Saturday Cinema

In 1944, the U.S. was embroiled in war. Back home, folks were going to the movies to bolster spirits. Some movies looked directly into the face of war, while others helped people escape for just a couple of hours. 'Meet Me in St. Louis' was one of the latter variety films.

Throughout the decades, certain songs or pieces of music from films find their way into the broader consciousness, often becoming radio hits. One such song, titled in English "I Will Wait for You", comes from a 1964 French film.

In the latter part of the 20th century, Kenneth Branagh reigned supreme as the actor putting Shakespeare plays on film. In the cinematic version of Shakepeare's best comedy, Patrick Doyle provided the music.

Deemed culturally, historically and aesthetically significant by the Library of Congerss in 1991, 'King Kong' is also known for its musical score, composed by Max Steiner.

From a crop-duster attack in a midwestern cornfield to the tip of George Washington's nose, Alfred Hitchcock packed a ton of suspense into this 1959 classic caper. On this week's Flicks in Five, Lynne Warfel takes a look at Hitch's "North by Northwest."

It's the time of the year when we think about scary movies, so you might want to turn on an extra light or two, although Lynne Warfel's pick this week may make you laugh: it's the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy, 'Young Frankenstein', featuring music by John Morris.

Next Level is an attempt to bring new video game and classical music worlds to people who don't even know they exist. This week, Respighi goes dragon hunting and Dead Space 2 meets its Polish composer-soul mate.

Swordfights, rope-swinging and adventurous heroes characterize the 'swashbuckler' genre. Naturally, the scores under these films reflect the onscreen feats of derring-do.

Overdubbing is when an actor portraying a part in a musical doesn't do his or her own singing. That doesn't mean the actor can't sing; often there are other factors at work. Lynne Warfel has some stories about overdubbing on this week's Flicks in Five.

The year 1939 was a bountiful one for Hollywood, and even though 'The Wizard of Oz' was not an initial success at the box office, it has since become a classic. Its music plays no small role in the film's enduring popularity.