Song of the Day: The Misfits (“Compassion / Compassion for Guido”) [YouTube link], composed by Alex North, is a tender theme from the 1961 film, directed by John Huston. Its cast included Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift, and Marilyn Monroe (whose then-husband Arthur Miller penned the screenplay). Plagued by many production problems and considered a box office flop, the movie marked Gable’s final career performance; he died twelve days before filming was completed. It was also Monroe’s final screen performance. The film was released on February 1, 1961 as a paean to Gable, who would have turned 60 on that date. The soundtrack reminds us of the rich diversity of North’s musical palette. North received 15 Oscar nominations in his lifetime, making him the most Oscar-nominated composer without a win, though he did get an Honorary Oscar in 1986. Thomas Newman also has 15 Oscar nominations to his credit, but he’s still got a chance of picking up a statuette someday. Unlike Newman, who has won 6 Grammy Awards, North received 3 Grammy nominations in his career, also without a win. But North will always be a winner in my songbook. Tonight is the 68th Annual Grammy Awards—and today begins my 22nd Annual Film Music February Festival.
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