In the second release of the Carl Davis Collection, we move to the world of the movies. A successful family collaboration must be a rarity but when it does work, it’s very satisfying. Hannah Davis and David Conolly have written and directed a highly effective thriller set in the claustrophobic world of the off-Broadway theatre. We follow the fortunes of the understudy to the leading lady as the production of Sophocles’ Electra moves through the cycle of casting, rehearsals, previews and ultimately what seems to be a successful run.
The score follows the convoluted plot. New York’s ambition and drive have a jazzy theme, led by trumpet star, Guy Barker; the ‘La, La, La Song’ (sung by the brilliant Mary Carewe) and it’s variations express the vulnerability of Rebecca and poor Mr. Davidovitch plays his tenor saxophone in the apartment above (Dave White). Then there is the inner world of the heroine – here Carl Davis is in the thrall of the perfect collaboration of Alfred Hitchcock and composer Bernard Herrman for inspiration. As the film moves towards its climax, all these elements combine.
