John Du Prez - A Fish Called Wanda (2017)

“A Fish Called Wanda” (2017 release edition) features the original film score composed by John Du Prez, presented by Music Box Records. The soundtrack belongs to the acclaimed 1988 British comedy film “A Fish Called Wanda,” and this expanded edition highlights the wit, timing, and orchestral creativity that helped define the movie’s comedic identity.

Du Prez’s score is built around playful orchestration and sharp musical cues that mirror the film’s chaotic humor and character-driven storytelling. Short cue-based tracks such as “George Arrested,” “Dog Attack,” and “Chase From The Courthouse” emphasize rapid comedic pacing, while more developed pieces like “Wanda Visits Archie” and “Archie’s Sadness” reveal a surprisingly emotional and lyrical side to the music. The balance between tension, irony, and charm reflects the film’s blend of crime and comedy.

This edition also includes outtakes and demo material, offering insight into the development process of the score. Alternate versions of key themes and sketches like “Otto Theme” and “Love Theme” provide a deeper understanding of Du Prez’s compositional approach. The suite track, “A Fish Called Wanda Suite,” ties the musical themes together in a longer, cohesive arrangement.

Overall, this release stands as a detailed and expanded look at a cult-classic film score, showcasing John Du Prez’s versatility in combining orchestral writing with comedic timing and narrative support.

Tracklist:
1. Front Titles 2:43
2. Hatton Garden Robbery 2:26
3. George Returns 0:28
4. George Arrested 1:20
5. Archie's Briefcase 0:21
6. Treasure 0:51
7. Archie's Chambers 0:40
8. Wanda Leaves / Sword Practice 1:04
9. Humping Montage 2:08
10. The Note 0:25
11. Mrs Cody's Knickers 0:51
12. Wanda Visits Archie 2:17
13. Dog Attack I 0:24
14. Choir Boys Requiem I 0:25
15. Wanda Meets Archie At Apartment I 1:15
16. Dog Attack II 0:45
17. Choir Boys Requiem II 0:25
18. Archie's Burglary 1:12
19. Wanda Meets Archie At Apartment II 1:41
20. Archie's Sadness 0:41
21. Otto's Apology 0:35
22. Dog Attack III 0:55
23. Ken's Sadness 0:46
24. Chase From The Courthouse 1:36
25. Heathrow Airport 2:29
26. Humiliation 1:00
27. Limey Cement 0:21
28. Buongiorno Signorina 1:15
29. End Titles 3:22
30. A Fish Called Wanda Suite 15:06
31. Front Titles (Early Stage) 2:43
32. This Is Otto 0:30
33. Empty Safe 0:48
34. Archie's Briefcase / Otto Is Suspicious 0:39
35. Something Funny Going On 0:12
36. Identity Parade 0:29
37. Sword Practice (Early Version) 0:53
38. The Note (with Drums) 0:25
39. Wanda Visits Archie (with Piano) 2:17
40. Otto Blunders In 0:31
41. Otto At The Window 0:47
42. Otto Goes To Apologise 0:38
43. Chase From The Courthouse (Unplugged) 1:35
44. Otto Theme 1:20
45. Love Theme 3:16
46. Love Theme Song (Rick Driscoll) 3:01
47. Love Theme Song (John Cleese) 1:26