THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN - Original Score By Laurie Johnson
CD Includes Digital Download / Digital Booklet
Dragon's Domain Records presents the original soundtrack to the 1988 romantic adventure film THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN, directed by John Hough (TWINS OF EVIL, THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, THE AVENGERS) written by Barbara Cartland and Terence Feely, starring Emma Samms, Hugh Grant, Michael York, Oliver Reed, Claire Bloom, Robert Morley and Lysette Anthony. The soundtrack features music composed and conducted by Laurie Johnson (THE AVENGERS, DR. STRANGELOVE, FIRST MEN IN THE MOON) .
Produced for television b and based on Barbara Cartland’s 1952 romance novel, CUPID RIDES PILLION, the film is also known as DANGEROUS LOVE. The story is set in England during the Restoration of King Charles II to the throne. THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN provided composer Laurie Johnson with the perfect canvas to showcase his talents, allowing him to draw from a rich tapestry of inspiration, channeling the styles of celebrated composers from Hollywood’s Golden Age, including Sir William Walton, Franz Waxman, Max Steiner, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and his esteemed friend, Bernard Herrmann. The score includes a principal heroic theme for Hugh Grant’s enigmatic highwayman, Lucius Vyne, and a delicate, recurring love theme that captures the essence of the principal characters' various romantic encounters, forming the emotional backbone of this captivating narrative. The score is brought to life through a traditional symphony orchestra, recorded in England with a talented ensemble of musicians, many of whom Johnston had collaborated with over the years.
Born in Hampstead, London, in 1927, Laurie Johnson undertook his musical studies at the Royal College of Music, where he would later return as a professor. He embarked on a professional musical career at the age of 21, composing and arranging for a variety of big bands, a love which continues to this day with his jazz ensemble, The London Big Band. Johnson began scoring films and television in 1956, and soon proved to have an affinity for quirky and fantastic films with his scores for Stanley Kubrick’s DR. STRANGELOVE (1963) and FIRST MEN IN THE MOON (1964). In addition, Johnson scored episodes of THRILLER and THE AVENGERS for television, including the latter’s popular title theme. Johnson also became associated with the legendary Hollywood composer, Bernard Herrmann towards the end of Herrmann’s career.
Dragon’s Domain Records presents THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN, featuring music composed by Laurie Johnson, appearing for the very first time on compact disc. The music has been mastered by James Nelson at Digital Outland and the liner notes have been written by G.B. Kemner and Scott Davis.
THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN is a limited edition release of 500 units. THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN is expected to begin shipping the week of February 24th, 2025
01. Opening Credits (1:31)
02. Opening Narration (0:49)
03. Chasing Lucius (4:35)
04. Lady Panthea Vyne (1:53)
05. Silver Blade Appears And The Duel (5:57)
06. Panthea And Emma (0:30)
07. Fanfares For The King (1:58)
08. Court Intrigue (1:49)
09. Silver Blade At Work (1:58)
10. Where Is He Hiding (4:00)
11. Panthea And Lucius (3:19)
12. This Is My Home (2:06)
13. The Truth About Lady Panthea Vyne (2:24)
14. The Verdict And Attempted Escape (1:58)
15. Awaiting Execution (2:58)
16. Battle At The Gallows And The Wedding (Finale) (7:18)
17. Closing Credits (0:53)
18. Bumpers (0:18)
Total Time: 47:00
