1961年影片原声 by Jason Ankeny Franz Waxman's score for 1957's Peyton Place is widely cited as a critical turning point in the material's transformation from trashy best-selling novel to mature dramatic film, and with his work on the 1961 sequel Return to Peyton Place the composer tackles an even more Herculean task: making a follow-up that stars virtually none of the original cast members and remains relevant and respectable. Waxman doesn't quite pull off the feat in question, but his efforts here nevertheless demand respect. While the sumptuous main theme introduced in the original Peyton Place resurfaces, it's the more unexpected material that's most intriguing, in particular the jazz-inspired themes that establish the narrative's New York City turn. Even more impressive is the dreamy, haunting music that serves as a poignant reminder of the distance the characters have traveled from their small-town origins. Fox Music and Varese Sarabande's limited-edition 2006 reissue boasts rich sound, bonus material and a photo-stuffed booklet. An essential purchase for any Waxman devotee.