-- Filmmusik

September 1999

Aus der Serie
Meine Lieblingsplatte
Heute:

Louis and Bebe Barron
Forbidden Planet

PR-001		 --
Die erste elektronisch erzeugte Filmmusik
Starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen. And Introducing Robby, The Robot. Screenplay by Cyril Hume. Based on a Story by Irving Block and Allen Adler. Electronic Tonalities by Louis and Bebe Barron. Directed by Fred McLeod Wilcox Produced by Nicholas Nayfack.

In 1954, MGM began a magnificent project, destined to set a new standard for science-fiction and fantasy films. Originally called Fatal Planet, it was retitled Forbidden Planet which was felt to have more box-office appeal. Lavishly expending time, money and effort, the film-makers determined to make it the super-production of this neglected genre - with beautiful sets, intricate miniatures, startling special effects, and an outstanding cast headed by a notable new star. He wasn't born - he was built! His name was Robby the Robot, and he would retain his popular appeal long after many of his human stellar con-temporaries were forgotten. After two years of production MGM had created something really unique - so unique in fact that the studio's music department was at a loss to know how to score the film.

At this time Louis and Bebe Barron - two young artists in the new field of electronic music, were brought in to pro-vide something different. Using no orchestral instruments - only the sounds emitted by the cybernetic circuits which they conceived, designed and built - they created a unique and compelling score, so original that it was credited on the title as electronic tonalities. However, its true musical qualities were recognized by the critics and the public, and it was honored by an Academy Award nomination. This score actually launched the era of electronic music on film. Today it remains as lushly surprising, as fresh and inventive as when it burst upon the screen two decades ago, still carrying us- the audience - through the wonder, charm and terror of Altair 4. It is a living tribute to the artists and craftsmen who made this Forbidden Planet an enduring reality. (Bill Malone)