During the 1970's there was a spate of disaster films. I think one of the first to explore this genre was Airport and then from there, no topic was off-limits. Those days saw a series of Airport sequels in addition to earthbound features as well. I think the most outlandish plot to a disaster film from those times was Airport '77 in which a 747 is hijacked by terrorists which then proceeds into the Bermuda Triangle where it runs into an oil platform and then sinks to the bottom of the Atlantic. All the while the passengers are alive to try and survive. As if they didn't have enough problems! Luckily not all disaster films were of this level. Some were actually somewhat more realistic and much more entertaining. My favorite of all time is probably, The Towering Inferno. It's a star-filled adventure in which the heroes have to fight an out-of-control blaze in the tallest building in the world. With stars like Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, William Holden, Jennifer Jones, Faye Dunaway and O.J. Simpson (yes! O.J. Simpson) you can't lose.
Taking on the scoring duties for this film was John Williams who scored several disaster films during this time period. The others include Earthquake and more notably, The Poseidon Adventure. However, I feel that this score was the best of his disaster scores. With a powerful main theme that is very catchy and exciting Williams draws us in right away. If you've heard his score to Midway you'll appreciate this music. It is not in the same vein as Star Wars or Superman so don't be too disappointed. The main theme developed for the film could be considered the theme of the firefighters, since they are the heroes of this film. This theme is the basis for the main theme of the film and makes apperances towards the tail end of the soundtrack in tracks such as Passing the Word, Finale and An Architect's Dream. The presentation in Finale is somewhat more somber as it takes place as Steve McQueen's character survey's the bodies of his dead firemen.
There are some minor love themes in the film as well. They are mainly used for Fred Astaire's character as well as Paul Newman's scenes with Faye Dunaway. Fred Astaire's versions of the theme are a bit more chipper seeing as how even for an old man he could still dance on air. Also included on the CD are two versions of the vocal song heard briefly in the film entitled We May Never Love Like This Again. The first version is the film version and is a bit shorter than the second version heard in the bonus material section. Also included in the bonus material section are pieces of the score that were damaged and are therefore not up to the usual quality of the other tracks. Nonetheless, these tracks can be programmed in if so desired so that the music flows properly. It is interesting to note that one track, the instrumental version of The Morning After is included. This song was featured in The Poseidon Adventure and the instrumental version heard here is incidental music heard in the tower room party. Funny thing, if I were ever somewhere where someone was singing such songs, I'd get out of there pretty quick. You never know if a fire will break out or the ship you happen to be on will capsize.
The ordering of the tracks basically follows the chronology of the film and therefore makes it a pleasure to listen to. The only thing is that this CD is only currently available from Film Score Monthly as part of their Silver Age Classics selections (which inludes The Poseidon Adventure) so if you want a copy you'll have to order it from them. I am a professed John Williams fan so when I heard that a CD version of his score to The Towering Inferno was being released I knew I had to get it. at over 75 minutes, there is plenty of music to justify ordering it and all of the music is definitely vintage Williams. I listened to it ten times after getting it in the mail. If you appreciate the music of John Williams, definitely get this CD. Thanks so much Film Score Monthly, you've finally provided me with a CD copy of the perfect music to fight fires by!
Total time: 75:31
Bonus Material