Soundtrack of one of the last 'old fashioned' MGM epics

How the West Was Won is a 1962 American Metrocolor epic-Western film. The picture was one of the last 'old-fashioned' epic films made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to enjoy great success. Set between 1839 and 1889, it follows four generations of a family (starting as the Prescotts) as they move from western New York to the Pacific Ocean. The picture was one of only two dramatic films made in the curved-screen three-projector Cinerama process, which added to its original impact.

The music for the film was composed and conducted by Alfred Newman. The soundtrack album was originally released by MGM Records. Dimitri Tiomkin, well known for scores to Western films, was the first composer approached to compose the music for the film. However, Tiomkin became unavailable as a result of eye surgery, and Newman was hired as a replacement. The score is widely considered to be one of Newman's best, and appears on the AFI's 100 Years of Film Scores list. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score, losing to Tom Jones.

Debbie Reynolds sings three songs in the film: 'Raise a Ruckus Tonight' starting a party around the camp fire, 'What Was Your Name in the States?', and 'A Home in the Meadow' to the tune of 'Greensleeves', with lyrics by Sammy Cahn. Her rendition is heard by Cleve (Gregory Peck), who is so moved, he proposes marriage. Bruce Eder writes: '..anyone who likes the movie or Newman's music is sure to enjoy this.'

Track Listing

• Overture
• How The West Was Won
• Bereavement and Fulfillment
• The River Pirates
• Home In The Meadow
• Cleve and the Mule
• Raise a Ruckus
• Come Share My Life
• The Marriage Proposal
• Entr'acte
• Cheyenne
• He's a Linus Boy
• Climb a Higher Hill
• What Was Your Name In the States'
• No Goodbye
• How The West Was Won (finale)

Additional Details

Label: Gonzo Distribution

Genre: Soundtrack

Language: English

Run Time: 47:39 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 10/05/18

UPC: 5056083202447