North by Northwest

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock Starring Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint 1959 One of three great films in successive years Vertigo (1958) Psycho (1960) All have music by Bernard Herrmann

Classic scene of Grant waiting for a visitor in the middle of the Illinois corn field No music. Drama because of that What could music do to enhance the scene?

Herrmann and Hitchcock

When Herrmann began recording the score, Hitchcock showed up, unannounced, at the recording session. Upon hearing the music, he flew into a rage -- a rarity for a man who avoided conflict whenever possible -- bellowing that this was exactly the music he didn't want. According to some accounts, he dismissed the musicians and canceled future recording sessions, effectively firing Herrmann, dramatically accusing him of stabbing him in the back. Herrmann shouted back that Hitch had abandoned his integrity and sold out. Though there is some disagreement over who said what to whom and when, apparently their final dialogue went something like this: Hitchcock: "I'm entitled to a pop tune if I want one!” Herrmann: "What's the use of my doing more with you? I had a career before you and I'll have one afterwards."

Another Photo

Other music by Herrmann besides the big ones and an introduction to his style:style And talking about his work in films:talking Hitchcock’s words:words