy Pieces (1970)

Chinatown (1974)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Goin' South (1978)

The Shining (1980)

Prizzi's Honor (1985)

The Witches of Eastwick (1987)

Man Trouble (1992)

“King of Cool” Steve McQueen - Vintage Movie Posters

Steve McQueen began his career on TV in Wanted – Dead or Alive. He parlayed his looks and charisma into a powerful movie career that spanned many years until his untimely death in 1980.

When McQueen was young, there was no reality television. You had to have talent in order to be successful and have a career of any longevity. Born Terrence Stephen McQueen, he worked while he studied acting by competing in motorcycle races.

His early life was traumatic because he was dyslexic and had an abusive stepfather. At 14 he left home and joined the circus for a short time. He also worked as an oil rigger, a trinket salesman in a carnival and a lumberjack. In 1947 he became a marine. He saved the lives of 5 other marines and received an honorable discharge in 1950.

In 1952 Steve started studying acting at Sanford Meisner’s Neighborhood Playhouse. It was during this time that he competed in motorcycle races. He made his Broadway debut in 1955 in a play called A Hatful of Rain. Soon thereafter he left for California. He was hired to appear in films Never Love a Stranger and the infamous The Blob. He debuted in the series Wanted – Dead or Alive in 1958. He finally had become a household name!

Frank Sinatra took a liking to Steve McQueen, and when they made a film together Never So Few he made sure that McQueen got plenty of close ups that earned him favorable reviews. In 1960, Steve became one of the stars in The Magnificent Seven. The success of this movie caused him to quit Wanted – Dead or Alive. His acting touches such as shaking a shotgun round before loading it and wiping his hat rim caused Yul Brynner to accuse him of trying to steal scenes. Yul also refused to draw his gun in the same scene as McQueen, not wanting to have his character outdone. The film The Great Escape made Steve McQueen a superstar. He went on to star in Love With a Proper Stranger, The Sand Pebbles, Bullitt, The Thomas Crown Affair, Le Mans, The Getaway (where he met his future wife, the beautiful Ali McGraw). He also stared in Papillon.

In 1974 Steve starred in The Towering Inferno, which became a box office success. He disappeared from Hollywood after this as he preferred to focus on motorcycle racing. He returned to acting in 1978 with An Enemy of the People, Tom Horn and The Hunter.

What is fascinating about Steve’s career are some of the movies he was offered but did not get to make: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Ocean’s Eleven and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He turned down the lead role in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The part ultimately went to Richard Dreyfuss.

Steve McQueen died too young. He was only 50. If he had been given the gift of longevity, I’m sure his career would have produced many more powerful films. Take a look at some of the original vintage movie posters and lobby cards of Steve McQueen’s career. He left a legacy and he’ll always be Wanted – Dead or Alive. We miss you, Steve.

The Blob (1958)

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

The Honeymoon Machine (1961)

Hell is For Heroes (1962)

The War Lover (1962)

Baby the Rain Must Fall (1965)

The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Nevada Smith (1966)

The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

Bullitt (1968)

The Reivers (1970)

On Any Sunday (1971)

Junior Bonner (1972)

The Getaway (1972)

Papillon (1973)

The Towering Inferno (1974)

The Hunter (1980)