With Frankie Starlight, Elmer Bernstein delivers one of his simplest and sweetest film scores, employing his signature Ondes Martenot to delightfully whimsical effect. Bernstein's melodies boast an uncommon restraint and tenderness, for the most part eschewing large ensembles in favor of unadorned arrangements emphasizing life's smaller pleasures. Bernstein is also effective at capturing the title character's fascination with astronomy, with the Ondes Martenot cleverly evoking the otherworldly mysteries of the cosmos. There's nothing here particularly challenging or daring, but Bernstein enthusiasts will find much to savor.