Monday, October 19, 2009

Vic Mizzy, 1916-2009


Composer Vic Mizzy passed away this weekend at the age of 93. If you grew up in the 1960s and you liked humor mixed with your horror, then Mizzy provided the soundtrack to your infatuation. With dozens of TV themes and movies to his credit, Mizzy's trademark clipped, staccato sound, often punctuated with harpsichord or organ, delivered chills with a wink and a chuckle - though the first of his many collaborations with director William Castle (1964's The Night Walker) played its scares straight. I'm wagering you can sing every word to his theme for Green Acres, but for fans of The Jar, here are some of his creepier creations...

The Theme to The Addams Family



The score for William Castle's The Night Walker (1964)



The score and theme song to Castle's The Spirit Is Willing (1966)



The score and title theme to The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)



Also from The Ghost and Mr. Chicken, the memorable music for the haunted pipe organ...




He is survived by a daughter, brother and two grandchildren.

2 comments:

Jeff Allard said...

Great rememberance of Mizzy's work - his music is a part of every horror fan's life whether they knew the man's name or not.

senski said...

I love that Night Walker trailer. When the harpsichord comes in, you immediately know whose music it is.