The Way West (United Artists) (1967)

Exploitation ‘THE WAY WEST SCORE ON UNITED ARTISTS RECORDS FEATURES ‘SERENDIPITY SINGERS’! A motion picture score in the tradition of “High Noon” and “The Green Leaves of Summer” from “The Alamo,” has been composed for ““The Way West,” and United Artists Records is issuing a soundtrack album and a single of the music. And, what gives this music added impetus is the fact that the famous Serendipity Singers are included in the album and are featured on the single! The score is by Bronislaw Kaper and Andre Previn conducted. All of which merits more than the usual windows. Promotions like these for instance: RADIO AND/OR TV: The new music may be “hailed” with a panel contest in which it is played, together with “Themes” from previous big westerns (“High Noon,” “The Alamo,” “The Big Country” for example) with albums going as prizes for correct identification. Stations featuring ‘“‘mood”’ music—or commercial piped music—may be approached for frequent use of sections of the album. The single is as perfect a juke box tune as anybody could wish for. Start the ball a-rollin’ by putting in coins yourself and post a card on the box. RECORD LENDING LIBRARIES: The librarian may like to display a number of albums from previous big westerns to “hail” this newcomer. Help out with action paper from the picture. In return for a credit card the local record outlet may help by lending—or donating—some of the previous big western albums. Try to be careful about the company the new offering keeps in these displays. NEWSPAPERS, COMMENTATORS: The issuing of this album may be treated as an event and instead of the usual reviews accorded new recordings this one can be regarded as an important addition to the western repertoire. A personal presentation by you of the album may help establish its “class.” MUSIC STORE CO-OPERATION: The windows, of course, are “musts!” Display the record with stills and poster paper in the store, too. Where phonographs, tape recorders and hi-fis are sold, this music should be used as the “demonstrator” with a word or two from the salesman as to its origin. Where loudspeakers directed at the street traffic is permissable, this music should be plugged. An attractive herald made up from one of the smaller ad mats can be sent out to the store’s mailing list with the album, of course, stressed. If he hasn’t such a list all purchases leaving the store should be slip-sheeted with the heralds. Nobody will know better than the music store owner that nothing will sell these records as well as having people hear it! He knows how to go about that. Let him! schools Can Help In Spreading Word About ‘The Way West’ Study of the way west is one of the major concerns of the schools — elementary and high — and you should find co-operation easy to get since the present film is based squarely on the Pulitzer Prize winning classic by A. B. Guthrie, Jr., which romanticizes the subject. This can spark several school projects which can go beyond the history classes. For example: ART CLASSES can come up with a project on covered wagons, costumes, firearms, ete., of the period. MUSIC CLASSES can make a special study of the music of the way west (see music cooperation detailed elsewhere in this press book). HOMEMAKERS’ CLASSES can make a search for the recipes of the way west and possibly duplicate them for some kind of a luncheon which you may sponsor. SHOP CLASSES may try for models of covered wagons. Plans are easy to get from hobby shops. A life-size one may prove too big a project for the youngsters, but it may be worth suggesting—early! ENGLISH CLASSES can come in as suggested in the book tie-ups listed elsewhere. GEOGRAPHY CLASSES can make up an enormous map of the western United States, trace the old Oregon Trail on it, and paste on not only such old landmarks as Fort Laramie, Scott’s Bluff, Chimney Rock, etc., but modern cities, towns, railroads, industries, natural resources, etc. If done well enough it may make a lobby display for you. SOCIAL STUDIES will find many phases to examine such as the Indians, their customs and modes of living; the great urge to go west which marked the middle years; the lure of gold and furs; the part played by the railroads in putting the old trails out of business, etc. Illustrative art—culled from picture stills—can help greatly. PAGE 1 O Motion Picture Edition In Paperback The novel from which the motion picture “The Way West” was made— A. B. Guthrie’s Pulitizer Prize-winner of the same title—is being issued in paperback motion picture edition form by Pocket Books, Inc. When first issued it was a best-seller. Its appeal is still enormous. Besides the regular book store window tie-ins see what you can adapt from the suggestions on book promotions included on these pages! It will pay —you and the book store! And Don't Forget Books on the way west have been popular ever since Lewis & Clarke set down their experiences and Francis Parkman’s “Oregon Trail” (the original “Way West,”) became the classic which it still remains. A promotionally-minded librarian should be quick to see how the interest you're kicking up in this phase of American history can help her increase the library’s value to the community by coming in with a display of such books (including A. B. Guthrie’s Pulitzer-Prize winner from which “The Way West” was made) and also including such modern classics on the subject as Bernard De Voto’s “Year of Decision” and ‘*“Across The Wide Missouri.” She can also comb her picture files for art on this subject which can make a great display not only for her library but for a school and, of course, your lobby. Stage Folk-Song Festival Nothing is as popular right now as hootenannies of folk music-and no period in American history is as loaded with such music as the years 1840-53 when the way west was the way of thousands! This suggests several music promotions which can be called “‘Music of The Way West.” Working with the school music teachers and radio and TV studio people, who will know exactly what you need for this and probably have it recorded in their files, here are some suggestions: TV SHOW: By local talent, preferably of the “folk” type. Using the suggested title, this can be a TV show-in-one. RADIO SHOW: Same as above. SCHOOL PROJECT or CONCERT: Of Music of the Way West— instrumental and/or vocal, by students with appropriate comments from the teacher. If this is good enough it may be a lobby or stage show for you, a shopping center show, etc. STREET BALLY: “Pioneer” type with banjo, to tour the streets singing this old western music and, if he’s good enough, “‘guest”’ appearances at dances, hootenannies, etc. “WESTERN’ RIDING CLUB: Very popular at the moment, even in the west, these often feature field barbecues, pack trips, etc. If you can get to one of these festivities try for a “sing” of Music of the Way West. Set Up Gun Display No male seems to be able to resist the temptation to make a complete and careful study of gun shop windows, particularly antique gun shop windows. “The Way West” gives you a chance to get into one, so get into it—with a display of firearms period 1840-53, stills from your picture and other paper. Since gun shop operators are always looking for a way to get these heirlooms out of attics for possible appraisal and purchase, a small ad or window card can be used in advance to round up the proper arms. Local gun clubs can also probably provide excellent specimens. If enough good ones are smoked out you may have an excellent lobby display in this.