Packet 9: Tossup 20

This composer was assisted by David Raksin, who later scored Laura, in scoring a film with a (15[1])theme inspired by the first-act (15[1])love duet from Tosca. In 1966, this composer was adamant that then-16-years-dead (-5[1])Al Jolson sing his song “This is My Song,” which was finally sung by Petula Clark. This composer, who was the uncle of Jefferson Airplane drummer Spencer Dryde, was the son of an alcoholic father and asylum patient mother, whom he supported by clog dancing. At age 84, this composer won his only competitive Oscar for a song known as “Terry’s Theme” or “Eternally,” (15[1])due to the 1973 re-release of (*) Limelight. (10[2])Michael Jackson’s favorite (10[2])song was this composer’s “Smile,” (10[1])the love theme for a film starring his then-wife Paulette Goddard. (10[2])Alfred Newman arranged (10[1])this musician’s score for a film that cribbed the habanera (10[1])“La Violetera” as a leitmotif for a blind florist. For 10 points, name this composer whose first score for films he himself directed (-5[1])was 1931’s City Lights. ■END■ (10[3])

Back to tossups

Buzzes

Summary