Search - Jerry Goldsmith :: In Like Flint / Our Man Flint: Original Motion Picture Soundtracks

A long wait for "Flint" fans?.

trebe | 11/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Our Man Flint", and the sequel "In Like Flint", were part of the mid-sixties "spy-craze", following in the wake of the success of the "Bond" films. Unlike "James Bond", "Derek Flint" was never meant to be taken seriously. The "Flint" films were more about finding the "fun" in spying, and the music of these films is certainly part of that "fun". So some thirty plus years after the release of the films, the music is finally available on CD.Musically, Track #16 "Our Man Flint" establishes the "Flint theme". This theme permeates the soundtrack of "Our Man Flint", and also reappears in the music of "In Like Flint". So if you find numerous variations of "Flint's theme" objectionable, you should probably pass on this CD. Otherwise this double soundtrack CD is an excellent value, and the booklet provided with the CD is also very informative.The CD begins with the music from the second film, "In Like Flint". This probably because the music from the second film has more variety, is generally more lively, and has a much lighter tone than the music of "Our Man Flint". Jerry Goldsmith does an excellent job, delivering a set of tunes that are exciting, expressive, and fun. In addition to the original "Flint theme", several new reoccurring themes are used. Classical music themes are included in the mix, and there are even a couple of silly vocal tracks. A favorite would be Track #6, "Mince and Cut Until Tender", which plays as Flint battles in "ZOWIE's" top secret warehouse. Missing however, is the music that played during Flint's short, but exciting battle at "Fabulous Face".The music from "Our Man Flint", which appears on this CD, is not identical to that on the original soundtrack LP. Besides changing the order of the tracks, four new tracks have been added (#17, 19, 20 & 24) and three original tracks were omitted. Tracks have been rearranged. The final selection appears to have just been renamed to "End Title". It's regrettable that any tracks were omitted, as some interesting music was left off. This CD is 65 minutes long, but there is still a bit of space available to include the missing tracks.The music of "Our Man Flint" compared to "In Like Flint" is slower, and more orchestral, and at times more romantic. Featuring a bit less electric guitar and keyboards, and more strings and horns. The music is less busy, allowing for gaps in the music. The tone does get a bit dark and heavy at times, and may not be appreciated by everyone. Take the time to sample the tracks (...) and decide for yourself.Besides the title track, the high points include Track #26, the energetic "You're A Foolish Man, Mr. Flint", Track #24, a "saxed-up" version of the "Flint" theme called, "The Boilermaker" and Track #19, the romantic "New York Skyline".While fans have had to wait this long for the music to appear on CD, they will have to wait even longer for the films themselves to be released on DVD. Hopefully someone at the studio will care about the fans of these films, and see that they are released on DVD soon."

Large and bombastic! What great soundtracks use to be.

Jeff H. Crowther Jr. | Montgomery, AL | 11/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm still trying to find soundtracks similar to this one. No synthesisers and a symphony including every instrument know to mankind. Why can't movie scores sound like this nowadays."

One of my favorites, an absolute hoot!

skunktrain | So. California, USA | 04/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I admit, I love Jerry Goldsmith. But truth be told, not all his scores are created equal. This one, however, is a particular favorite of mine. It is a solid Goldsmith score, no doubt about it. But it is such a fun departure from many of his more recent scores (which, of course, I love as well.) It has that bad '60s spy thing down pat! It shows such a sense of humor and play. If you are used to Goldsmith's more recent scores, this one may be a bit of an adjustment for you, but give it a try. It will definitely grow on you. Let your sense of humor take over. It is an absolute hoot!"