Can You Read My Mind
Encyclopedia
"Can You Read My Mind" is the love theme from the 1978
feature film Superman, with music by John Williams and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
.
The music is a theme for Lois Lane
, whose role in the film was performed by Margot Kidder
. It was originally recorded as a pop-influenced piece, but as the original version might have dated the picture, a more orchestrated version was used for the final film.
It has been said that either Karen Carpenter
(of The Carpenters
) or Toni Tennille
(of Captain and Tennille) were originally considered to perform the vocal, but there is no existing proof that either one actually did it. What is known is that the producers of Superman tried to get Margot Kidder herself to actually sing it but, according to the film's director Richard Donner
's commentary track for the Superman DVD, "it didn't sound right". So it was decided that Kidder would recite the lyrics, and this vocal track is what was used for the final film version. Shortly after the film's release, Maureen McGovern
recorded a singing version of "Can You Read My Mind" for release as a single; this version does not appear in the film.
The soundtrack album by Rhino Movie Music
contains four versions of "Can You Read My Mind": the film version with and without vocal (as part of "The Flying Sequence" medley), and two alternate "pop versions", also with and without vocal. Alternate mixes of the "pop version" appear on both the supplementary section of the Superman DVD and the 2008 Film Score Monthly
compilation set Superman: The Music (1978–1988).
An instrumental orchestral version with the London Symphony Orchestra
(titled "Love Theme From Superman") was recorded for the original 1978 double LP Superman soundtrack as a "concert piece" and had not been intended for use in the movie, but during the film's post-production the final credits ran longer than expected (seven and a half minutes), so to fill the extra time the piece was the last music cue used in the film. This same version also featured briefly in the series finale of Smallville
.
1978 in film
The year 1978 in film involved some significant events.-Events:* February 1 - Bob Dylan's film Renaldo and Clara, a documentary of the "Rolling Thunder Revue" tour premieres in Los Angeles, California....
feature film Superman, with music by John Williams and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Leslie Bricusse
Leslie Bricusse is an English composer, lyricist, and playwright.Although best known for his partnership with Anthony Newley, Bricusse has worked with many other composers. He was educated at University College School in London and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge...
.
The music is a theme for Lois Lane
Lois Lane
Lois Lane is a fictional character, the primary love interest of Superman in the comic books of DC Comics. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, she first appeared in Action Comics #1 ....
, whose role in the film was performed by Margot Kidder
Margot Kidder
Margaret Ruth "Margot" Kidder is a Canadian-born American actress. She is perhaps best known for playing Lois Lane in the four Superman movies opposite Christopher Reeve, a role that brought her to widespread recognition....
. It was originally recorded as a pop-influenced piece, but as the original version might have dated the picture, a more orchestrated version was used for the final film.
It has been said that either Karen Carpenter
Karen Carpenter
Karen Anne Carpenter was an American singer and drummer. She and her brother, Richard, formed the 1970s duo The Carpenters. She was a drummer of exceptional skill, but she is best remembered for her vocal performances of idealistic romantic ballads of true love...
(of The Carpenters
The Carpenters
Carpenters were an American vocal and instrumental duo, consisting of sister Karen and brother Richard Carpenter. The Carpenters were the #1 selling American music act of the 1970s. Though often referred to by the public as "The Carpenters", the duo's official name on authorized recordings and...
) or Toni Tennille
Toni Tennille
Cathryn Antoinette "Toni" Tennille is one-half of the 1970s Grammy Award-winning duo Captain & Tennille. Tennille has also done musical work independently of her husband Daryl Dragon. Tennille has a contralto vocal range.-Biography:...
(of Captain and Tennille) were originally considered to perform the vocal, but there is no existing proof that either one actually did it. What is known is that the producers of Superman tried to get Margot Kidder herself to actually sing it but, according to the film's director Richard Donner
Richard Donner
Richard Donner is an American film director, film producer, and comic book writer.The production company The Donners' Company is owned by Donner and his wife, producer Lauren Shuler Donner. After directing the horror film The Omen, Donner became famous for the hailed creation of the first modern...
's commentary track for the Superman DVD, "it didn't sound right". So it was decided that Kidder would recite the lyrics, and this vocal track is what was used for the final film version. Shortly after the film's release, Maureen McGovern
Maureen McGovern
Maureen Therese McGovern is an American singer and Broadway actress, well known for her premier renditions of the Oscar winning songs "The Morning After" from the 1972 film The Poseidon Adventure, and "We May Never Love Like This Again" from The Towering Inferno in 1974.-Early life:McGovern was...
recorded a singing version of "Can You Read My Mind" for release as a single; this version does not appear in the film.
The soundtrack album by Rhino Movie Music
Rhino Entertainment
Rhino Entertainment Company is an American specialty record label and production company. It is owned by Warner Music Group.-History:Rhino was originally a novelty song and reissue company during the 1970s and 1980s, releasing compilation albums of pop, rock & roll, and rhythm & blues successes...
contains four versions of "Can You Read My Mind": the film version with and without vocal (as part of "The Flying Sequence" medley), and two alternate "pop versions", also with and without vocal. Alternate mixes of the "pop version" appear on both the supplementary section of the Superman DVD and the 2008 Film Score Monthly
Film Score Monthly
Film Score Monthly is an online magazine founded by editor-in-chief and executive producer Lukas Kendall in June 1990 as The Soundtrack Correspondence List...
compilation set Superman: The Music (1978–1988).
An instrumental orchestral version with the London Symphony Orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra
The London Symphony Orchestra is a major orchestra of the United Kingdom, as well as one of the best-known orchestras in the world. Since 1982, the LSO has been based in London's Barbican Centre.-History:...
(titled "Love Theme From Superman") was recorded for the original 1978 double LP Superman soundtrack as a "concert piece" and had not been intended for use in the movie, but during the film's post-production the final credits ran longer than expected (seven and a half minutes), so to fill the extra time the piece was the last music cue used in the film. This same version also featured briefly in the series finale of Smallville
Smallville
Smallville is the hometown of Superman in comic books published by DC Comics. While growing up in Smallville, the young Clark Kent attended Smallville High with best friends Lana Lang, Chloe Sullivan and Pete Ross...
.