World War II - Lots of Movies, Lots of Music

Patton (1970) featured an Oscar-winning score by Jerry Goldsmith

A lot of ink has been spilled over why World War II movies remain popular. Of course, there’s the simple “good guys’ versus “bad guys” angle. I mean, who wants to root for Nazis, anyway?

But beyond being a popular war, fought (mostly) for good reasons, World War II seems like the period from which our modern era emerged, with geopolitical ramifications that still shape our world.

Movies like The Thin Red Line (1998) present an unflinching look at war.

World War II movies present the film maker with a useful lens to examine the human condition. From the still-inspiring propaganda pieces made during the war, through action fantasies, to psychological portraits, and on to unflinching examinations of the effect of combat, they’ve evolved over time, and provide the film maker with a broad canvas to paint their story upon.

This week’s edition of The Silver Screen Soundtrack Hour examines the fertile field of music composed for World War II movies. We’ll hear music from Hans Zimmer, Jerry Goldsmith, William Walton, and many more. We hope you’ll join us!

Produced and hosted by Ken Nail, The Silver Screen Soundtrack Hour airs on Charlottesvilleclassical.org every Thursday at 9 AM and 6 PM, plus Saturdays at Noon. Visit our Facebook page, or contact Ken on Twitter at @ken_classical.