As you note, Mr. Kaylin was musically involved in a number of Charlie Chan films for 20th Century-Fox. You bring up an interesting point as to the volume of the music at times. I feel, upon reflection, that the occasional loudness of the music was dependent on the mood that was being built.
The opening to "Charlie Chan in Reno," one of Kaylin's projects, comes to mind where the music is loud and boisterous as we are given a quick "tour" of Reno nightspots and casinos. This contrasts with the "quieter" scenes that follow later. In "Charlie Chan in Honolulu," the music builds as the drama builds, just as it does in "Charlie Chan in Panama."
Yes, you do bring up a good point, and I will watch - and listen to - these films a little differently now. Samuel Kaylin's style was certainly distinctive, and, I feel that his mastery was perhaps one of building on the mood of the moment and helping to sway the emotions of the viewing audiences of these and other Fox "B" movie adventures.
Along similar lines, you might be interested to compare the above with Samuel Kaylin's work with the music from "Charlie Chan in the Secret Service," which was composed by Karl Hajos. The latter has received much criticism by many Charlie Chan fans due to it's often "over the top" volume and brashness.
I agree about the volume of the music, but I think it is true of many films from this era. Do you think it might have to do with the way the music and other sounds are mixed and added to the films?
Yes, you could be at least partially right about how the music sounds due to the way it was added to the parts of the film where it was used. I was also thinking how the "B" movies of the era were something like the "pulp" magazine adventures of the time, and, as such, a more emotionally stimulating musical accompaniment would be understandable as well as desired.
Thank you Rush and Donna for your responses. I have been viewing Charlie Chan in The Secret Service and the music is somewhat bombastic. I found the name of another Musical Director: Emil Newman ( yes related to Randy )who did CC Wax Museum. I think Joan Valerie is an interesting "bad girl". Thanks again and I am waiting for the release of Volume 3. Thank again Gilbert
You are very welcome, and thank YOU for mentioning the relationship between Randy Newman and Emil Newman. I had never made that connection, but, I seem to recall hearing once that he had a relative (his father?) who had written musical scores for films.
