Come September.

The sound of September is Sound of Autumn!

Sixty two years have passed, yet the theme music of "Come September" continues to enthrall fans worldwide. Robert Mulligan was in a fix as to whom he should appoint as music director for his breezy, romantic saga, "Come September".

The film starring Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida, required music with a lilt and a touch of romance which gelled well with autumn. 

Music director Hans J. Salter was of too serious a nature to compose the title music. After a number of sessions, Salter came up with a solution. He recommended young singer and composer Bobby Darin's name to Mulligan. Salter had watched Darin perform on stage and noticed a rare talent in him.

Seasoned director that he was, Mulligan was not convinced at first. He doubted whether Darin would be the right composer for the title score. Salter organised a joint sitting with Mulligan and Darin. 

Darin played three different tunes on a 12-string guitar. Mulligan was not very impressed. Salter asked Darin to compose an instant tune inspired by autumn which would be romantic as well as foot-tapping and Darin obliged. A spellbound Mulligan asked him to repeat the tune twice. He was now confident about young Darin's ability and signed him to compose the theme music of "Come September".

Darin recorded "Come September" with guitars, mandolins, piano accordions and the bongo, giving stress to a loving lilt. Unconsciously, his feet started tapping to his own creation as he wielded the baton. Hearing his composition, Salter himself confessed to dancing to the tune. An emotional Mulligan hugged Darin, realising the tune would be a trendsetter. Darin recorded the track in only five takes.

My take

An evergreen!

Tailpiece.

Got up a trifle before 6, the chores and was ready by 10. Lekha had, meanwhile, gone to Kottarakkara in Kunjumon's autorickshaw, at a half past 9 to go to the Ganapati kshetram, retrieve the clothes she gave for stitching and to pick up fruits from the More outlet.

On her return, Kunjumon dropped me at Sasiyettan's home - Kaduvaattu - for his funeral. After spending some time at chettan's body, offered my condolences to Rajamma chechi and the immediate family. Left the place after his pyre was lit.

Sat with Unnichettan, on return for a while.

Did the packing - actually, more by Lekha - while viewing the television in the evening.