The Intruder (1962), starred William Shatner, was written by Charles "Twilight Zone" Beaumont who also had a small part in the film, and directed by Roger Corman. It dealt with desegregation, racism, and white supremacy in a small southern town, not the typical subject matter that Roger became known for with his seemingly endless string of films for American International. Perhaps the world premiere release of the soundtrack will create new interest for this long forgotten film.

Were it not for the efforts of Monstrous Movie Music, Herman Stein would have been almost completely forgotten. If you purchased MMM 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954, and 1956 you would have the majority of the recorded material except for one Varese Sarabande VSD 5407 and an Intrada MAF 7054D release. Pretty sad considering he was involved with a couple of hundred films mostly in the uncredited category.

While all of the cues are good, the three jazz combo pieces from Benny Carter, Buddy Collette, Nick Fatool, Al Hendrickson, and Jimmy Bond stand out as pieces that could have easily been performed away from the film in a smoke filled lounge instead of being used for source material. Not sure who played alto and tenor saxophone but Collette and Carter had fine riffs in "Like Noise". "Main Title", also repeated in "Reprise" is a running track filled pulsating tension and suspense with strings providing the rhythm/percussion and the rest of the orchestra the theme. This soundtrack, due to budget limitations, was only a (20) piece ensemble consisting of no violins and the reed section doubling on instruments when necessary. Stein, use to working with less than funds, always managed to achieve the maximum, giving it a fuller sound. "Parked", a short 50 second cue, will remind you of something North might have written for his Streetcar Named Desire score. "Guts" is a serious theme, one that was written for the walk to the school to begin the desegregation process. It is a solemn but relentess theme which is also repeated in "More Guts" and a short reference in "Framed".

In addition to The Intruder score there are several misc. pieces that Stein composed or arranged throughout his career. Career for Two, written in 1951 was Herman's first assignment, one which launched his career. It was a piece written for the New York State Banking industry about the virtues of savings banks. There is also a dance band arrangement of "Dances of the Persian Slave Girls", some unused score material, his student piano piece while studying with Castelnuovo-Tedesco, and a polka perfect for the Lawrence Welk show. Consider all of this bonus material like extra cues.

This is yet another welcome opportunity to be able to explore Herman Stein. It is available through MMM's website only. Take advantage. Recommended!