Observation on the Henry Mancini-composed theme music.
Sounds kind of pastoral, doesn't it?
shareAnd? The show takes place in rural New England. Pastoral location.
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MovieChat Forums > Newhart (1982) Discussion > Observation on the Henry Mancini-compose...
Newhart wanted the show to be about a couple living in a small town away from the hustle and bustle of the city, as a contrast to his first show which took place in Chicago. The two different theme songs did a good job of representing the respective moods of both shows.
shareLoved the theme! And if you look carefully you'll see Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda from On Golden Pond driving into the driveway. Not joking.
Dini
Yes, I learned the opening title sequence was outtakes from that 1981 movie. Two other words that would describe the theme music would be provincial and stately, especially with the majestic violin strings.
shareYEA, I MEAN TOP DRAW, ENRICHING
shareThe theme song doesn't make the show seem like a comedy. I love the theme song, but always reminded me of a "Little House On the Prairie" kind of theme.
My job is to inform, not persuade- Dan Rather
Good observation. It's a wonderful music composition-- but yes, it doesn't really clue the viewer in that he or she is about to watch a comedy. It would have worked with a drama-- like a nighttime soap about people in Vermont.
shareThe only other sitcoms I can think of whose theme music didn't sound like it was a comedy show were M*A*S*H and Taxi.
shareI am really glad they didn't go the brash comedy route with their theme song. I think the Newhart theme reflects the surroundings of Vermont.
shareEverutime I hear the theme, I think of the fall, and it always makes me want to visit Vermont!
shareYeah, they definitely should have gone with something more punky and new wave. SMH. The Newhart theme is a work of art in relation to the show. It's majestic. Please don't tamper with a good thing π
"The key is, you've got to be crazy to maintain your sanity"
It does. While I like Mancini's work and he has many great themes to his name, this particular one reminds me, strongly, of the theme for All Creatures Great and Small.
shareIt establishes an atmosphere for the show which is a strong factor in the series' success, just as much as the comedy.
Nobody knows what "literally" means anymore. Literally.
I agree. It has a very pleasant, inviting feel to it that is continued in the show itself. It's one of the few openings I will listen to every time I watch an episode.
shareI wasn't a fan of the show, but I watch it on Antenna TV just to hear the theme. I love that tune! Then I found out, in a post above that the scenes during the opening credits are out-takes of "On Golden Pond". Love it!!!!!
*The Manitou is in and will take your calls now.
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OMG, Henry Mancini composed this theme? It's so different from his earlier work in the 60s--nice, but the polar opposite of the really jazzy, swinging 60s stuff he is most famous for.
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