That's true! John Wayne's acting and Elmer Bernstein's music were a perfect combination! That's what made those movies classics - pieces of art! - and you can watch them over and over again.
My parents never let me watch the modern movies growing up! I was raised on the TOTALLY AWESOME FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD!!!!! I LOVE them VERY MUCH!!!! I am an independent actress and filmmaker today hoping to bring back a little of the charm and wholesomeness of the good old days! :-) (Says a 29 year old)
New Movies are Crap. 50 year old films got better colour also, not all this soft focus and greeny-grey colour. Also using Stunt-men looks more realistic than today's far fetched Crap. Roger 😎
Jeff Honeycutt I agree. This is the kind of music that sets up the movie in a really grand, wonderful way that told you, "There's an epic struggle coming, but somehow, good will triumph in the end." Another poster mentioned "The Big Valley" on TV. This was another great Bernstein theme. I suppose there were so many good music scores at one time that people just took this stuff for granted. I thought the theme to "Quigley Down Under" sounded a little like this.
Four brothers who, heretofore, have been disappointments to their parents, hometown and to themselves, come together to pay respects to their beloved departed mother. They successfully gain retribution for the murder of their father with great pride and courage. One can feel the love for their parents as John Elder softly touches the rocking chair at the end of the movie. It was his way of saying, "we did what had to be done, I hope that you will understand." I'm certain that they did. It's one of my favorite movies and this theme captures all that emotion.
This music gives you inspiration, to get out there, climb mountains, gallop through streams and live life just for the very minute you are in it. I love this music, it gives you life.
Fantastic movie. One I'd watch a hundred times without getting bored. What am I saying!!! I have watched it a hundred times and I ain't bored of watching it. The Duke! The greatest.
I am 55 years old and John Wayne is a classic as well as Dean Martin, and one of my favorite Westerns is Sons of Katie Elder, but the theme music is one of the most outsanding. Also love the theme from Kellys Heroes. And just to metion a few of the other TV westerns. I will mention like the last guy Wild Wild West, Bananza, and Big Valley. sorry I am so old. But we love these shows and the music
+jay feeley I was born in 61 and these are some of my Favorites also along with the Magnificient 7, The Great Escape, Bridge on the River Kwai, Battle of the Bulge, and so many others, I remember when movies came out at the Theatres and Drive ins, you had to wait a yera or more until the next September, for them to come on Tv, sometimes it was longer than 1 year, that was the best thing about school starting each year was the new movies on Tv, and also the made for Tv movies, remember The Night stalker , with Darrin Mcgavin as Kolchak, and I will never forget palnet of the apes when i saw it at the drive in, and of course I can't leave out, Racquel Welch, Barbara Eden, Connie Stevens, Ann Margaret, Clauida Cardinale, Natalie Wood, some of my Favorites growing up, in the era of the Mini Skirt, dang I miss the ole days.
Poney that walks, my heart is sad with what I see. Your young men painted for war, their scalp knives red. The medicine drums talking. It is a BAD thing! Nobody today could deliver such lines with so much honesty and passion. My dad was like you and I grew u better for it.
I have this movie on DVD and will sometimes back the beginning up just to hear this song and watch that old train going through the mountains. My favorite John Wayne movie and love to have a few sips of Kentucky Bourbon while I watch it. Every single actor in this movie is top-notch and I cannot imagine the film being any better than it is. Beautifully done and will always be special to me.
You have to realize that Elmer Bernstein also wrote the music for THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and HALLELUJAH TRAIL, even though he was raised in a big city. That is what genius is all about.
THis score and The Magnificent Seven always seem somewhat similar to me. I love them both though, so the similarities are just a bonus! Thank Mr. Bernstein, and thank you Joker Recordings.
Andrea vanlinschoten-joudi I think the only films to have great themes in the last 30 years were Dances With Wolves and Lonesome Dove. They used to made LPs with themes to movies.
Love John Wayne...ALWAYS! Totally awesome music - one of my long-time favorite film scores. Once again, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra does it up very, very right!
The greatest thing about Elmer Bernstein's Western theme music is that he paints a picture of the characters and the scenery just as an artist would use a pallet of color, he uses a pallet of musical notation and orchestration as his medium. You can almost close your eyes and see the story. This is the best use of thematic music I have ever heard, as with all of Elmer Bernstein's Western Scores.
I gave your comment a thumbs up but I remind myself that for over five years I have came to RUclips and found some absolutely priceless video clips some as far back as the 20's that I would never have seen in my lifetime. Also I think of all the incredible music/bands that I would have missed out on. What really bothers me is that YT shows a 30 sec ad for a 20 sec vid and the small pop-ups are annoying. YT is free so I am willing to put up with a minor irritation.
This is my all time fave of the duke. and Rio bravo. can't leave out true grit. then, the searchers is f ing great, too. But, liberty valance is such a good story. did I mention stagecoach or Rio lobo....? long live THE MAN!!!
What a great comment from mossberg1000...The power of QUALITY cinema with QUALITY music scoring to move the souls of people as disparate from the US as chalk and cheese. this was Hollywood's old and good "power"...now lost.
I remember watching this when I was little girl. I told my father that I thought John Wayne walked like my barbie doll, and my dad replied, "Now say that to his face and see what happens." We laughed so hard. This is a good wholesome movie. Dean Martin has to be my favourite in this.
Dad took my brother and I to see this great movie on the big screen, and we thought Duke was going to just hit Kennedy in the head with the axe handle. What a surprise when smacked him right in the kisser! The next time they showed Kennedy's face onscreen my dad said, "Aw c'mon. Not a mark on him!"
I quite agree. My top ten favorite movies were all made before 1995, and most were actually prior to 1980. Today sacrifices quality for flashy, and it's just not the same. VHS FTW! (says a 19 year old)
i learned this song from a small dutch themepark in the Netherlands its called slagharen and the theme is the good old west (thats why its my favrite themepark)
Great movie! One of my favorite John Wayne movies. Dean Martin is great in this flick too. And I love this music!!! It's just dripping with the wild, wild west. Oops, I just mentioned another show I love!! But that's another story. Thanks for sharing.
Even when Elmer Bernstein copies Elmer Bernstein (as in this "Magnificent" clone) it's inspiring , later used in "Rough Riders" equally as well ; he was "MAGNIFICENT".They (AMPAS) should use his "Hollywood and the STARS" theme (as they did at least one year) for the "in memoriam" segment .
Видеоклипы
Elmer Bernstein said that he always like scoring John Wayne movies because you could write big music for John Wayne.
That's true! John Wayne's acting and Elmer Bernstein's music were a perfect combination! That's what made those movies classics - pieces of art! - and you can watch them over and over again.
One of the greatest themes ever made
A damn good western. I saw this with my maternal grandfather in the summer of 1965 it was the only movie we both went to see. RIP Grandad.
My parents never let me watch the modern movies growing up! I was raised on the TOTALLY AWESOME FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD!!!!! I LOVE them VERY MUCH!!!! I am an independent actress and filmmaker today hoping to bring back a little of the charm and wholesomeness of the good old days! :-) (Says a 29 year old)
Good for you! I hope you are successful. We need people like you. All the best. I love classic movies too
Trust me you didn't miss anything. The movies as this one make more since and tell a story far better than the crap coming from Hollyweard today
New Movies are Crap. 50 year old films got better colour also, not all this soft focus and greeny-grey colour. Also using Stunt-men looks more realistic than today's far fetched Crap.
Roger 😎
I wanna be you John wayne
Great Adele, those values still stand today .Hope it has been a good journey for you.
One of Elmer Bernstein's finest, and he's written some of the best! Majestic!
Jeff Honeycutt I agree. This is the kind of music that sets up the movie in a really grand, wonderful way that told you, "There's an epic struggle coming, but somehow, good will triumph in the end." Another poster mentioned "The Big Valley" on TV. This was another great Bernstein theme. I suppose there were so many good music scores at one time that people just took this stuff for granted. I thought the theme to "Quigley Down Under" sounded a little like this.
No wonder it reminds me of The Magnificent Seven
I can still hear the crack of the hickory when Big John smacked George Kennedy across the face.
Four brothers who, heretofore, have been disappointments to their parents, hometown and to themselves, come together to pay respects to their beloved departed mother.
They successfully gain retribution for the murder of their father with great pride and courage. One can feel the love for their parents as John Elder softly touches the rocking chair at the end of the movie. It was his way of saying, "we did what had to be done, I hope that you will understand." I'm certain that they did. It's one of my favorite movies and this theme captures all that emotion.
Definitely a Golden Classic.
This takes me back to when I was kid sitting on the floor in the living room watching these movies with my grandfather.
One of the best themes ever!
What a magnificent piece of music.
This theme and the Magnificent Seven are the anthems of manliness.
This music gives you inspiration, to get out there, climb mountains, gallop through streams and live life just for the very minute you are in it. I love this music, it gives you life.
Fantastic movie. One I'd watch a hundred times without getting bored. What am I saying!!! I have watched it a hundred times and I ain't bored of watching it. The Duke! The greatest.
I am 55 years old and John Wayne is a classic as well as Dean Martin, and one of my favorite Westerns is Sons of Katie Elder, but the theme music is one of the most outsanding. Also love the theme from Kellys Heroes. And just to metion a few of the other TV westerns. I will mention like the last guy Wild Wild West, Bananza, and Big Valley. sorry I am so old. But we love these shows and the music
+jay feeley they will never die
+jay feeley I was born in 61 and these are some of my Favorites also along with the Magnificient 7, The Great Escape, Bridge on the River Kwai, Battle of the Bulge, and so many others, I remember when movies came out at the Theatres and Drive ins, you had to wait a yera or more until the next September, for them to come on Tv, sometimes it was longer than 1 year, that was the best thing about school starting each year was the new movies on Tv, and also the made for Tv movies, remember The Night stalker , with Darrin Mcgavin as Kolchak, and I will never forget palnet of the apes when i saw it at the drive in, and of course I can't leave out, Racquel Welch, Barbara Eden, Connie Stevens, Ann Margaret, Clauida Cardinale, Natalie Wood, some of my Favorites growing up, in the era of the Mini Skirt, dang I miss the ole days.
So true! Good days.
jay feeley I'm born early 90's but i grew up watching westerns, and still John Wayne is my favorite actor
The High Chaparral, The Virginian, rewards for getting to our age... !
My favourite western theme,and one of my favourite pieces of music.
I don't care what people say, my kids are going to grow up watching John Wayne.
The hell they will.
Poney that walks, my heart is sad with what I see.
Your young men painted for war,
their scalp knives red.
The medicine drums talking.
It is a BAD thing!
Nobody today could deliver such lines with so much honesty and passion.
My dad was like you and I grew u better for it.
Mine do. Whether or not they pay attention is another matter.
I have this movie on DVD and will sometimes back the beginning up just to hear this song and watch that old train going through the mountains.
My favorite John Wayne movie and love to have a few sips of Kentucky Bourbon while I watch it.
Every single actor in this movie is top-notch and I cannot imagine the film being any better than it is.
Beautifully done and will always be special to me.
This is one of my favorite John Wayne Movies.
Epic movie, and the soundtrack is without doubt a masterpiece.
This one and the theme from El Dorado are simply superb.👏👏👏👏
This is the best western theme! I can listen to this over and over again.
***** THATS RIGHT DUKE AND ELMER HE DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS
With all due respect, the best western theme is the theme of, "The Magnificent Seven." It too, was written by Elmer Bernstein.
all soundtracks by Mr.Bernstein are priceless he ranks with John Willams and Jerry Goldsmith.
it makes wanna hit the saddle
thats right pilligram
This theme sounds so WESTERN. The composer must have spend two years living on the Texas plains to get into the spirit.
No...the man was just a PURE genius....The great Elmer Bernstein
@Billy Price, same song, differrent notes
You have to realize that Elmer Bernstein also wrote the music for THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and HALLELUJAH TRAIL, even though he was raised in a big city. That is what genius is all about.
This also the same opening theme music for 'Quigley down under'.
great film. great music. one of my top ten westerns.
THis score and The Magnificent Seven always seem somewhat similar to me. I love them both though, so the similarities are just a bonus! Thank Mr. Bernstein, and thank you Joker Recordings.
Fantastic!
Greetings from Germany!
I remember seeing this one, very few westerns I missed thanks Dad.
what a theme one of the best of all time
Loved this theme music. The theme music to these old westerns and big war film used to get us as excited as the films themselves.
Andrea vanlinschoten-joudi I think the only films to have great themes in the last 30 years were Dances With Wolves and Lonesome Dove. They used to made LPs with themes to movies.
The Duke deserves no less than BIG Music ! I agree with you.
Love John Wayne...ALWAYS! Totally awesome music - one of my long-time favorite film scores.
Once again, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra does it up very, very right!
One of my all time favorites!
Heard this playing while visiting Old Tucson Studios, where this was filmed ... good stuff!
Big John the best always (RIP) music fantastic - love movie, love theme :-)
God I LOVE THIS TUNE!
I Love all of John Wayne's Films even this one!
Well im presently 14 years old and i started loving all John Wayns movie from when i was 10.
saw this at the age of a 5, still getting goosebums hearing the theme
I saw this in the movie theater as an 11 year old and remember how thrilling the music was. The movie is pretty great, too.
Sencillamente, extraordinario!! Porque las películas de hoy no tienen introducciones tal buenas!!
Didn't realize the great John Barry has left us. :( RIP
We have a wonderful musical legacy to enjoy,some scores that will never be equaled.
Maybe the last of the best western musical themes !
Very good film and music!
such a classic 🎥🎥🎥
The greatest thing about Elmer Bernstein's Western theme music is that he paints a picture of the characters and the scenery just as an artist would use a pallet of color, he uses a pallet of musical notation and orchestration as his medium. You can almost close your eyes and see the story. This is the best use of thematic music I have ever heard, as with all of Elmer Bernstein's Western Scores.
Well said.
One word, Epic
Play this while playing red dead redemption riding through the desert you feel like John Wayne
One of my childhood movies.
My favorite western theme ever. One of my favorite movies ever.
Hach, ist das schön! Sowas kriegen die heute nicht mehr zustande!
what a great tune!!!
Completely awesome
Great movie...great John Wayne !
I gave your comment a thumbs up but I remind myself that for over five years I have came to RUclips and found some absolutely priceless video clips some as far back as the 20's that I would never have seen in my lifetime.
Also I think of all the incredible music/bands that I would have missed out on.
What really bothers me is that YT shows a 30 sec ad for a 20 sec vid and the small pop-ups are annoying.
YT is free so I am willing to put up with a minor irritation.
Nicely done, I've really enjoyed the music.
This is my all time fave of the duke. and Rio bravo. can't leave out true grit. then, the searchers is f ing great, too. But, liberty valance is such a good story. did I mention stagecoach or Rio lobo....? long live THE MAN!!!
Love it
Elmer Bernstein is the master of western themes, TSOKE is class as is all his western music.📽👍
Along with Jerry Goldsmith, Ennio Morricone, Bruce Broughton, Alfred Newman, etc.
What a great comment from mossberg1000...The power of QUALITY cinema with QUALITY music scoring to move the souls of people as disparate from the US as chalk and cheese. this was Hollywood's old and good "power"...now lost.
I remember watching this when I was little girl. I told my father that I thought John Wayne walked like my barbie doll, and my dad replied, "Now say that to his face and see what happens."
We laughed so hard. This is a good wholesome movie.
Dean Martin has to be my favourite in this.
Oh c'mon! The movie was great! George Kennedy gettin' hit in the face with a board by the Duke......priceless!
Unhinged Killer = little Snowflake chica..
it really wasn't George but a stuntman
It was cardboard.
I thought there was a sheet of Plexiglas protecting George. It looked so real to me.
Dad took my brother and I to see this great movie on the big screen, and we thought Duke was going to just hit Kennedy in the head with the axe handle. What a surprise when smacked him right in the kisser! The next time they showed Kennedy's face onscreen my dad said, "Aw c'mon. Not a mark on him!"
Happy birthday Duke ! 115 years young and still kickin everybody's ass in hollywood ! Nobody can where John Wayne ,s boots.
The Duke was the man. The real man. R.I .P John.
what a theme an what a great John Wayne movie it was!
als es noch gute Filme gab... lang ist es her.
I've watched many westerns with my dad and this is about the only theme that stood out to me.
I can't decide which theme I like more, this or El Dorado.
One of the best, including the music..
bernstein totally smashes this theme for a brilliant movie goosepimples all the time
I don't care what anyone says a great piece of music
Perfect song for an intro
Henry Hathaway was very strict on the type of music used for his films as was Wayne. This is one of the best.
THE DUKE , GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN !!!
the only movie where one actually feels bad for Dennis Hoppers' character
YES WHAT A DADDY HE HAD
Check out Dennis Hopper in Henry Hathaway's " FROM HELL TO TEXAS''(1958)....
That particular Dennis Hopper character you are thinking of was in "The Cowboys" but I agree
that fucking pinko
oh I forgot about barney miller in which he was a riot
Fantastic American western epic. Thanks!
MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS ESTA MUY BIEN
Great film, and their mothers happy ghost was there with them at the end in her rocking chair.
Wonder ful
Memories ❤️❤️💜💜 They were cool
This theme song was adapted for Quigley Down Under in 1990!
A great theme, from an era of good versus bad storylines.That payed little attention to the facts
thank you to have post it
Westerns always had such great themes. Even Silverado.
A true classic
Every man should have a piece of music that he tries to live up to. Music that sets the tone of how he will face the day. This is mine.
I quite agree. My top ten favorite movies were all made before 1995, and most were actually prior to 1980. Today sacrifices quality for flashy, and it's just not the same. VHS FTW! (says a 19 year old)
“...sacrifices quality for flashy...”. Spot on my friend. And sometimes it is simply: no story, no characters, no values, only computer graphics.
Fantastic - with u all the way
i learned this song from a small dutch themepark in the Netherlands its called slagharen and the theme is the good old west (thats why its my favrite themepark)
Great movie! One of my favorite John Wayne movies. Dean Martin is great in this flick too. And I love this music!!! It's just dripping with the wild, wild west. Oops, I just mentioned another show I love!! But that's another story.
Thanks for sharing.
I saw Quigley Down Under again yesterday and someone said on IMDB that the theme from that movie was similar to Katie Elder. I would have to agree!
THE DUKE STILL LIVES WITH THOS MUSIC. THAK YOU.
Even when Elmer Bernstein copies Elmer Bernstein (as in this "Magnificent" clone) it's inspiring , later used in "Rough Riders" equally as well ; he was "MAGNIFICENT".They (AMPAS) should use his "Hollywood and the STARS" theme (as they did at least one year) for the "in memoriam" segment .
Carl and Cortexan,,, This wonderful theme score and great movie - and yes it does scream old west, love it - tc both gl :)
Big John best cowboy movies ever, just have to love that guy, cannot make movies like that anymore, all the good big guys gone :(
Das beste das es je gab
grandioso tema.puro western
Elmer Bernstein nos deleita con una gran partitura musical para un western muy entretenido.
einfach weltklasse
My first "date". I fell in love with all the Elder boys! This movie will always have a place in my heart!
Very. Good.
BEST SONG TO DIG WITH SHOVEL TO.
It's a bygone era. They don't do stuff like this anymore