Take a Hard Ride

Jerry Goldsmith's score to the deeply idiosyncratic Western Take a Hard Ride was subject to significant modification prior to the film's release. According to the liner notes included in this excellent Film Score Monthly reissue, director Anthony M. Dawson excised enormous chunks of Goldsmith's work in favor of reusing a handful of themes inspired by the spaghetti Western symphonies of composer Ennio Morricone. Thus FSM's restored soundtrack represents the first official release of Goldsmith's complete score, and it's an inspired effort that subtly tweaks Western music conventions via eerie but appropriate electronic effects that underscore the film's quirky brand of action and suspense. The main title is especially striking, with its odd piccolo motif blossoming into a rousing adventure theme in the classic horse opera tradition. ~ Jason Ankeny