Q13. The scene where they have the Olympic games and Superman blows out the torch did you score the marching theme? People have always been confused about who did that but it sounded similar to your style.
A. Yes, I wrote that short piece.....I hoped it sounded noble and heroic!

Q14. What was your favourite bit of score?
A. If anything it was THE MAIN TITLES which had to underscore Richard's visual humour, Superman, and GENERAL CHAOS!! It was hard to write.

Q15. The soundtrack release was kind of a mixed bag really, everyone I know who owns the LP or tape wants more of your work, were you annoyed that almost of half of the music was not released?
A. Yes, I found the LP very disappointing both in content and quality.

Q16. Rhino Records released John Wllliams complete score to Superman The Movie in a double disc set remastered and with unreleased cues, do you think we could see the complete scores to Superman II and III in the future? There has been alot of interest in hearing the scores especially Superman III!
A. Well Oliver, nothing's impossible I suppose but there is much more interest being shown these days in film scores, so I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Q17. Why did Evil Superman not get a new theme?
A. Because he was still Superman and the cues written during his "evil" period made little if any reference to his major key theme anyway.

Q18. What about artistic decisions regarding the orchestra- IE. Use of synths in some compositions- something that traditionalist John Williams would have regarded as a taboo.
A. All decisions regarding orchestral compliment were made by me alone or in discussions with Richard Lester.

Q19. Were you asked to score Superman 4?
A. NO.

Q20. Alexander Courage scored S4 what did you think to his work on the film?
A. I didn't see the film and I haven't heard the score so i can't comment on that.

Q21. Did Giorgio Moroder and his team (Keith Forsey and Sylvester Levay) work with you in the UK- how much did you collaborate? Did you enjoy the experience?
A. No, I had no connection at all with Giorgio Moroder or his team. (by the way, I know Keith Forsey, but on a social level. I haven't had the pleasure of working with him.)

Q22. Did you get offered other Superhero film scores after S2 and S3?
A. No, not of that genre.

Q23. Have other superhero composers such as Alex Courage(Superman 4) Danny Elfman (Batman) or Elliot Goldenthal asked for your advice about orchestrating superhero music?
A. No! And I can't imagine any reason why they should. They are all highly talented professional people!

Q24. Were digital recording techniques considered at CTS?
A. CTS was always state of the art.

Q25. Have you spoken to John Williams since reorchestrating his Superman work?
A. No.

Q26. Now that you are heavily assocaited with composer Richard Marvin who last worked with director John Mostow on U-571 (which you orchestrated) is there a possibility of you arranging the music for Mostow's Terminator 3?
A. Heavily associated?! Our families have been great friends for many years. If Jon Mostow were to offer Rick "Terminator 3" and should he require my services, I'd be delighted.

Q27. Did Lester show much interest in the Superman III production?
A. Good question! but you would have to ask him personally.

I had a great time with Superman II. My assignment was clear. "You will base your score on the themes used by John Williams in Superman The Movie." Iwas faced with the task of using material from STM to fit to a totally different approach by a different director who had little in common with his predecessor! I really enjoyed the challenge. Superman 2 regarded Superman as a cartoon hero. The villains were totally villainous, it was a love story, and it contained a lot of humour. it was not intended to be viewed as a serious drama. Superman 3 fell between the cracks! It couldn't decide whether to be serious or comical. I found it very difficult to score and only wish it could have been as stimulating as Superman 2!

I had a reel to reel of S2 but it has deteriorated badly. I didn't realise at the time what a short life span the quarter inch tape has. For some reason I don't have anything on S3, except the LP which is only a small part of the whole score.

Thanks to Ken Thorne for this oportunity to interview him, everyone at Superman CINEMA appreciates his time.

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