VA — The Golden Age Of Science Fiction vol 3

Here’s a CD compilation bringing together three scores from 1950’s sci-fi movies, each of which features dialogue/ sound effects from the films, as well as their trailers. So, the release works as a schlocky audio triple bill of glamorous moon women, demented robot monsters, and an invading alien dressed in tight leather.

The release appears on Dragon Domain Records. The CD is presented in a clear jewel case. There’s a glossy/ colour six-panel inlay- with a short write-up about the compilation, the film's scores featured, and a selection of stills/ poster art from the films.

We open up with six musical tracks and a trailer from 1953’s Cat-Women Of The Moon. This Arthur Hilton (The Big Chase, episodes of The Buster Keaton Show) directed film featured an astronaut setting down on the moon to find it occupied by attractive black jump suit-wearing women. The score is by Elmer Bernstein ( The Great Escape, Airplane). The cues featured move from the dramatic & forbidding orchestration of “ Kip Saves The Ships” with its whizzing and slicing sound effects. Onto the musical box tinkly meets plonky/ unease organ key lead “Welcome Dance of Seduction” which later shifts in a waltzing/ darting rhythm and eastern promise melody.

Next are five musical tracks and a trailer from Robot Monster, which is also from 1953. The film regards a monstrous Ro-Man, who is set to destroy the last family on Earth. It was directed by Phil Tucker( Dream Follies & Broadway Jungle), with a score once again by Mr Bernstein. The cues here move from the chiming ominous bells, bounding piano keys, and snaking percussion of “Introduction & Main Titles” which features hissing/ foreboding radio static sound effects. Onto a trailer that declares it’s an invasion of an indestructible moon monster that will terrify you with its brutal reality.

Finally, we have seven tracks and a trailer from 1954’s Devil Girl From Mars, which regards a stern, all-dressed-in-tight-leather female/humanoid alien landing near an isolated Scottish Inn. This was directed by David MacDonald( Tread Softly & Small Hotel), with a score by Edwin Astley( The Saint TV show & Digby: The Biggest Dog in the World). Here we move from “Arrival At The End” with its swirling mix of felt orchestration, flighty flute lead uneasy, and sudden darting bass forbode. Onto circling strings, tolling vibes/ keys, and the eerier swoon of “Inside The Ship”

The Golden Age Of Science Fiction vol 3 is a lot of 1950’s soundtrack fun, with the wonderfully Chessy placement of sound effects and dialogue to enhance ones schlocky enjoyment.