Old style music in lots of films

[rainhopper]

I have been trying to find the name of a piece of music that has been featured in The Green Mile (it is in the beginning  when old Paul is sitting in the conservatory or by the window), Cocoon, maybe One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and was played in the last series of Restoration on BBC 2. It sounds like it is 1930s and is always played when a scene of old people in a hospital or nursing home comes on. I know it is a long shot but this has been driving me insane!! It is not Cheek to Cheek by Fred Astaire but it is quite creepy and old fashioned/nostalgic sounding!

[Ipaqowner]

Well the original music to the film is by Thomas Newman.

Check out this review http://www.moviemusicuk.us/grmilecd.htm which will give you a clue

[Kay]

Its "Charmaine", a lovely haunting piece with violins. Mantovani made it even more famous in the late  50's early 60's. The Batchelors also recorded Charmaine in the 60's.

[rainhopper]

No it's definately not this piece, and it is not on the soundtrack to the Green Mile either! It sounds like an American piece played with a muted trumpet and an orchestra in the background.

[mrsoverall]

I can't help with the specific tune, but the style of music you're talking about comes under the 'big band' / 'swing' heading. I'm betting the tune you're talking about is probably quite a well known one so you could try some of the big band compilation albums or any albums of the well known band leaders like Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw