![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() “The Diary of Anne Frank (Overture)” opens dramatically with sparkling fanfare that is adorned with twinkling woodwinds and percussion. This Overtire stands as a score highlight and testimony to Newman’s mastery of his craft. It is as though he was able to tap into a deeply held reservoir of faith he possessed yet did not overtly demonstrate in his daily life.Īs was customary in the 1950s, composers would create an Overture to play as a set piece prior to the start of the film to establish the mood. I close by adding the observation as an avid collector that although Newman was a non-practicing Jew, some of his greatest efforts involved films which dealt with faith and spirituality, such as “The Song Of Bernadette” 1943, “The Robe” 1953 and “The Greatest Story Ever Told” 1965. Lastly, we have a Waltz Theme, which speaks to Anne’s romantic yearnings with Peter. The Hope Theme, which speaks to the kindled romance that arises between Anne and Peter as well as their yearnings for a normal life in a better world. The Faith Theme a solemn yet impassioned statement, which captures the spiritual essence of the story. He states’ “ I didn’t try to illustrate, except in a few places, what was happening on the screen, so much as invoke in the music the remembrance of happier times, and the longings for the future – the longings of an oppressed people.” For the score Newman provides four themes Anne’s Theme, which speaks to her innocence, her yearning for freedom as well as her playfulness as a young girl. ![]() Yet Newman took this further in that he found that he was most touched by the spirituality of the story. I had a feeling mixed of exultation and repugnance.” Newman said he was instructed by Stevens to not dwell on gloom, but to instead create an intimate soundscape, which focused on love and humor. To acclimate himself he traveled to Holland and stood in the very room the Franks lived. Stevens selected renowned Alfred Newman for composer who stated upon being hired that the story resonated with him deeply. The film was a stunning commercial success and won critical acclaim, securing eight Academy nominations including best score for Alfred Newman, who lost to Rozsa’s magnificent effort Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. This poignant story explores the life of persecuted people living in constant fear as seen through the eyes of Anne. Together, living in isolation, they try to avoid detection while praying for Holland to be liberated by the Allies. Later on, they are joined by the dentist Dussel. A sympathetic local businessman Kraler and his assistant Miep prepare a hiding place in the rooms above their place of business, and arrange for the Franks and another family, the Van Daans, to stay there. The story is set in Nazi occupied Holland where Otto Frank and his family have decided to go into hiding, because of the increasing persecutions against Jews. Unknown Millie Perkins was hired for the title role and was supported by Otto Schilkraut (her father Otto), Gusti Huber (her mother Edith), Richard Beymer (her boyfriend Peter Van Daan) and Shelly Winters (Petronella Van Daan). When it secured both a Tony award and a Pulitzer prize Warner Brothers bought the film rights and hired George Stevens to produce and direct a film adaptation. Francis Goodrich and Albert Kackett successfully adapted the novel Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl for the Broadway stage. ![]()
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