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Synopsis: The emphasis is on Benny
Goodman's (1909-1986) struggle to get "hot music" into
the mainstream, and his shy wooing of a socialite Alice Hammond
(Donna Reed.) With Steve Allen cast as the bespectacled Goodman,
there's a comic undertone to the bandleader's somewhat geeky demeanor,
and Allen is believable fronting the orchestra. Real-life swing
figures, including Goodman Quartet players Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson,
Sammy Davis Jr., Lionel Hampton, Kid Ory, Harry James, Martha
Tilton, Ziggy Elman, Urbie Green. There's even scenes from the
1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert. If you like jazz and swing, you'll
like this movie.
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While this film is not historically accurate, its does give the
basic Historic idea around Benny Goodman and the Swing Era in
Film. There are some good dance scenes from time to time and some
views of long gone historic ballrooms of the past as well as seeing
some great musicians perform some great music. Overall an excellent
film for swing dance fans that the whole family can enjoy. See
Jitterbug
Page for more dance details. |
