The Benny Goodman Story (1955)
Genre: Drama / Music
Duration: 116 minuten
Country:
United States
Directed by: Valentine Davies
Starst: Steve Allen, Donna Reed and Berta Gersten
IMDb score:
6,8 (1.509)
Releasedate: 2 February 1956
This movie is not available on US streaming services.
The Benny Goodman Story plot
Biography of the famous band leader Benny Goodman. The film starts in 1919 when Benny at the age of 10 already has a disagreement with parents about his choice of profession. Although little Benny wants to get into music, he is unable to play the music he wants. His career is framed up to and including his most famous performance, his concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938.
Actors and actresses
Benny Goodman
Alice Hammond
Mama Goodman
Benny Goodman (age 16)
John Hammond Jr.
Papa Dave Goodman
Willard Alexander - Benny's manager
Fletcher Henderson
Gil Rodin
Harry Goodman
Reviews & comments
BBarbie
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- 12893 messages
- 7675 votes
My appreciation for this biopic applies primarily to the immortal swing music of Benny Goodman, some of which is performed by himself. And then there are also Gene Krupa, Harry James, Lionel Hampton, and others. A real treat.
I was so engrossed by the music that I had to conclude afterwards that I actually had no idea whether it was a good film; despite Donna Reed's participation: “He is asking me now,” a rather swoon-worthy final scene.
I'll have to watch it again soon for the film itself, but for now 4* for the music.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Film Pegasus (moderator films)
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- 31486 messages
- 5624 votes
This biopic about Benny Goodman was a result of the success of the film about Glenn Miller. In real life, Goodman achieved success before Miller, but considering his life and the questions surrounding his death, it makes for a fascinating story regardless. Especially when you have James Stewart as the lead.
The Benny Goodman Story is somewhat overshadowed by this film, although it is certainly not bad. The story from his first clarinet to the legendary performance at Carnegie Hall. Perhaps it could have gone a little further, because a year later you had the equally legendary 'clash' Glenn Miller vs. Benny Goodman at Carnegie Hall. Both big names in swing, although Benny Goodman was closer to jazz and Miller closer to popular music.
The film has the added bonus that several of Benny Goodman's musicians play themselves in the film. It is delightful to see Gene Krupa behind the drums. He also appeared in The Glenn Miller Story. Goodman was still alive during the filming of these movies; he did not die until the 1980s. He also worked on the film himself and played the music. That certainly adds musical value. His presence might make his life story a bit too polished, but the music is strong. It just depends on what you look for in a film about a musician.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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