The Benny Goodman Story

Starring:Steve Allen, Donna Reed, Berta Gersten, Barry Truex, Herbert Anderson, Robert F. Simon, Hy Averback, Sammy Davis Sr., Dick Winslow, Shepard Menken, Jack Kruschen, Wilton Graff, Fred Essler, David Kasday, John Erman, George Givot, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, Ben Pollack, Teddy Wilson (II)
Director: Valentine Davies
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

It lacks the tragic ending of The Glenn Miller Story, a smash hit released a year earlier, but this enjoyable musical biopic does a nice job of blending Benny Goodman's sweet swinging clarinet with a healthy dose of Hollywood hokum. The emphasis is on Goodman's struggle to get "hot music" into the mainstream, and his shy wooing of a socialite (Donna Reed). With Steve Allen cast as the bespectacled Goodman, there's a comic undertone to the bandleader's somewhat geeky demeanor, and Allen (a musician himself) is believable fronting the orchestra. Real-life swing figures, including Goodman Quartet players Gene Krupa, Teddy Wilson, and Lionel Hampton, lend verisimilitude. The climax comes with Goodman's legendary 1938 jazz concert at Carnegie Hall, a turning point in American popular music--and the sight of a mild-mannered man in a tuxedo leading his band through the glorious frenzy of "Sing, Sing, Sing" remains a delight. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie .......2007-05-12

Good acting and great music . KUDOS to Gene Krupa's cameo spots.

the benny goodman story.......2007-04-13

this is a very good movie to watch.the music is splendid it makes you wish to be back in that time when music had more of a meaning donna reed is one of my favorit actresses.thank you for this movie monica grampton

Great True Story.......2007-03-12

I gave this DVD as a gift. The recipient has told me it is a great movie for the whole family to enjoy. Would recommend it. The price was good and I received it in a timely manner. Very good experience all around.

Benny Goodman Kind of Swing.......2007-02-20

Great film, entertaining , informative a great start for anyone interested in finding out about swing , good viewing for all the family.
Debbie Curtis (Debbie Curtis Radio Big Band )

BENNY GOODMAN STORY.......2007-02-11

What the movie lacks in historical fact, it more than makes up for with music and entertainment. For nostalgia, and swing buffs it will warm their "memories." The Mancini cues are, of course, flawless. It was also nice seeing Gene Krupa, Ziggy Elman, Harry James, Kid Ory, Teddy Wilson, and Lionel Hampton on the big screen, rather than having someone else portraying them.
Tony Horowitz
[...]

Average customer rating:

Gene Krupa Jazz Innovator

Gene Krupa Jazz Legend
Starring: Steve Allen , Louis Bellson , Benny Goodman , Sid Catlett , and Roy Eldridge
Director: Glenn Mangel
Manufacturer: Warner Bros Publications
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Music Video & Concerts | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Gene Krupa Swing, Swing, Swing DVD
The Gene Krupa Story
Benny Goodman - Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing
Jazz Legend
The Buddy Rich Collector's Edition (2-Disc Set)

ASIN: B0001XAM5O
Release Date: 2004-01-21

Description

Gene Krupa made the drums a solo instrument, and he remains one of the most famous drummers in history. Rare footage from the 1940's. Featured is an interview with Krupa, commentary from Louis Bellson and narrated by Steve Allen. Bonus DVD Features include: Six never-before-seen performances, Eight additional audio tracks featuring Gene's brilliant performances, Printable drum charts, Internet connectivity.

Customer Reviews:

Gene Krupa Jazz Innovator.......2006-07-15

A person is usually recognized as an innovator if they dramatically change how something is done, or perceived. Gene Krupa no doubt changed the role of the drummer, and how drums were played in the world of music in general and more specifically, the world of jazz. Krupa's unique style, showmanship and dedication to his art transformed the role of the drummer from one of insignificance to solo status, the equal of any other instrumentalist in a band. Gene Krupa, Jazz Legend, is an absolute must have for anyone interested in drumming, great music, or a well done biography of a true jazz giant.

The DVD contains many taped and filmed Krupa performances including a killer version of Sing, Sing, Sing from the 1937 movie, Hollywood Hotel. Krupa's own big band is featured and highlights performances by Krupa, Roy Eldridge and Anita O'Day. Of particular interest were several taped reunion performances from the early 1970s featuring Krupa, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson and Buddy Rich. These performances marked a period in Krupa's life when illness was taking a toll on his body, but was unable to conquer the man's heart, spirit, and love of his music. Gene Krupa, Jazz Legend also offers additional performances, and a number of audio tracks.

Louis Bellson, a fine drummer in his own right, injects his own personal thoughts on Krupa, as friend, colleague and fellow artist. Adding to the commentary is a fine interview with Krupa himself. Gene noted his own thoughts on drumming, and the influences on his own style which included the contributions of Baby Dodds, and the incredible Chick Webb.

If I had to offer one criticism, it would be that the scope of Krupa's career and contributions probably warranted a slightly longer biographical examination; however this does not significantly detract from this overall fine presentation.

Gene Krupa was a true innovator, but more simply put, he was a man that loved music and performing. He was a rare talent who transcended musical generations, and still has much to offer any lover of music. Have a listen and a look. You won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Unquestionable genius
Great!

Stravinsky
Starring: Benny Goodman , Pope John Paul II , and Igor Stravinsky
Director: Roman Kroiter , Wolf Koenig , and Roman Kroitor
Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Igor Stravinsky: The Final Chorale/Five Orchestral Pieces
Stravinsky - The Firebird & Les Noces / Royal Ballet
Keeping Score: Revolutions in Music - Stravinsky's Rite of Spring
Georg Solti: In Rehearsal (Berlioz & Wagner)
Stravinsky - Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) / Symphonies D'Instrument Vent / Boulez, London Symphony Orchestra

ASIN: B0002ERWVY
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Customer Reviews:

Unquestionable genius.......2006-09-15

Stravinsky was a terrible conductor - but the strength of his ingenius musicianship and his super-dynamic personality stirred the admiration of the orchestras he led. The performers were eager and willing to overcome the obstacle posed by Stravinsky's baton and to perform his music to the utmost of their abilities and understanding.

The rating for this DVD would be five stars except for the fact that it's so short.

Great!.......2005-12-08

This is a great DVD. Thank you Canadian Broadcasting Company for doing this! It catches Stravinsky conducting his own work, which I would argue is how it is supposed to be played/ heard.

This is one of three actual documentaries on the greatest composer of the 20th Century. (Sadly, one of these documentaries is not yet on DVD.)

This is a must have for any serious student of Stravinsky and Classical music in general.

DVD:

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Kuba - Virgin Island