The "official" original soundtrack was released by Varese Sarabande in 1986, composed AND conducted by Aaron Copland. I was lucky enough to buy it. The album was produced from the original Republic Pictures 78rpm disc masters made at the soundtrack recording sessions in 1948. Because these records were not made with commercial release in mind, the monaural sound quality varies. Surface noise due to age and condition of the acetate originals has been minimized as much as possible in making the transfer to the tape from which the LP was produced. I'm happy just to listen to this wonderful score.

http://www.soundtrackcollector.com/catalog/soundtrackdetail.php?movieid=14683

filmfactsman, March 5, 2006; 1:20 AM

Thanks to both of you for responding to my question. It would be fun to listen to these 78 transfers some day just to compare them to the "official" Varese release, which has still not found its way to CD.


tlkiefner, March 5, 2006; 7:08 AM