The ninth release in Guild’s invaluable series of Light Music collections focuses on the famous movies that graced the screen in the immediate pre and post war years. Again this is a deeply nostalgic album that brings together some of those memorable themes that will definitely bring a wistful tear to the eye of those who lived through those tumultuous years.

The themes are played by a collection of excellent orchestras such as the MGM Studio Orchestra under the baton of Robert Farnon, the legendary Queens Hall Light Orchestra, the Melachrino Strings and the concert orchestras of Charles Williams, Sidney Torch and Philip Green. Although some of the films may not be so familiar today, one cannot overlook such classics as ‘Shane’, ‘Odette’ and ‘City Lights’ which are all represented here in various forms and guises.

David Ades provides all the necessary biographical information that the seasoned collector needs to know and the transfers are, as usual with this series, of a crystal clear nature. There is nothing much to add to the plaudits of this collection although those who are collecting the series will definitely snap this up immediately. I just can’t wait for the next issue. Gerald Fenech

There should be something for everybody in this compilation of music that in many cases has deservedly outlived the films for which it was written. In the field of historical movie music the CD is a worthy addition.
John Leeman - MusicWeb-International.com