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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!!!
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 gave your comment a thumbs up but I remind myself that for over five years I have came to UA-cam 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.
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)
Good old westerns john Wayne being the best when cowboys Indians and cavalry where colourful characters great films of that era with great story lines and not only the films bonanza Gunsmoke high chaparral to name just a few great time's 👍
Well said, listen to To Kill a Mocking Bird. It opens childlike piano and transports you into memories of your own youth, home and parental bond and protection. Pure, gifted, genius Elmer Bernstein
I've thought the exact same thing since I first saw TKAM. Now, almost 60 years later, the soundtrack rolls back the decades and transports me back to my childhood. Absolutely masterful. I never tire of it.
Having a blast reading all of these comments! I absolutely love John Wayne movies. What I want to know is when are we all going to get together to eat steak and fire guns?HA!
John Wayne : ultimate Cowboy for westerns, and ALWAYS GREAT THEME MUSIC - ultimate saying by Wayne "Get off your horse and drink your milk" from the cowboys :) all enjoy all your movies :)
@Tinsby Sad thing is, John Barry is no longer among the living anymore. More incredibly talented composers are passing, and only a few are with us still...
Bernstein was a genius for "Western rhythms" and composed some his best music for the John Wayne series of films. The secret to the bombastic and toe-tapping scores? Good old-fashioned syncopation. These films...treasures from my childhood, we will never see the like of again. American films have become too jokey, too cynical and directors are worried about being seen as "too square" to commission epic scores and straight-out "good vs evil" stories anymore. Such a shame.
@JokerRecordings Yes, it's true. There's a big resurgence, mostly b/c of the internet, of classic media b/c any curious kid with a computer can usually find it. There will always be the shallow kids who won't look at or listen to anything, "Old", but hey, that's to be expected. But, a lot more are appreciating stuff from the past. It's just tv execs won't give up the easy $ they get from reality tv. That's the real source of the problem.
I have to opoligise and say kellys Heros is a war movie but great them and two more westerns comr to mind that are great is The Magnificent Seven and the good bad and the ugly
One of his best.., 'Red River' and 'The Quiet Man' were really good, too.. Let's not forget, 'True Grit', won John Wayne an Oscar.. Name one or two more, John Wayne movies', that you liked and enjoyed ? Movie junkies' say, when you watch a movie, more than three or four times and dream it in your sleep, that's a good to excellent movie. What John Wayne movies' did you like ?
Same composer ; it's not plagiarism if you borrow from yourself ; listen to the music from The Rough Riders ; of course he also did To Kill A Mockingbird and Hollywood and the Stars ; but for rollicking western themes Elmer is the great
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 😎
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.
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.
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 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.
The answer is simple, just remake it with a female cast. sort of like Ghost Busters. Maybe Melissa McCarthy could play the John Wayne role (Yes, I am kidding)
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 .
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.
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.
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.
One of the greatest themes ever made
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 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... !
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.
I Love all of John Wayne's Films even this one!
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.
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!
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.
Well im presently 14 years old and i started loving all John Wayns movie from when i was 10.
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.
what a theme one of the best of all time
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.
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!!!
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.
Play this while playing red dead redemption riding through the desert you feel like John Wayne
I've watched many westerns with my dad and this is about the only theme that stood out to me.
I gave your comment a thumbs up but I remind myself that for over five years I have came to UA-cam 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.
Completely awesome
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.
This theme song was adapted for Quigley Down Under in 1990!
Great film, and their mothers happy ghost was there with them at the end in her rocking chair.
Good old westerns john Wayne being the best when cowboys Indians and cavalry where colourful characters great films of that era with great story lines and not only the films bonanza Gunsmoke high chaparral to name just a few great time's 👍
Wonder ful
Perfect song for an intro
Memories ❤️❤️💜💜 They were cool
Very good film and music!
This is a great song. The movie is pretty good also.
It reminds me of our second largest city in my homestate of Texas San Antonio
Well said, listen to To Kill a Mocking Bird. It opens childlike piano and transports you into memories of your own youth, home and parental bond and protection. Pure, gifted, genius Elmer Bernstein
I've thought the exact same thing since I first saw TKAM. Now, almost 60 years later, the soundtrack rolls back the decades and transports me back to my childhood. Absolutely masterful. I never tire of it.
Carl and Cortexan,,, This wonderful theme score and great movie - and yes it does scream old west, love it - tc both gl :)
einfach weltklasse
MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS ESTA MUY BIEN
Having a blast reading all of these comments! I absolutely love John Wayne movies. What I want to know is when are we all going to get together to eat steak and fire guns?HA!
I have always loved this movie...and the music...never again can such a classic be made..the new true grit is proof...what a waste of money...
thank you to have post it
Excelente que recuerdos.
Music as big as all outdoors........
John Wayne : ultimate Cowboy for westerns, and ALWAYS GREAT THEME MUSIC - ultimate saying by Wayne "Get off your horse and drink your milk" from the cowboys :) all enjoy all your movies :)
A true western classic
From magnificent 7 movie 5 yrs earlier
Auch so ein toller Western mit John Wayne und Dean Martin,hab ihn als DVD.
The eldest son (John Wayne) looks old enough to be the youngest son's (Michael Anderson Jr) grandfather.
i suddently want to buy one of those millitary chinesse shovel now
@Tinsby Sad thing is, John Barry is no longer among the living anymore. More incredibly talented composers are passing, and only a few are with us still...
Bernstein was a genius for "Western rhythms" and composed some his best music for the John Wayne series of films. The secret to the bombastic and toe-tapping scores? Good old-fashioned syncopation.
These films...treasures from my childhood, we will never see the like of again. American films have become too jokey, too cynical and directors are worried about being seen as "too square" to commission epic scores and straight-out "good vs evil" stories anymore. Such a shame.
@Tinsby You forgot Ennio Morricone who's still making wonderful melodies for movies.
Don't mess with the duke and in this movie his family .
Chuck Norris listens to this while brushing his teeth....and I'm not even kidding.
My Dad's theme❤
Used in city slickers 1
@JokerRecordings Yes, it's true. There's a big resurgence, mostly b/c of the internet, of classic media b/c any curious kid with a computer can usually find it. There will always be the shallow kids who won't look at or listen to anything, "Old", but hey, that's to be expected. But, a lot more are appreciating stuff from the past. It's just tv execs won't give up the easy $ they get from reality tv. That's the real source of the problem.
I Love Dino forever
another good movie with john wayne
I have to opoligise and say kellys Heros is a war movie but great them and two more westerns comr to mind that are great is The Magnificent Seven and the good bad and the ugly
“Texas is a woman, she used to say, a big, wild, beautiful woman”
Fucking love john Wayne and the elder boys
John Wayne... Elmer Bernstein.... Hell ya ;)
One of his best.., 'Red River' and 'The Quiet Man' were really good, too.. Let's not forget, 'True Grit', won John Wayne an Oscar.. Name one or two more, John Wayne movies', that you liked and enjoyed ? Movie junkies' say, when you watch a movie, more than three or four times and dream it in your sleep, that's a good to excellent movie. What John Wayne movies' did you like ?
Brannigan 1975
@edestci It was George Kennedy.
shovel.
Elmer Bernstein must sue Elmer Bernstein for copy rights.....
Ahh, Bernstein, is there anything he can't
score?
Close to magnificent seven theme
sadat khan that's because it's from the very same composer
Bet they all had different fathers
Thumbs up if you're sick and tired of UA-cam ads at the opening.
I get this theme song confused with the theme song to Magnificent Seven.
themes are very similar
Same composer ; it's not plagiarism if you borrow from yourself ; listen to the music from The Rough Riders ; of course he also did To Kill A Mockingbird and Hollywood and the Stars ; but for rollicking western themes Elmer is the great
It also resembles the Quigley Down Under theme.
Testing
Back in the days when a white man was a good man.
Magnificent 7 theme again 😅
ALLRIGHT DID ANYBODY SEE NED PEPPER THAT NO GOOD BRUSH POPPER JAYBIRD
SWC
John Wayne räumt auf!
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.
This theme and the Magnificent Seven are the anthems of manliness.
I can still hear the crack of the hickory when Big John smacked George Kennedy across the face.
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.
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 is one of my favorite John Wayne Movies.
The Duke deserves no less than BIG Music ! I agree with you.
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.
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!"
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
My favourite western theme,and one of my favourite pieces of music.
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
Epic movie, and the soundtrack is without doubt a masterpiece.
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.
Maybe the last of the best western musical themes !
Big John the best always (RIP) music fantastic - love movie, love theme :-)
They couldn't make a western like this today.
Because all the brothers would be trying to find their feminine side....
ronetteloverz So true...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....
ronetteloverz spot on mate.
The answer is simple, just remake it with a female cast. sort of like Ghost Busters. Maybe Melissa McCarthy could play the John Wayne role (Yes, I am kidding)
Sure.. I love the Theme from The Big Valley.... And The Virginian too.. But my favourite TV Western Theme is The High Chaparral. 😎
Cannot disagree with any of your choices. They made GREAT themes in those days.
This one and the theme from El Dorado are simply superb.👏👏👏👏
I can't decide which theme I like more, this or El Dorado.
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 .
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.
A great theme, from an era of good versus bad storylines.That payed little attention to the facts
It's a bygone era. They don't do stuff like this anymore
Fantastic!
Greetings from Germany!