2000 leagues under the sea. Paul J. Smith

The oceans during the late 1800s are no longer safe; many ships have been lost. Sailors have returned to port with stories of a vicious giant whale with a long horn which sinks their ships. A naturalist, Professor Pierre Aronnax (Paul Lukas), his assistant Conseil (Peter Lorre), and the professional whaler Ned Land (Kirk Douglas), join a US expedition which attempts to unravel the mystery. The trio is captured by the vessel's commander Captain Nemo (James Mason), and accompany him on a journey of adventure and discovery as the Nautilus and her occupants travel some 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

The main theme is Captain Nemo’s Theme, a tragic minor modal melody comprised of an A phrase, which is expressed by dark horns and tragic strings with wondrous harp glissandi, while the B phrase flows with lyrical strings and twinkling harp glissandi that lighten the color of the piece while maintaining its dramatic arc. This theme is in reality Captain Nemo, our story’s anti-hero. It animates the score and helps to provide the film an important gravitas, beginning powerfully with a grand and portentous statement of dramatic heraldic horns.

[sammywestenberger]

Paul J. Smith Isolated Score Main Title