DESCRIPTION OF MUSIC

Here are some brief descriptions of some of our music cues.  RealAudio excerpts of many of them can be heard on this page, with other cues being heard in their entirety.  If you would like to hear tracks not presently on our site in audio form, please contact us.

  • THE MOLE PEOPLE (1956)
  • 1.   Trademark:  Joyous fanfare
  • 2.   Prologue:  Mysterious and foreboding bass flute and strings
  • 3.   Main Title:  Powerful monster/action music with brass and flutes.   Spooky
     Novachord (organ) and woodwinds at 1:01
  • IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE  (1953)
  • 15. Main Title:  Quintessential ‘50s fanfare with real Theremin!  One of the great
         ‘50s themes
  • 16. Sand Rock:  Beautiful and pastoral Americana theme
  • 17. Star Gazing:  Lovely nocturne with strings, woodwinds, and percussion.
     Explosive action builds at 1:15
  • 18. Visitors From Space:  Classic ‘50s sci-fi sounds throughout, with Theremin
     starting at 1:35.  A fabulous cue with one section related to cues #10 and #12
     on “More Monstrous Movie Music” CD. 
  • 19. The Thing Follows:  Theremin provides sci-fi atmosphere in beginning.  Rest
     of cue is mysterious and spooky, with moments of dread
  • 20. Mysterious Desert:  Pervading mystery with prominent harp and
     ‘50s-sounding organ
  • 21. Globs Give Instructions:  Atmospheric with build-up to potent scary finale
  • 22. Prospector Globbed:  Mysterious and atmospheric, with Theremin attack at
     1:28
  • 23. Dr. Snell Disappears:  Misterioso with woodwinds, strings, and organ
  • 24. Kidnapping Ellen:  Edgy suspense building to Theremin and timpani attack
  • 25. Glob Frank Killed:  Full-orchestral action interspersed with quieter moments,
     build-up starting at 1:30
  • 26. Killing Glob Ellen:  Gently foreboding
  • 27. End Title:  Powerful action with ultra-happy ending
  • 28. End Cast:  Full-orchestral version of Americana theme of cue #16.
     Triumphant resolution
  • TARANTULA (1955)
  • 1.   Introduction:  Monster fanfare
  • 2.   Main Title:  Powerful orchestral action music
  • 3.   Gruesome Corpse:  Suspenseful strings and woodwinds
  • 4.   Radioactive Research:  Spooky cue with Novachord organ sounds -- related
      to This Island Earth cue #5
  • 5.   Spider On The Loose:  Classic sci-fi and monster motifs throughout, with
     many powerful moments
  • 6.   Burying The Evidence:  Slow building suspense with touches of mystery.
     Spooky organ and strings at :58
  • 7.   Side Effects:  Mild atmospheric tension with strings and woodwinds. 
     Monstrous hit at end
  • 8.   Big Bunnies:  Dramatic tension with tremolo strings.  Colorful piano effects at
     :30
  • 9.   Agar to the Rescue:  Action build-up at :15, with monstrous assault at :41
  • 10. Evening Snack:  Moody atmosphere builds into classic ‘50s sci-fi music at
     :37.  Part of this latter section is related to cue #18 on the “Monstrous Movie
     Music” CD and cue #12 of this Tarantula suite
  • 11. Bringing Down The House:  After opening shock sequence, long orchestral
     build-up as tension increases.  A classic suspense cue, with piano building
     urgency until powerful climax
  • 12. Blasted Arachnid:  Moderate suspense, with monster-approaching music at
     :17.  This latter theme also appears on This Island Earth CD, cue #25. 
      At :56 is theme related to cue #18 on the “Monstrous Movie Music” CD
      and cue #10 on this Tarantula suite
  • 13. End Title:  Triumphant ending music
  • THE MONOLITH MONSTERS (1957)
  • 25. Main Title:  Very distinctive and powerful monster motif with piano, drums,
     brass, and organ
  • GORGO  (1961)
  • 26. Main Title:  Potent opening fanfare, gorgeous melody follows at :32 with
     orchestra and accordion
  • 27. Restless Sea/Underwater/Tidal Wave:  Colorful, yet ominous, followed by
     spooky impressionism with prominent vibraphone.  Stirring and powerful
     action at :57
  • 28. On The Island/Inner Room:  Beautifully haunting, with accordion carrying
     melody.  Portentously mysterious at 1:22
  • 29. Gorgo Sighted/Gorgo Surfaces:  Impressionistic uneasiness.  At 1:10,
     organ-powered monster attack begins
  • 30. Fire Fight:  Full-orchestral action music
  • 31. Making A Plan/Ocean Voyage:  Gentle melodic cue on accordion.  Coloristic
     effects at :57, with heightening strings at end
  • 32. Gorgo Escapes/Mama Rises:  Brassy action, and at :33, percussion-colored
     monster attack music
  • 33. Jet Alert/Battleship Barrage:  Dissonant monstrous brass, interspersed with
     militaristic brass
  • 34. Military Might/Torpedo Attack:  Quietly ominous beginning, leading to
     militaristic brass, and at 1:11, there’s monster action music with a beat!
  • 35. Big Ben Demolished:  Very powerful full-orchestral monstrous action
  • 36. London Trampled:  Driving, unrelenting action music being propelled by
     drums, brass, and organ
  • 37. Return To Sea/End Title:  Brassy fanfare in beginning, with triumphant ending

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Creature From The Black Lagoon
  • THE M-G-M TARZAN FILMS (1934 - 1942)
  • 1.   Fanfare/A Cannibal Carnival:  Upbeat fanfare followed by bizarre-but-exciting
     Public Domain drum-and-brass-driven jungle cue
  • 2.   In The Woodland:  Impressionistically-evocative, gentle and lovely
  • 3.   Tarzan Montage:  Drum-propelled jungle music
  • 4.   End Title:  Humorous flourish
  • 5.   New End Cast:  Beautiful and triumphant end music
  • 6.   My Tender One:  Sweeping, lovely, triumphant end music
  • CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON  (1954)
  • 7.   Main Title:  One of the most famous ‘50s monster fanfares, followed by
     landmark monster theme.  Spooky organ and strings at :50
  • 8.   Prologue:  Celestial organ followed by powerful fanfares.  Evocative
     passages, with ominous build-up starting at 1:24, leading to frightening ending
  • 9.   The Webbed Hand:  Two instances of Creature theme
  • 10. The Diver:  Sparkling, lovely mood created by woodwinds, harp, and strings
  • 11. Marine Life:  Mysterious and hypnotic riff on woodwinds and harp
  • 12. Almost Caught:  Tense atmosphere with shock effects throughout
  • 13. Digger’s Failure:  Purposeful and moody, with piano, woodwinds, and strings
  • 14. Unknown River:  Beautifully-lyrical melody on strings and woodwinds
  • 15. Tale Of The Mermaid:  Exotically-beautiful cue with swirling accompaniment 
  • 16. Salvage Of The Lady Luck:  Forceful music with some vintage ‘50s
     atmosphere, with fabulous “Theremin effect” on funky Hammond organ at :25,
     1:35, and elsewhere
  • 17. Duke’s Little Helper:  Quiet suspense cue
  • 18. Kay And The Monster, Part 1:  Beautiful opening with strings, harp, and bells
     turns to classic ‘50s horror at :55
  • 19. Kay And The Monster, Part 2:  Slow-but purposeful terror
  • 20. Tony Visits Port Royale, Part 1:  Light orchestral action with steady beat
  • 21. Brad Rescues Tony, Part 2:  Unique swirling action music with organ begins
     at :17
  • 22. Henry’s Trap:  Spooky and uneasy mood, with monster themes at end
  • 23. Clay Meets A Badman:  Many atmospheric passages throughout this haunting
     cue
  • 24. That Hand Again:  Brassy monster themes with purposeful attacking music
  • 25. Monster Caught:  Quietly and beautifully mysterious
  • 26. Minyora’s Plan:  Marimba-tinged spookiness
  • 27. Monster Gets Mark, Part 1:  Uneasiness leading to powerful action music at
     :41, with moments of sheer horror
  • 28. Monster Gets Mark, Part 2:  Brassy action
  • 29. End Title:  Blaring, classic monster-attack music with triumphant finale
  • 30. End Cast:  Upbeat fanfare ending
  • THE ALLIGATOR PEOPLE  (1959)
  • 31. Main Title:  Dramatic fanfare, followed by unique sound of electric violin, which
     creates wonderfully mysterious atmosphere
  • 32. Truth Serum:  Spooky atmosphere with woodwinds, harp, and ‘50s organ
  • 33. Shocker (Part II):  Romantic opening, explosive finale
  • 34. Dark Memories:  Similar to cue #32, with spooky atmosphere colored by
     vibraphone
  • 35. The Swamp:  Ominous cue with action starting at :25
  • 36. Cobalt Bomb:  Gentle and eerie
  • 37. His Mother:  Haunting electric violin at :10, with driving action at end
  • 38. Shocker (Part I):  Covers a wide variety of quiet moods
  • 39. Get That Gator:  Short, urgent cue
  • 40. Alligator Head:  ‘50s monster music par excellence!  Brassy themes with
     electric violin adding notable  effects.  A classic creature cue
  • 41. Paul’s Death, Part I:  Monstrous action
  • 42. Paul’s Death, Part II:  Chaotic monster action with electric violin
  • 43. The End:  Short triumphant end
  • 44. Alligator Piano:  Haunting piano solo
  • 45. Unknown River (alternate):  Alternate version of cue #14
  • 46. Cue #31 without electric violin reveals orchestra beneath
  • 47. Cue #37 without electric violin
  • 48. Cue #40 without electric violin showcases strings
  • 49. Cue #42 without electric violin
Mighty Joe Young
  • MIGHTY JOE YOUNG  (1949)
  • 1.   Main Title:  Powerful orchestral African music with drums
  • 2.   A Good Trade:  Sprightly and playful music throughout
  • 3.   A Surprise For Dad:  Short and sprightly
  • 4.   Beautiful Dreamer:  Celeste and string version of famous Public Domain song
  • 5.   Baby Joe And Transition To New York:  Big City fanfare
  • 6.   African Camp:  Short, African-flavored music
  • 7.   Joe And The Lion:  Action music with prominent percussion at :35
  • 8.   Joe And The Ropers:  Chase action with prominent percussion
  • 9.   Tragedy Averted, Part 2:  Chaotic swirling music at :42
  • 10. Jill Meets Gregg:  Lovely pastorale
  • 11. Nightclub Fanfare:  Big band fanfare
  • 12. African March:  Drum-powered African jazz music!
  • 13. African Dance No. 1:  Faster African jazz
  • 14. African Dance No. 2:  One of the most outlandish African jazz pieces
      imaginable
  • 15. Fanfare No. 2:  Short brassy fanfare
  • 16. Beautiful Dreamer:  Jazz-tinged ‘40s nightclub version of Public Domain song
     with monstrous fanfare at :58
  • 17. Curtain Fanfare:  Long fanfare
  • 18. Fanfare #4:  Short fanfare
  • 19. Fanfare #5:  Short fanfare
  • 20. Fanfare #6:  Bassy short fanfare
  • 21. Fanfare #7:  Bright fanfare
  • 22. Fanfare #8:  Short fanfare with cymbal at end
  • 23. Fanfare #9:  Low, muscular fanfare
  • 24. Fanfare #10:  High fanfare with drum tap at end
  • 25. Fanfare #11:  Low fanfare with drum
  • 26. Fanfare #12:  High fanfare
  • 27. Fanfare #13:  Long fanfare with two flourishes and cymbal at end
  • 28. Tenth Week:  Jaunty opening with plaintive strings and woodwind at end
  • 29. Joe Breaks Loose:  Tension-building with muscular brass
  • 30. Joe Runs Amok, Part 1:  Low, urgent fanfare
  • 31. Joe Runs Amok, Part 2:  Dizzying and bizarre orchestral effects
  • 32. Joe Knocked Out:  Another bizarre cue with accelerating action at end
  • 33. Rough House:  Late ‘40s chase music
  • 34. Jill & Gregg, Part 2:  Plaintive love theme
  • 35. Chase, Part 2:  Building action music
  • 36. Chase, Part 3:  Late ‘40s action music starting at :40
  • 37. Joe Eludes The Cops, Part 2:  Swirling orchestral action in beginning
  • 38. Fire, Pt. 1:  Building excitement with screeching woodwinds
  • 39. Fire, Pt. 2:  Deliberate and slow action
  • 40. Fire, Pt. 4:  More deliberate action
  • 41. Fire, Pt. 6:  Slow action with light ‘40s brass at end
  • 42. End Title:  Humorous opening with full-blown triumphant ending
  • 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH  (1957)
  • 43. Schneer’s Emblem:  Brassy fanfare
  • 44. Heaven/Pa Warns Rudolph:  Beautifully atmospheric and celestial (longer
     version at cue #66).  At :31, becomes mysteriously  portentous
  • 45. Sicily:  Gentle, Italian music
  • 46. Comet:  ‘50s horror mood
  • 47. Jericho’s Arrest:  Urgent action
  • 48. Certainly/Substance:  Low brass followed by melancholy theme.  Alien theme
     on ‘50s Novachord organ and marimba at :56
  • 49. Galley Fire:  Frantic action onslaught
  • 50. He Is Dead/Birth Of The Creature:  Moody theme with ‘50s Novachord at :55
  • 51. My Gloves/The Cage:  Spirited, yet quiet, then ‘50s Novachord sci-fi theme
     afterwards
  • 52. Next Morning:  Gentle, then foreboding
  • 53. Village:  Italian music interplays with brass
  • 54. Bookworm (new):  Spooky woodwinds and marimba
  • 55. Trailer/Fisticuffs:  Prototypical ‘40s action music
  • 56. Trial And Escape:  Offbeat action music in first 30 seconds.  Dissonant action
     throughout lengthy cue
  • 57. Stunned:  Short, minor action
  • 58. Meet One Trouble:  Lovely and lyrical melody with violin and viola solos
  • 59. Evil Deed:  Building action and disaster
  • 60. Bite:  Short monster themes
  • 61. My Gloves:  Brassier version of cue #51
  • 62. Throws Stone:  Forceful ‘50s monster music
  • 63. Creature:  Monstrous action music in beginning
  • 64. Moon Mystery And End Title:  Haunting strings lead to triumphant climax
  • HERE COMES MR. JORDAN  (1941)
  • 66. Heaven:  Longer and differently-orchestrated version of beautifully-celestial
     cue #44

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This Island Earth
  • WAR OF THE SATELLITES  (1958)
  • 1.   War Of The Satellites:  Fast-paced, low-budget ‘50s sound
  • THIS ISLAND EARTH  (1955)
  • 2.   Main Title:  Powerful opening, with classic ‘50s-sounding organ and outer
     space effects through rest of cue
  • 3.   Jet West:  Patriotically uplifting
  • 4.   Color Blind:  Mysterious woodwinds
  • 5.   From Unit #16: Classic ‘50s atmosphere, with moody organ starting around
     1:00.  Related to Tarantula cue #4
  • 6.   Interocitor Montage:  Colorful scherzo with xylophone
  • 7.   Eerie Remains:  Quietly portentous
  • 8.   Robot Plane:  Memorably unique and mysterious sound with harp and strings
  • 9.   Haven’t We Met?:  Sci-fi organ opening, followed by lush romantic theme
  • 10. Exeter’s Mansion:  Mysterious after beautiful glistening opening
  • 11. Wrong Girl:  Romantic theme
  • 12. This Way, Doctor:  Mysterious, with alien-sounding organ
  • 13. Secret Meeting:  Quietly atmospheric
  • 14. Neutronic Rays:  Sci-fi action
  • 15. Conversion Tube:  Musical sound effects highlight classic and distinctive sci-fi
     cue
  • 16. Vermont Memories:  Extended version of love theme
  • 17. Transformation:  Prominent sci-fi organ and percussive effects in spooky track
  • 18. Shooting Stars:  Classic sci-fi cue with many high points throughout --
     prominent spooky organ and bells conjures outer space
  • 19. Meteor Battle:  Another outer space cue with exotic descending music starting
     at :32
  • 20. Metaluna Tunnel:  Spooky cue featuring organ
  • 21. Metaluna Transport:  Musical effects highlight very mysterious sci-fi piece
  • 22. Metaluna Catastrophe, Part 1:  Powerful action with shock sequences
  • 23. Metaluna Catastrophe, Part 2:  Classic action and shock sequences throughout
     cue, with distinctive percussive effect at :40
  • 24. Flight From Metaluna:  Lyrical opening, with musical sound effects sequences
     at 1:08 and 1:45
  • 25. Amorous Mutant:  After glistening opening, steady build-up to one of the best
     monster tracks of all-time.  Short version of this theme is in Tarantula cue #12
  • 26. Down To Earth:  Various moods, upbeat ending
  • 27. End Title:  Monstrous action music
  • 28. End Cast:  Short triumphant piece
  • EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS  (1956)
  • 29. Main Title:  Purposeful and powerful action
  • THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS  (1963)
  • 30. Main Title:  Powerful driving action music with prominent French horn calls and
     unearthly strings
  • 31. Greenhouse:  Ominous low strings build to tambourine-flavored attack
  • 32. A Sight For Sore Eyes:  Haunting misterioso with vibraphone
  • 33. Hospital Awry:  Chaotic and dizzying woodwinds
  • 34. Doctor Exits:  Dramatic hit followed by foreboding harp and strings
  • 35. Plane Crash:  Orchestral burst leading to plaintive uneasiness
  • 36. Triff Riff:  Short orchestral attack 
  • 37: Lost:  Transitional strings
  • 38. Susan And Bettina:  Exquisitely lovely with bells
  • 39. Turning On The Lights:  Moody and melancholy
  • 40. Chute To Kill:  Orchestral bursts of terror 
  • 41. Escape/Coker’s Death:  Deliberate chase
  • 42. Spanish Square:  Spanish melody
  • 43. Here Come The Triffids:  Unrelenting slow attack with prominent timpani
  • 44. Leaving Town:  Short transitional music with strings
  • 45. On To Cadiz:  Evocative harp and brass calls highlight mysterious, yet
     lovely, cue
  • 46. Triffid Attack:  Brass and woodwind attack
  • 47. End Of The Triffids:  Noble theme leads to triumphant ending

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