Uncovering hidden gems is a thrill that never fades. So, imagine my delight when, during a YouTube rabbit hole expedition, I stumbled upon several music tracks from John Milius’ 1973 film “Dillinger.”

This discovery is a treasure trove not only for its rarity but also for its connection to Barry De Vorzon. His score in this underappreciated movie is a textbook example of musical understanding.

De Vorzon masterfully combines classic tunes with new expository material in “Dillinger,” encapsulating the Gangster Era of the 1930s and blending it seamlessly with Milius’ gritty, unapologetically romantic vision of the outlaw’s life. De Vorzon’s score is an important narrative force, helping Milius capture the tumultuous spirit of the 1930s and the raw, chaotic energy of John Dillinger’s criminal escapades.

The tracks available on YouTube mix adrenaline-pumping compositions with melancholic melodies. Among these, the renditions of “Red River Valley” stand out. This classic tune becomes an emotional anchor in the film, evoking lost innocence, the fading American dream, and the outlaw’s inevitable decline into despair, defeat, and death.

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Listen to De Vorzon’s score.

Read my comments about “Red River Valley.”

Get the “Dillinger” original soundtrack album on eBay.