When watching this "Amazing Story" in April 2020, I was surprised to discover that this Spielberg story involves a good cast and suitable period decors, all directed by Clint Eastwood.
The haunting music which fits in perfectly with the eerie drama, is unfortunately NOT by Niehaus, but rather by Richard Wagner: "O du mein holder abendstern" (O star of eve) from his opera Tannhäuser, written in 1843.
Even though the tune is now in public domain, there is not one mention about the origin of this melody, neither on IMDB, nor in the credits at the end of the episode.
John Williams, Spielberg, Eastwood, and Niehaus all know where this tune came from, but why did they overlook this detail on purpose?
We'll never know!
The haunting music which fits in perfectly with the eerie drama, is unfortunately NOT by Niehaus, but rather by Richard Wagner: "O du mein holder abendstern" (O star of eve) from his opera Tannhäuser, written in 1843.
Even though the tune is now in public domain, there is not one mention about the origin of this melody, neither on IMDB, nor in the credits at the end of the episode.
John Williams, Spielberg, Eastwood, and Niehaus all know where this tune came from, but why did they overlook this detail on purpose?
We'll never know!