Soundtracks ► reececrothers.com

Opening with a music-box melody that recalls “Watch Chimes” from “For a Few Dollars More,” Morricone’s score for 1979’s “Il Giocattolo,” is at turns haunting and tender, with pounding piano chords (hints of the future score for “The Untouchables“) sweeping strings, funky guitar, and a touch of Morricone’s signature whistling. This 11-track Cinevox release is one of my favourite albums from the Maestro’s lesser-known works.

Directed by Guiliano Montaldo (“Sacco & Vanzetti“), written by Sergio Donati (“Once Upon A Time In The West“), and starring Nino Manfredi (“Bread & Chocolate“), “Il Giocattolo” has been described as “the Italian Taxi Driver.” Also known as “A Dangerous Toy,” the film tells the story of a mild-mannered accountant who becomes obsessed with guns and revenge after his police officer friend is killed.

Watch “Il Giocattolo” here:

Giuliano Montaldo’s “Il Giocattolo” on YouTube.

img_2472-1 — Director **Giuliano** **Montaldo** from the introduction to “Il **Giocattolo**.”

Purchase the album on Discogs here:

https://www.discogs.com/release/4692966-Ennio-Morricone-Il-Giocattolo-Colonna-Sonora-Originale-Del-Film

Listen to “Watch Chimes” from “For a Few Dollars More” here:

“Watch Chimes” on YouTube.

Listen to “The Untouchables” main theme here:

The opening main titles theme from Brian De Palma’s “The Untouchables.”

One of my most prized records is this original 1972 vinyl for the soundtrack to the crime film “Un Uomo Da Rispettare” (aka “A Man To Respect,” aka “The Master Touch”) directed by Michele Lupo, starring Kirk Douglas and Florinda Bolkan and Giuliano Gemma.

With stunning cover art by Ermanno Iaia, Morricone’s moody, atmospheric, trumpet-infused score greatly enhances an otherwise mediocre Italian crime picture.