Deal of the Century (Arthur B. Rubinstein)

Arms dealer Eddie Muntz (Chevy Chase) has been doing pretty well, but an opportunity falls into his lap for the score of a lifetime: a military plane to a South-of-the-border country...with a few bugs. No one seems to like this movie, least of all its star and director (William Friedkin!!!), but while it's unlikely to be confused with Dr. Strangelove, this satire manages some hearty laughs.

Between this, WarGames and Blue Thunder, Arthur B. Rubinstein seemed to be the go-to composer for 1983's ‘military hardware gone berserk’ movies. (Do you think he’d have also done Best Defense if it hadn’t pushed back to 1984?) Rubinstein creates a number of fascinating elements, from a 'doubt' motif for Gregory Hines' born-again pilot (“Hobbling to the Rescue”, “Bickering”) to a slinky love theme (“End Credits”) as well as flavorful, exotic cues (“San Miguel”) and a quietly noble march theme for Chase's Eddie (“Ed's Got a Plan”, “Finale”).

Deal of the Century
composed & conducted

by

Arthur B. Rubinstein

1. Main Title 0.15
2. Tankbuster Ad 0.47
3. San Miguel 1.15
4. “Oh my, oh my.” 1.45
5. Successful Sale 0.28
6. “...a sorry thing.” 0.19
7. Bearing Arms 1.20
8. The Peacemaker 0.50
9. Ed's Got a Plan 0.33
10. The Airport 0.57
11. Babysitting 1.17
12. Not Under Control 0.36
13. Harold's Affairs 1.38
14. “I believe you.” 1.28
15. Ray Reminisces 0.48
16. Bickering 0.26
17. “A little touch-up.” 0.39
18. Regret 0.10
19. Cram Session 0.44
20. Good Night 0.34
21. Beddy-Bombs 1.00
22. Re-Gifting 0.21
23. Arms for Peace ‘84 0.20
24. “Shine” 2.50
25. A Gift to Kathy 0.50
26. Making a Date 1.26
27. Baptism 0.33
28. Hobbling to the Rescue 1.06
29. Peacemaker Chase 2.34
30. Planes in Flames/Finale 1.29
31. End Credits 1.51

Here's the “End Credits” cue: