One Good Song Deserves a Scorer: Adapted Score, 1964

The more I see films from this category, the more I realize how important this category could be now. Last year especially gave us cause to consider the reemergence of the Adaptation Score category when films like Black Swan and True Grit eschewed original pieces in favor of variations of existing work. For both films, the musical choice further contributed to the film's mood. So, too, do these underscores, arranged by their composers from the films' songs (all are musicals, you'll notice), contribute to the zany, the lovely, the melancholy, the confidence and the Sinatra.

George Martin adapting The Beatles for A Hard Day's Night

**

George Martin arranges some very inventive, if seldom-used, variations on the title tune. I only noticed it the one time and quite enjoyed it, but otherwise it's the Beatles' songs providing the magic. And that's a different category altogether.

Irwin Kostal adapting The Sherman Brothers for Mary Poppins

**** 

Strangely, this was nominated for both original and adapted score. I believe Irwin Kostal arranged the underscoring of the Sherman Brothers' original songs, so there was just enough confusion to warrant its placement in two categories. Well, Kostal does a wonderful job, and his use and appreciation of "Feed the Birds" -- the favorite song of both fans and Disney -- is especially effective.  I don't fully understand how this category works, but I do know that I like all the music in Mary Poppins.

Andre Previn adapting Frederick Loewe for My Fair Lady

*****

The only proper nominee in this category. No confusion over original music, or how often it plays, or anything like that. Previn's arrangements of "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "I'm An Ordinary Man" are well-executed. I never appreciated until this viewing how often the tune of "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" creeps ever so subtly into numerous scenes. Lovely.

Nelson Riddle adapting Jimmy Van Huesen for Robin and the 7 Hoods

**

I honestly just don't remember this, but I remember liking the music at the time.

Robert Armbruster, Leo Arnaud, Jack Elliott, Jack Hayes, Calvin Jackson and Leo Schuken adapting Meredith Willson for The Unsinkable Molly Brown

***

With most of the musical numbers from the show excised, it's up to the arrangers here to keep the music going. They certainly do a good job, though I wish they were working with better music (I can't stand "I Ain't Down Yet"). Still, substantial work from all involved. God bless 'em, every one.

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It's like the Academy and I were on the same wavelength this year! I'd award the Oscar to...

PREVIN

for

MY FAIR LADY