Max Steiner: Hollywood’s Most Influential Composer

Mar 14

Written By Tim Millard

The Extras

Max Steiner: Hollywood's Most Influential Composer

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March 14, 2022

Steven C. Smith

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Emmy nominated documentary producer, author, and speaker Steven C. Smith joins the podcast to discuss his book MUSIC BY MAX STEINER: THE EPIC LIFE OF HOLLYWOOD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL COMPOSER.

During his illustrious career, composer Max Steiner scored over 300 films and was nominated for 24 Academy Awards. We explore Steiner’s career highlights starting with the groundbreaking King Kong (1933), before detailing his work on the beloved “Gone with the Wind” (1939) and the classic “Casablanca" (1942). We then review Max Steiner’s score on two Warner Archive releases in March of 2022, starting with the 1937 version of “A Star is Born” starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, and the 1942 James Cagney World War II classic “Captains of the Clouds.”

Mr. Smith also touches on Steiner’s positive working relationships with director Michael Curtiz, Warner Bros studio boss Jack Warner, actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, and the relentless David O. Selznick. And we discuss Max Steiner’s tireless efforts on behalf of composer residuals, something that eventually happened toward the end of his career and guaranteed his financial comfort, before briefly touching on Steiner's influence on some contemporary composers and filmmakers.

And finally, Mr. Smith provides his opinion on the recent decision by the Academy of Motion Pictures to not broadcast live the Oscar for “Best Original Score” and what that might mean for the future of the broadcast, and what Max Steiner would have thought of this decision.

LINKS

Steven C. Smith website:
www.mediasteven.com

Larry Edmunds Bookstore
www.larryedmunds.com

Max Steiner Book
https://www.larryedmunds.com/product-page/music-by-max-steiner-the-epic-life-of-hollywood-s-most-influential-composer

Bernard Herrmann Book
https://www.larryedmunds.com/product-page/a-heart-at-fire-s-center-the-life-and-music-of-bernard-herrmann

The Extras Facebook page
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Warner Archive & Warner Bros Catalog Group

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