Riz Ortolani Passes

Riz Ortolani, the Italian composer who wrote the wonderful theme song for this movie passed on some weeks ago in January. Ortolani wrote the music for the song, the lyrics coming from Melvin Frank who also directed the movie and served as co-screenwriter on this film. And of course Jimmy Roselli did such a fine job singing the song over the opening credits.

Ortolani also wrote the score for the famous documentary Mondo Cane. The film, a record of strange practices throughout the world, produced the beautiful song More, that was nominated for an Academy Award and became one of the biggest pop hits of 1962.

If you don't remember how it goes, try this link to Steve Lawrence singing it on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oalGyixAmoM