Episode 32 - The Long Goodbye
John Williams and Robert Altman collaborated one more time, for the crime drama "The Long Goodbye." Unlike their work on "Images," Altman did not give Williams as much creative license. Williams was to use only one theme and put it through several different styles in the film. This includes using a sitar during a dance scene, guitars for visits to Mexico and even John Williams sitting at the piano for a lively rendition. He and Johnny Mercer wrote a song for the lyrics, sung mostly by Jack Sheldon, known for The Merv Griffin Show and songs from Schoolhouse Rock. Join host Jeff Commings as he examines the final collaboration between these movie icons.
