The 1935 film, produced by Merian C. Cooper from the story by H. Rider Haggard and directed by Lansing C. Holden and Irving Pichel, follows a group of Arctic explorers searching for the land of Kor and the legendary ŒFlame of Life¹ capable of granting immortality to whoever bathes in it. They are successful, but run afoul of the ageless, beautiful queen who desires one of them for her eternal lover. The film starred Randolph Scott, Helen Mack, and Nigel Bruce, and featured Helen Gahagan (in her only role) as She.

Despite lackluster box-office and negative reviews, one aspect of the film has always been revered - Steiner's magnificent score that is at-once powerful, mystical, and diversely colorful. Yet even that was compromised by a budget that saw his orchestra dwindled and musical passages truncated.

But with Tribute's new rerecording using Steiner's original pencil sketches, those problems have been eliminated and his work has at last been given the true opulence it deserves. With the addition of a female choir, the orchestra reached 60 players at times. The score restoration is by Tribute Film Classics partners John Morgan, Anna Bonn and William T. Stromberg, who also conducts the Moscow Symphony Orchestra in an extremely rich and nuanced performance.

Tribute Film Classics is a new label from long-time industry figures Anna Bonn, John Morgan and William Stromberg who have been releasing great re-recordings of classic soundtracks through the Naxos label for many years.

Packaging & Liner Notes
Standard jewel case. Great 32-page colout booklet chock full of info!