Smile (Chaplin-Turner-Parsons) by Nat King Cole, orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle
The label states that “Smile” is “based on” the theme from “Modern Times,” Charlie Chaplin’s classic 1936 film. In fact, there was no such song as “Smile” back then, but several times during the soundtrack you heard the first few bars of that now-familiar theme before the melody would veer off in a different direction. In 1954, sporting a revised tune and new lyrics, “Smile” became a successful hit for Cole, reaching #14 on the best-sellers chart during the autumn months. His follow-up release of “Hajji Baba (Persian Lament)” is also included in this collection.
Note that the most commonly reissued Cole recording of this title over the years has been a 1961 stereo remake with a similar arrangement, but conducted by Ralph Carmichael rather than Riddle. This posted version is the original hit.
THE 1954 HITS ARCHIVE - here in one place, a good-quality library of original-release-version best-sellers and songs that made an impact that were either released or enjoyed a major chunk of their popularity within the calendar year 1954 (some were recorded in 1953).
