MovieChat Forums > The Last Detail (1974) Discussion > What's the Somber music near the end?

What's the Somber music near the end?

posted 15 years ago by wjmansperger
6 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone know the name of the somber/dirge like music played near the end of the film when "Mule" & "Bad Ass" actually transfer Meadows through the gates of the prison?

[–] eThink 15 years ago

I think that the dirge-like music at the end of "The Last Detail" is based on a a classical piece of music.

Over the past year I have heard this music a few times and I have asked myself, "why do I remember this piece of music?"

Now I can place the source of my knowledge of this music.

It worked very well in The Last Detail.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] eThink 15 years ago

I finally heard this memorable music from The Last Detail on the radio this morning.

The music is the "The Bells" by William Byrd. You can listen to the complete piece (2'30") here http://www.boulderbrass.org/%28BE%29Brahmsbyrd.htm#The%20Bells

You can also download the Eastman Wind Ensemble version of this music from Amazon for $0.99. http://www.amazon.com/William-Byrd-Suite-6-Bells/dp/B000VH4NQ4

Coincidentally, as I write this message, it is a gray, snowy day, much like the day in The Last Detail. "The Bells" seems to be an appropriate musical them for today's weather.

[–] mcintyro 11 years ago

I like the use of music in this film. It starts out with some popping upbeat military stylish songs - think Popeye - as some sort of friendship seems to grow between the three of them, some 'all for one like thing' as they try and show Meadows a good time, but as the end approaches the music becomes more somber because pretty soon this has to end and reality has to take place.

[–] stevenbyczek 10 years ago

I agree "mcintyro." The music always reminded me of a funeral march. Meadows is still alive, but he's being escorted to a 6-8 year prison sentence. After seven days of enjoying life to the fullest, he has to endure many years of isolation and boredom. He won't see the outside world for a long time and will become "temporarily dead", symbolically speaking.

Sincerely,

Steve :-)

Keep the faith!

[–] onleft23 10 years ago

@ eThink - T/y for this info. The music - dirge - at the end of Last Detail really fits the scene. I appreciate learning - so many years after - its name.