The Chase. John Barry
Most everyone in town thinks that Sheriff Calder (Marlon Brando) is merely a puppet of rich oil-man Val Rogers (E-G. Marshall). When it is learned that local baddie Bubber Reeves (Robert Redford) has escaped prison, Jake (James Fox), Rogers' son is concerned because he is having an affair with Anna (Jane Fonda), Reeves' wife. It seems many others in town feel they may have reasons to fear Reeves. Calder's aim is to bring Reeves in alive, unharmed. Calder will have to oppose the powerful Rogers on one hand and mob violence on the other, in his quest for justice.
This is a great score, very rarely mentioned alongside Barry's finest, but a terrific demonstration of his versatility. There is some particularly evocative and moving music, some fine jazz and a wonderful main theme.The tale about violence and repression in the deep south would seem to be perfect territory for Alex North, so I'm sure eyebrows were raised at the appointment of John Barry, who is unlikely to ever be compared with North, but he managed to capture the spirit of North's scores like The Misfits and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? with a great deal of panache, of course pouring his own unmistakable touch all over the music.The main title music is strident and powerful, a fast-paced piece which injects real drive and energy into the movie.