Elmer Bernstein died Thursday last on 19th August 2004 aged 82 years old. The American composer is a legend in film composing. Over a period of 50 + years, Bernstein wrote over 200 film and television scores. His music enjoyed and treasured by many. Amongst his many memorable soundtracks is that of the Great Escape made in 1963.
The film the Great Escape was based on a true story. Bernstein’s expressive and emotive score gives tribute to the heroic story and the individuals involved. The music follows the film’s action through it’s disappointments and hopes. The film is one of the most famous and best loved of the many WW2 films that exist. It relates the determination, resourcefulness and strength-of-mind of a group of prisoner of wars.
The track, “Various Troubles”, particularly highlights the problems faced by the prisoners. The anxious harp and woodwind accompaniment, to the scene when they are digging in the tunnel in which the extent of the Mole’s visual impairment is discovered by Danny played by Charles Bronson, is despondent yet resolute. A more confident and contrasting theme is used to represent freedom, is first seen in the track “On the Road” as the prisoners make their bid for freedom filled with hope. The theme increases in intensity in “Betrayal”, when Bartlett played by Richard Attenborough is pursued. The theme is again repeated in the finale as the fate of the prisoners are revealed to accompany those who were successful.
The score begins with a title theme track in the style of a march which symbolized the determined, brave and proud spirit of the POWs. Enriched with deep tubas and basses, the track opens with a distinctive motif which reappears throughout many of the tracks in the film keeping the spirit of the POWs alive.
Bernstein’s music also utilised themes to represent many of the characters. The track, Blythe, is warm and affectionate for the likeable and nearly blind photographer played by Donald Pleasence. The theme returns later during the track, Hendley’s risk when Hendley played by James Garner agrees to take responsibility for Blythe during the escape when his involvement is questioned. It appears again in the track, More Action, when Hendley and Blythe escape by plane.
The poignant theme for the Mole played by Angus Lennie is introduced in “The Cooler and Mole”. The melancholy of the theme is increased later in the track “Discovery” as the mole makes his final and fatal escape attempt.
A joculent and somewhat impudent theme is used for the American prisoner, Hiltz played by Steve McQueen, is perhaps one of the most memorable. The theme is seen each time, the cooler king is returned to his solitary cell complete with glove and ball and is given emphasis and force as the dare-devil hero is dramatically and spellbindingly chased on his motorbike.
Even the camp itself has it’s own theme, of descending minor chords, appearing each time a prisoner is returned.
The soundtack is available at most good record shops or online on the Varese Sarabande label released 12th July 2004 at £11.99. The cover displaying a still of McQueen during his Great motorbike Escape bid.
Elmer Bernstein is an undisputed master of film composition and his memory lives on through his music. Each time the score of The Great Escape is heard, a tribute to the man is made. Buy it, play it, enjoy it and remember.
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Outstanding
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