by Jason AnkenyFew modern-era Hollywood composers are more effective at writing period scores than George Fenton, and Memphis Belle represents his most complete and stirring work to date -- not only does the music conjure the heroism and danger of World War II in vivid detail, but its artful appropriation of '40s pop and swing idioms perfectly captures the musical spirit of the times as well. Fenton instills Memphis Belle with a sweeping romanticism that perfectly complements the music's classical sensibilities -- its adventure themes and motifs positively soar, while its jazzy accents communicate the boyishness and recklessness of the young men who took to the skies to combat the Axis forces. Best of all, Memphis Belle is emotional but never manipulative -- Fenton respects his music and his listeners too much to rely on cheap tricks.