Composer James Bernard dies at 75

LONDON (AP) - James Bernard, who composed the eerie musical scores for some of Britain's most famous horror films, has died. He was 75. He died in a London hospital Thursday, his family said. The cause of death was not disclosed. The British composer was best known for his work with Hammer film studios, which made low-budget gothic horror films featuring actors Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. During his nearly 40-year career, Bernard composed scores for "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957), "Dracula" (1958) and "The Devil Rides Out" (1968). He won an Academy Award, but not for his music. Bernard shared an Oscar in 1951 with Paul Dehn for best motion picture story for "Seven Days To Noon."