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Louis Forbes

1902 – 1981

American composer

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About Louis Forbes

Lived 1902 – 1981 (aged 78). Louis Forbes was an American composer, conductor, film score composer and musician.

Louis Forbes (born Louis Forbstein on August 12, 1902, in St. Louis, Missouri-June 17, 1981) was an American composer, songwriter and conductor. Career Forbes was a music student under the tutelage of renowned musicians Edward Kilenyi and Max Steiner. He was under contract to David O. Selznick for seven years, and later served as the director of music for Goldwyn Productions for three years. He also worked for RKO, contributing to several popular films with his musical compositions. In 1951, Forbes joined the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Throughout his career, he penned a number of popular songs, including the "Appointment in Honduras" theme.

Forbes' talent and dedication to his craft earned him critical acclaim and recognition in the industry. He was nominated for five Academy Awards for his music scoring on the films Intermezzo (1939); Up in Arms (1944); Wonder Man (1945); Brewster's Millions (1945); and This Is Cinerama (1952). Notably, Forbstein was the brother of Leo F. Forbstein, another prominent composer and conductor in the film industry. Forbes died on June 17, 1981, in Los Angeles, California.

Film credits

Hong Kong Affair (1958) "Count the Hours" (1953) This Is Cinerama (1952) The Man Who Cheated Himself (1950) Second Chance (1950) Johnny One-Eye (1950) Mrs. Mike (1949) Pitfall (1948) Intrigue (1947) The Fabulous Dorseys (1947) The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) Tomorrow Is Forever (1946) Getting Gertie's Garter (1945) Story of G.I. Joe (1945) Wonder Man (1945) Brewster's Millions (1945) Since You Went Away (1944) Up in Arms (1944) Pot o' Gold (1941) Rebecca (1940) Gone with the Wind (1939) Tower of London (1939) Intermezzo (1939) Made for Each Other (1939) Little Orphan Annie (1938) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1938) Nothing Sacred (1937) Oh, Doctor (1937) Let Them Live (1937) Night Key (1937) She's Dangerous (1937) Mysterious Crossing (1936)

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Important facts

People in Louis Forbes's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Louis Forbes's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Louis Forbes?

American composer (1902–1981)

When was Louis Forbes born?

Louis Forbes was born on 12 August 1902 in St. Louis.

When did Louis Forbes die?

Louis Forbes died on 17 June 1981 in Los Angeles.

What was Louis Forbes's occupation?

Louis Forbes was a composer, conductor, film score composer and musician.

What nationality was Louis Forbes?

Louis Forbes was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Louis Forbes

· Wikidata: Q1745777

· DBpedia: Louis Forbes

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Louis Forbes. https://biography.guide/louis-forbes/

MLA: "Louis Forbes." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/louis-forbes/.

Chicago: "Louis Forbes." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/louis-forbes/.

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