Merrill Jenson

Movies

The Forgotten Carols
Orchestrator
"Miracles really do happen at Christmas" says Uncle John to his nurse, Connie Lou. A statement that fills her soul with the hope of Christmas as she hears the "forgotten" carols from this strange, wonderful man. Michael McLean's beloved international stage phenomenon, The Forgotten Carols, leaps from the stage to the silver screen this Holiday season. Long time fans and first-time audiences alike will laugh, cry and find the true meaning and spirit of Christmas as they experience this never-before-seen edition of McLean's holiday classic. Audiences will be spellbound as Uncle John recounts the story of Christ's birth as told by lesser-known characters from the Nativity through story and song. The Innkeeper, the Shepherd and others help Connie Lou discover what the world has forgotten about Christmas, ultimately opening her heart to the Joy of this special season.
Samuel the Lamanite
Score Engineer
When her choir teacher (Angela Winston) is suspended for refusing to remove “Silent Night” from her school’s winter concert, Amelia (Lauren Faber) is heart-broken. Her father (Joel Dehlin) and the family housekeeper (Frank Gerrish) use the story of Samuel the Lamanite to help teach her the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. Samuel’s integrity as he prophecy’s to the Nephites about the birth of the Savior is an inspiration to all. Through the imagination of a modern-day girl, Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy is brought to life. Watch first-hand the people of Nephi as they are persecuted for their faith by the unbelievers, led by both the ruler of Zarahemla and the sergeant of the stout-hearted band of Nephite archers (George Dyer and Clayton Vance). The whole family will enjoy this fun and deeply moving film, Samuel the Lamanite.
Horse Crazy
Music
Three kids, who hope to capture their own wild mustang, outsmart a ring of horse thieves and return a prize stallion to its owner.
The Story of the Other Wise Man
Music Score Producer
Based on a story by Henry Van Dyke. After years of searching, a fourth Wise Man finds Jesus Christ, but he has no gifts left to give Him. He is comforted to learn that "inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40)
Harry's War
Conductor
After his aunt dies of a heart attack while fighting the IRS, Harry Johnson decides to take up the cause.
Uncle Ben
Original Music Composer
Nancy is about to receive her college degree and she has a special request for Dr. McFarland about the commencement proceedings, where parents are always given special honor. She starts to reminisce about what has led to her successful graduation, and that of her two brothers Jim and Tommy before her, despite having lost both parents long ago. After being widowed when Nancy is only two years old, her mother Laura works hard night and day to support her young family. Their only relative is Laura's brother, and Uncle Ben is a favorite of the children with his story-telling ability and easy charm. However, his own life is dominated by alcoholism, and he finds it difficult to hold a job and be a responsible member of the community. When Laura suddenly passes away, the children beg Uncle Ben to take care of them. He wishes to do so, and fights to gain custody of his young niece and nephews, but his addiction is standing in the way of his fulfilling the role of a parent.
The Mailbox
Original Music Composer
Lethe, an elderly widow, trudges out to her mailbox each day in hopes of finding a letter from her family. Unfortunately they are too wrapped up in their own lives, and the mailbox remains empty. Her neighbors try to keep her company, but cannot take the place of her absent children. They contact her family about her loneliness and discover that a letter is finally coming--but it carries devastating news.
The Phone Call
Music
Scott starts work at a drive-in burger and ice cream restaurant when his paper route proves inadequate to raise the money he needs for a mail order karate course. He has determined that this course will help him gain the self-confidence he needs to get up the courage to call and ask Pam out to see a movie. Although at first just commenting on his mistakes, Becky, a co-worker, offers to help him make the crucial phone call. In the process Scott offers insights about how Joe is abusive in his relationship with Becky.