Not historially accurate, but a great portrayal by Sal Mineo. He worked with Krupa for about 2 years before filming began. The only real flaw is that the music is a 1950's version of 1930's swing/jazz, and none of Krupa's hits of the 40's were really included. Nonetheless, the music is very good, with Mineo mimicing extremely accurately Krups's off screen drumming.
18 Reviews
Bang The Drum Briskly
Lechuguilla25 April 2006
If you've ever wanted to be a drummer this is the film for you. Even if the sounds of percussion instruments leave you with a pounding headache, it's still a good film to watch, for the acting and for the general atmosphere the film evokes.
With a straightforward, linear plot, "The Gene Krupa Story" highlights some of the career events of the legendary drummer, from his high school days in Chicago until his comeback from the depths, following an unfortunate incident in San Francisco. Krupa comes across in the film as outgoing, ambitious, single-minded, determined, and unable to handle success.
The story spans roughly a twenty year period from the late 1920s to the late 1940. Sal Mineo has the title role ... and what an acting job! In scenes with dialogue, his performance is intense, subtle, and very convincing. But, when Mineo mimics Krupa's frenetic drum solos, Mineo's performance is electrifying.
Both Susan Kohner as Krupa's love interest, and Susan Oliver as a femme fatale with attitude, further elevate the overall acting level. And the B&W cinematography from Charles Lawton, Jr., combined with smoke filled rooms and jazzy/blues music, is wonderfully suggestive of the beat generation of the 1950s, even though we are supposed to believe that it is an earlier era.
On the downside, the story is only partly factual. Production values are hardly better than average, and the editing is at times sloppy. The film has an inexplicably abrupt ending.
Overall, I recommend this film for the jazzy atmosphere of a bygone era, and especially for the high quality acting. "The Gene Krupa Story" is worth watching, if for no other reason than to marvel at Sal Mineo's ability to bang the drum briskly.
With a straightforward, linear plot, "The Gene Krupa Story" highlights some of the career events of the legendary drummer, from his high school days in Chicago until his comeback from the depths, following an unfortunate incident in San Francisco. Krupa comes across in the film as outgoing, ambitious, single-minded, determined, and unable to handle success.
The story spans roughly a twenty year period from the late 1920s to the late 1940. Sal Mineo has the title role ... and what an acting job! In scenes with dialogue, his performance is intense, subtle, and very convincing. But, when Mineo mimics Krupa's frenetic drum solos, Mineo's performance is electrifying.
Both Susan Kohner as Krupa's love interest, and Susan Oliver as a femme fatale with attitude, further elevate the overall acting level. And the B&W cinematography from Charles Lawton, Jr., combined with smoke filled rooms and jazzy/blues music, is wonderfully suggestive of the beat generation of the 1950s, even though we are supposed to believe that it is an earlier era.
On the downside, the story is only partly factual. Production values are hardly better than average, and the editing is at times sloppy. The film has an inexplicably abrupt ending.
Overall, I recommend this film for the jazzy atmosphere of a bygone era, and especially for the high quality acting. "The Gene Krupa Story" is worth watching, if for no other reason than to marvel at Sal Mineo's ability to bang the drum briskly.
Gene Krupa recast as Sputnik Teen Idol.
BrentCarleton2 May 2007
Competent, slick and well photographed, but fairly banal treatment of the famous drummer.
Almost no attempt is made to visually set the story in the twenties and thirties. Thus, the film abounds in an abundance of visual anachronisms, including fifties architecture, decor, and clothing, (Misses Kohner and Craig wear Dior style shirtwaist dirndls throughout, whilst Miss Oliver wears Capri style cocktail pants!--nowhere is there a cloche hat, aigrette or dropped waist). Only slight sartorial concessions are made for the men, (a few bowler hats and double breasted vests)
These inaccuracies no doubt accrue from the fact that the picture is being pitched wholesale to the 1959 teen audience and not to their parents.
For his part, Mr. Mineo does exceedingly well, though at times he does lapse into hipster posturing, (in his finger pointing angry scenes he appears to be imitating Ben Gazzara). Given his extreme youth, however, he demonstrates more poise and depth than his teen idol peers. The only really embarrassing moments come when he is depicted as a cassock clad seminarian in prayer.
If nothing else, this film provides your only chance to see Sal Mineo in spats.
Almost no attempt is made to visually set the story in the twenties and thirties. Thus, the film abounds in an abundance of visual anachronisms, including fifties architecture, decor, and clothing, (Misses Kohner and Craig wear Dior style shirtwaist dirndls throughout, whilst Miss Oliver wears Capri style cocktail pants!--nowhere is there a cloche hat, aigrette or dropped waist). Only slight sartorial concessions are made for the men, (a few bowler hats and double breasted vests)
These inaccuracies no doubt accrue from the fact that the picture is being pitched wholesale to the 1959 teen audience and not to their parents.
For his part, Mr. Mineo does exceedingly well, though at times he does lapse into hipster posturing, (in his finger pointing angry scenes he appears to be imitating Ben Gazzara). Given his extreme youth, however, he demonstrates more poise and depth than his teen idol peers. The only really embarrassing moments come when he is depicted as a cassock clad seminarian in prayer.
If nothing else, this film provides your only chance to see Sal Mineo in spats.
They weren't my reefers!
Chase_Witherspoon10 May 2011
Biography of penultimate jazz drummer Krupa (played here with enthusiasm by young Sal Mineo) as he achieves fame and fortune for his unique talent, then squanders his success on alcohol, illicit substances and loose women. Mineo is sharp and authentic-looking in his impersonations of the frenetic, almost chaotic looking drumming, while Kohner is his antithesis, a placid, mature girl who despite his lack of judgment and indiscretions, sticks by him, ultimately resurrecting his career after he's incarcerated for narcotics possession (in spite of his protests "they weren't my reefers!"). She encourages him to learn to read music, while his fair-weather friends encourage him to party to excess, his grip on the sticks stutters and concerns grow for his well being.
Larry Dobkin is Krupa's cool-as-cucumber attorney, but the trio of girls assembled to tempt Mineo (principally youthful Craig and sultry Oliver) are welcome distractions from the musical numbers (which are superbly choreographed and not over represented). Darren isn't bad as his trumpet-playing concerned friend and future "Love Boat" captain Gavin McLeod is on deck in a small role as Krupa's brother.
The subject matter is handled with conservatism and the drug dependency issue isn't really explored in any detail (the scene in which he rejects Oliver's offer of a doobie is a little cheesy, surely even by the contemporary standards). Still it's a bit more than a casual theme, and this is more than just a string of musical numbers loosely bound in a biopic melodrama. Mineo's performance is well balanced, while Kohner is appropriately understated and the musical numbers more than compensate for any particular lack of dramatic intensity. Worth a look.
Larry Dobkin is Krupa's cool-as-cucumber attorney, but the trio of girls assembled to tempt Mineo (principally youthful Craig and sultry Oliver) are welcome distractions from the musical numbers (which are superbly choreographed and not over represented). Darren isn't bad as his trumpet-playing concerned friend and future "Love Boat" captain Gavin McLeod is on deck in a small role as Krupa's brother.
The subject matter is handled with conservatism and the drug dependency issue isn't really explored in any detail (the scene in which he rejects Oliver's offer of a doobie is a little cheesy, surely even by the contemporary standards). Still it's a bit more than a casual theme, and this is more than just a string of musical numbers loosely bound in a biopic melodrama. Mineo's performance is well balanced, while Kohner is appropriately understated and the musical numbers more than compensate for any particular lack of dramatic intensity. Worth a look.
Sal Mineo was great in The Gene Krupa Story
georgana4 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Gene Krupa was before my time but I had heard what a great drummer he was. After watching Sal Mineo play Gene Krupa, I was so impressed that I wanted my husband to see the movie. He also thought Mineo was great in the role. My husband did some checking on the movie and learned that Sal Mineo had spent 2 years with Gene Krupa studying his moves and expressions for the movie. Gene Krupa also played the drums for Mineo during the movie. My husband said he had read that Sal Mineo was a very hard worker for the part he played in the movie. It's a shame that he was murdered in 1976 by a two-bit petty thief that didn't even know who he was.
Grupa was amazing
mattoid-4560512 June 2020
My first time hearing GK I was 8 years old. An old grade school friend of mine had a basic lounge kit and we would go to each other's houses after school and weekends. My buddy used to wear GK's records out! I was amazed. What this did for me was get more deeply into music and gained a real appreciation for it. I eventually went on to front a thrash band in the 80's and a Hardcore band until 2017. The movie brings back intense and moving memories for me. Mineo is fantastic at his mimicry. I'm also a sucker for Susan Oliver. I love her in anything but here she really shows her range as an actress. Also, Bobby Troup? Yes! THAT Bobby Troup from MASH and Emergency. I really dig rags to riches stories, particularly music ones. If you're a music fan and better yet, a fan of killer drummers, check this one out. RIP Niel Peart
Nice But Not Fully Convincing Try On Great Gene Krupa
denis88829 May 2014
Sal Mineo was a real so-so actor. Apart from his fresh, young looks, sweet face, deep eyes and athletic build, he was not more than a third rate version of some James Dean or even Elvis, who was a mediocre actor, too. Here, Sal tries to take on life of great late drummer (my personal musical favorite in jazz) Gane Krupa. Did Sal succeed? Nay, he did not. Gene was an affable, lovable, open-hearted man of integrity and skill. Sal is OK but not deeply convincing. Instead, he looks more like a talented, but hapless, selfish, spoiled man of some unripe masculinity. One thing is great for sure - Sal really knew how to play them drums well. Yes, real Gene Krupa recorded all the drum parts for the movie, but Sal mimicked them all with such a thrilling precision and skill that I, as a drummer myself, was awed. The love line is nothing more than a very typical 50's Hollywood kitsch palette of clichés and banality. Well, one more great thing is an outstanding jazz soundtrack with all the greats included. The film could have become a bigger and better thing, but all is jammed and packed in 100 minutes and the aftertaste is somewhat sour and bitter. Gene deserved a better impersonator, in fact. And the movie a better script.
Sal Mineo Goes Drum Crazy Over Gene Krupa
wes-connors12 December 2010
In 1927 Chicago, gum-chewing Italian teenager Sal Mineo (as Gene Krupa) wants to be a professional drummer, but his family would rather he become a priest. He tries the latter, but Mr. Mineo can't keep his hands off of the drumsticks. He makes it big, with trumpet-swinging best pal James Darren (as Eddie Sirota) and pretty girlfriend Susan Kohner (as Ethel Maguire) in tow. Then, at the height of his fame, Mineo gets bitten by the drug bug. He succumbs to sexy Susan Oliver (as Dorissa Dinell) and is busted for possession of "reefer" (marijuana). Can Mineo battle his way back to the top?
The four stars above - plus young Yvonne Craig (as Gloria) - have some sexy scenes, with clothing hugging their curves.
The subject of "The Gene Krupa Story" receives an on-screen credit, and dubs Mineo's drumming. Their audio-visual collaboration is sometimes amazing, with Mineo frantically following Mr. Krupa's licks. This story of a musician's rise and fall may seem very formulaic, but the sex and drug road trip really happens; it's certainly a well-worn path. Unfortunately, there isn't much distinction in this story. Mineo never ages (Krupa's drug bust was in 1943), obvious hits like "Let Me Off Uptown" and "Sing, Sing, Sing (with a Swing)" are omitted, and the 1950s fashion clearly trumps the fabricated 1920s look.
****** The Gene Krupa Story (12/23/59) Don Weis ~ Sal Mineo, James Darren, Susan Kohner, Susan Oliver
The four stars above - plus young Yvonne Craig (as Gloria) - have some sexy scenes, with clothing hugging their curves.
The subject of "The Gene Krupa Story" receives an on-screen credit, and dubs Mineo's drumming. Their audio-visual collaboration is sometimes amazing, with Mineo frantically following Mr. Krupa's licks. This story of a musician's rise and fall may seem very formulaic, but the sex and drug road trip really happens; it's certainly a well-worn path. Unfortunately, there isn't much distinction in this story. Mineo never ages (Krupa's drug bust was in 1943), obvious hits like "Let Me Off Uptown" and "Sing, Sing, Sing (with a Swing)" are omitted, and the 1950s fashion clearly trumps the fabricated 1920s look.
****** The Gene Krupa Story (12/23/59) Don Weis ~ Sal Mineo, James Darren, Susan Kohner, Susan Oliver
Gene Krupa Story Drums Up My Support ***1/2
edwagreen13 November 2006
Sal Mineo, who made a career of played conflicted people, does a magnificent job in the biography of legendary drummer Gene Krupa.
Mineo, as Krupa, gets wonderful support from James Darren and Susan Kohner. 1959 was a remarkable year for Miss Kohner. It was that year where she received a best supporting actress nomination as the troubled daughter of Lana Turner's maid in that great film "Imitation of Life."
Krupa's family wanted him to enter the priesthood. However, Gene's calling was for being a drummer. As is the case with so many talented people, success came quickly and unable to handle it, Krupa descended into a life of drinking and using reefers. At a time, when there were investigations revolving about musicians and drugs, Krupa's career suffered from his conviction and serving time in prison.
While Mineo at age 20, may have been too young for the part, he does a very credible job as the tormented youth. Kohner, as his girlfriend, Ethel, never gave up on him even though he literally walked out on her before his troubles again. As she did in "Imitation of Life," Kohner shows her own emotional conflict. Her early retirement from films deprived Hollywood of an excellent talent.
We also lost a great talent, when Mineo, who would get possibly the best part of his career as Dov Landau,the following year, in "Exodus," was murdered in 1976.
Lawrence Dobkin, who in 1959, was an important player in the television series "The Untouchables," scores well here as a protégé of Krupa.
Celia Lovsky, who was so memorable in many old films, usually portraying elderly women, was wonderful in 2 scenes in portraying Krupa's disappointed but loving mother. Of course, a Jewish woman playing a Catholic mother, might have raised some eyebrows at that time.
This is an excellent film where the social mores of the time derailed Krupa's great talent and career.
Mineo, as Krupa, gets wonderful support from James Darren and Susan Kohner. 1959 was a remarkable year for Miss Kohner. It was that year where she received a best supporting actress nomination as the troubled daughter of Lana Turner's maid in that great film "Imitation of Life."
Krupa's family wanted him to enter the priesthood. However, Gene's calling was for being a drummer. As is the case with so many talented people, success came quickly and unable to handle it, Krupa descended into a life of drinking and using reefers. At a time, when there were investigations revolving about musicians and drugs, Krupa's career suffered from his conviction and serving time in prison.
While Mineo at age 20, may have been too young for the part, he does a very credible job as the tormented youth. Kohner, as his girlfriend, Ethel, never gave up on him even though he literally walked out on her before his troubles again. As she did in "Imitation of Life," Kohner shows her own emotional conflict. Her early retirement from films deprived Hollywood of an excellent talent.
We also lost a great talent, when Mineo, who would get possibly the best part of his career as Dov Landau,the following year, in "Exodus," was murdered in 1976.
Lawrence Dobkin, who in 1959, was an important player in the television series "The Untouchables," scores well here as a protégé of Krupa.
Celia Lovsky, who was so memorable in many old films, usually portraying elderly women, was wonderful in 2 scenes in portraying Krupa's disappointed but loving mother. Of course, a Jewish woman playing a Catholic mother, might have raised some eyebrows at that time.
This is an excellent film where the social mores of the time derailed Krupa's great talent and career.
If u like the music it's a 9
thomas-leitha23 December 2020
One Weird Film-Big Bands for Bobby Soxers
aimless-4614 November 2006
Imagine that it is 1970 and they have just released "The Frank Sinatra Story" with then 20 year-old David Cassidy playing the Italian crooner from ages 17 through 47. If that sounds weird imagine that the production designer on the film never shows up and they film it as if everything from 1935 to 1965 looks (and everyone talks) like it is set in 1970. Finally imagine that to preserve the 1970's look, all the action takes place inside, with one short scene on an indoor sound stage with fake grass and trees.
That is essentially "The Gene Krupa Story", with bobby soxer heartthrob Sal Mineo replacing Cassidy, Krupa replacing Sinatra, and the look of 1959 replacing 1970. Mineo was the Cassidy of his generation, with about the same level of acting talent but harder working and more willing to take direction.
Like the imagined "Cassidy as Sinatra" film, the idea was to expand the target audience by including someone who would attract teen and pre-teen girls. In this "The Gene Krupa Story" was successful and the film had good box office. The downside was that big band fans generally considered the whole production laughable. My father was a huge Krupa fan and he hated this film with an unprecedented passion. In part for the cheap production design and in part because of Mineo and the reasons for his casting, but largely because of the many factual omissions and distortions. To him the only saving grace was that they used Krupa's actual drumming, to which Mineo is generally in sync although there are times when he is beating a tom and the sound is that of a cymbal.
Like most Hollywood bio movies ("The Lou Gerhig Story", "The Al Jolson Story", etc.) Krupa's mother was violently opposed to her son's ambitions, in this case she and her husband want him to be a priest. But he leaves the seminary to set out for New York with Eddie Sirota (James Darren) and Eddie's composer girlfriend, Ethel (Susan Kohner). After a rough three months Ethel is forced to take a job as a telephone operator and her romantic interest switches to Gene.
Gene's career takes off and he begins running with a fast crowd of 1930's musicians (who sound strangely like a Maynard G. Kreb's take on the 1950's beat scene). A jazz singer named Dorissa Dinell (Susan Oliver) connects him with some dope dealers and the film gets a lot like "Reefer Madness" (but with a 1959 setting). Which may account for a surreal montage of newspaper headlines chronicling his rise to national fame and his fall in a drug bust. There is even an "I told you so" phone call from mom. This has ramifications beyond Krupa as the entire jazz world is outed as dope fiends and corrupter of America's youth. When the chips are down, Dorissa bails on Gene with the classic exit line: "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a town I'd better get out of." Gene is reduced to playing in strip clubs with other beatnik musicians wearing dark glasses. When it seems like he can't go on another day Ethel re- enters his life and things begin to break his way once again.
For the aging sequences Mineo could draw upon the example James Dean, who he worked with in both "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant". Dean was faced with the same challenge in "Giant" and Mineo's attempt here is clearly superior. So much so that what could have been the film's biggest liability is actually a strength. And Mineo successfully mimics Krupa distinctive drumming style and facial expressions, details that he worked on with Krupa himself. There are seven drum solo set pieces, mostly medium shots that capture the spirit if not the actual magic of a Krupa performance.
Susan Kohner shows considerable range in two of her 1959 films, this one and "Imitation of Life". Here she will remind you of Eva Marie Saint's "On the Waterfront" character, a considerable contrast with the overwrought racially conflicted daughter she played in the other film. The likable James Darren (later to star in television's "The Time Tunnel") is a better singer than an actor. His scenes with Mineo are pretty awful, certainly the film's worst moments, and the fault does not lie with Mineo who tends to play up or down to the level of whoever he shares a scene. The hard working Mineo simply did not have enough talent or training to salvage a scene gone bad and really needed to be surrounded by a strong cast to help him sell his characterizations. Susan Oliver ("Butterfield 8") gets the best role and has a lot of fun with her character, benefiting from having almost all of the film's good lines. "Snow me again, junior, because I didn't quite get your drift." When I see her in a film I am always reminded of her classic guest-staring appearance as the sizzlingly hot female prisoner Barney and Andy have to cope with in episode 4-18 of "The Andy Griffith Show".
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
That is essentially "The Gene Krupa Story", with bobby soxer heartthrob Sal Mineo replacing Cassidy, Krupa replacing Sinatra, and the look of 1959 replacing 1970. Mineo was the Cassidy of his generation, with about the same level of acting talent but harder working and more willing to take direction.
Like the imagined "Cassidy as Sinatra" film, the idea was to expand the target audience by including someone who would attract teen and pre-teen girls. In this "The Gene Krupa Story" was successful and the film had good box office. The downside was that big band fans generally considered the whole production laughable. My father was a huge Krupa fan and he hated this film with an unprecedented passion. In part for the cheap production design and in part because of Mineo and the reasons for his casting, but largely because of the many factual omissions and distortions. To him the only saving grace was that they used Krupa's actual drumming, to which Mineo is generally in sync although there are times when he is beating a tom and the sound is that of a cymbal.
Like most Hollywood bio movies ("The Lou Gerhig Story", "The Al Jolson Story", etc.) Krupa's mother was violently opposed to her son's ambitions, in this case she and her husband want him to be a priest. But he leaves the seminary to set out for New York with Eddie Sirota (James Darren) and Eddie's composer girlfriend, Ethel (Susan Kohner). After a rough three months Ethel is forced to take a job as a telephone operator and her romantic interest switches to Gene.
Gene's career takes off and he begins running with a fast crowd of 1930's musicians (who sound strangely like a Maynard G. Kreb's take on the 1950's beat scene). A jazz singer named Dorissa Dinell (Susan Oliver) connects him with some dope dealers and the film gets a lot like "Reefer Madness" (but with a 1959 setting). Which may account for a surreal montage of newspaper headlines chronicling his rise to national fame and his fall in a drug bust. There is even an "I told you so" phone call from mom. This has ramifications beyond Krupa as the entire jazz world is outed as dope fiends and corrupter of America's youth. When the chips are down, Dorissa bails on Gene with the classic exit line: "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a town I'd better get out of." Gene is reduced to playing in strip clubs with other beatnik musicians wearing dark glasses. When it seems like he can't go on another day Ethel re- enters his life and things begin to break his way once again.
For the aging sequences Mineo could draw upon the example James Dean, who he worked with in both "Rebel Without a Cause" and "Giant". Dean was faced with the same challenge in "Giant" and Mineo's attempt here is clearly superior. So much so that what could have been the film's biggest liability is actually a strength. And Mineo successfully mimics Krupa distinctive drumming style and facial expressions, details that he worked on with Krupa himself. There are seven drum solo set pieces, mostly medium shots that capture the spirit if not the actual magic of a Krupa performance.
Susan Kohner shows considerable range in two of her 1959 films, this one and "Imitation of Life". Here she will remind you of Eva Marie Saint's "On the Waterfront" character, a considerable contrast with the overwrought racially conflicted daughter she played in the other film. The likable James Darren (later to star in television's "The Time Tunnel") is a better singer than an actor. His scenes with Mineo are pretty awful, certainly the film's worst moments, and the fault does not lie with Mineo who tends to play up or down to the level of whoever he shares a scene. The hard working Mineo simply did not have enough talent or training to salvage a scene gone bad and really needed to be surrounded by a strong cast to help him sell his characterizations. Susan Oliver ("Butterfield 8") gets the best role and has a lot of fun with her character, benefiting from having almost all of the film's good lines. "Snow me again, junior, because I didn't quite get your drift." When I see her in a film I am always reminded of her classic guest-staring appearance as the sizzlingly hot female prisoner Barney and Andy have to cope with in episode 4-18 of "The Andy Griffith Show".
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Great Drummer from the Past
whpratt115 November 2006
Always enjoy listening to the great talent of Gene Krupa along with Buddy Rich. This is a film dealing with Krupa's childhood which dealt with his becoming a Priest and then a world famous drummer in the 1940's. Sal Mineo, (Gene Krupa),"Rebel Without a Cause",'55, did a great job of trying to imitate Gene on the drums along with Susan Kohner,(Ethel Maguire),"Freud",'62, who was his girlfriend and loyal supporter through out this picture. This film portrays the good and bad times of Gene Krupa and most of his bad times were caused by a frustrating childhood and a great love of his mother and father, who both demanded too much from their son. Great Class film along with great musicians.
Drummer drinks,smokes dope and likes girls,Hold the front page
ianlouisiana2 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Mr Krupa should have seen this one coming.After the success of his ex-boss's biopic "The Benny Goodman Story" it could have been a choice between him and Harry James who had the added kudos of being married to Betty Grable.For whatever reason they picked a charismatic gum-chewing tousle-haired stick juggling drummer with a colourful history and a pot bust over the straight-laced trumpeter with a movie star wife who was probably contracted to another studio.That's Hollywood I guess. Mr Sal Mineo who could chew gum with the best of them and tousle up his hair real bad learned to juggle his drumsticks.Apart from a chubbiness in the cheeks he resembles Mr Krupa physically.Mr Krupa was an easy-going guy by all accounts,and certainly the first white swing drummer of any consequence.Like BG he was an early employer of black musicians in his band(Roy Eldridge - outstanding on Krupa's "After you've gone"). His best - known singer Miss Anita O'Day appears in the movie,following up her success in "Jazz on a summer's day",and,frankly,is the only thing worth watching.Whilst BG was well treated in his film,Mr Krupa isn't. On the grounds that there is no such thing as bad publicity he may have decided to leave well enough alone,but anyone coming to the movie cold could be excused for thinking he was a complete prat,which wasn't in fact the case."Drum Crazy" is trite and sensationalist,cheapening the memory of a man who,in his day,was a huge star.I hope he laughed all the way to the bank.
Biopic of talented and troubled drummer.
michaelRokeefe28 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Don Weis directs this movie about probably the best jazz drummer of all-time, Gene Krupa(Sal Mineo). I have to say I think this is one of Mineo's best roles. Krupa grew up poor and constantly had troubles with his father wanting him to become a priest. Gene was already making a couple of bucks playing drums and it was deep inside him; all Krupa wanted out of life, at first, was to be a musician. Gene and his best friend Eddie Sirota(James Darren)head to NYC to make it big. Krupa gets his big brake with the Bennie Goodman orchestra and after much success, the charismatic drummer fronts his own band. Gene, at the top of his career, would be arrested for having marijuana cigarettes. After serving jail time it was rough getting any work at all because most people was considering him a drug addict. A second chance on music and life comes as band leader Tommy Dorsey(Bobby Troup)features Krupa as a special guest with his band. This film depicts a lot of what material I've read about the jazz great. Also in the cast: Susan Kohner, Yvonne Craig, Lawrence Dobkin, Susan Oliver and Celia Lovsky. Making cameo appearances as themselves are Anita O'Day, Shelly Manne, Red Nichols and Buddy Lester. Trickier drum solos were dubbed in by Gene himself.
If movies were Cheese, this would be Velveeta.
rdbqpaul15 June 2020
I recall seeing this as a teenager and thinking it was great. As a 75 year old retired musician who lives music history, it annoyed me.
When a producer allows a song from 1940 (Let There be Love) to be inserted into a scene from the mid20s I call foul. The early scene with Krupa jamming with the Austin High Gang is arranged in the style of a 1960s Las Vegas showband. The scene with Red Nichols is equally absurd with bop-based jazz chorus.
Then comes "Cherokee" (written in 1938) played at a tempo and style at least 20 years in the future. Then comes the cocktail party which looks like a scene from Playboy After Hours. No attempt is made to costume authenticity. The band jamming sounds like Sam Butera on speed.
Later a beautiful version of "Memories of You" appears, but sung in a style si,liar to Julie London. Not until "Back Home in Indiana" does the music come close to stylistically historical accuracy. But then the overdone "everybody has a drum" schtick even ruins that. "Hawaiian War Chant" provides some redemption, but not enough to change my sum total reaction to the film - meh!
As others have mentioned, the film was obviously marketed to teens. Unfortunately anyone who knows anything about Krupa, or the swing era, will likely find it annoying.
When a producer allows a song from 1940 (Let There be Love) to be inserted into a scene from the mid20s I call foul. The early scene with Krupa jamming with the Austin High Gang is arranged in the style of a 1960s Las Vegas showband. The scene with Red Nichols is equally absurd with bop-based jazz chorus.
Then comes "Cherokee" (written in 1938) played at a tempo and style at least 20 years in the future. Then comes the cocktail party which looks like a scene from Playboy After Hours. No attempt is made to costume authenticity. The band jamming sounds like Sam Butera on speed.
Later a beautiful version of "Memories of You" appears, but sung in a style si,liar to Julie London. Not until "Back Home in Indiana" does the music come close to stylistically historical accuracy. But then the overdone "everybody has a drum" schtick even ruins that. "Hawaiian War Chant" provides some redemption, but not enough to change my sum total reaction to the film - meh!
As others have mentioned, the film was obviously marketed to teens. Unfortunately anyone who knows anything about Krupa, or the swing era, will likely find it annoying.
Susan Kohner is Just Terrific!!!
kidboots29 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Even though the real Gene Krupa was only 17 when he started his career, Sal Mineo looked too young and baby faced for the role of the dynamic drummer. But once he took to the drums he seemed to inhabit Krupa (he obviously studied him) and even though Krupa was the one the audiences heard, Mineo's performance was inspired. Away from the music it was just another tired bio-pic with all the usual boxes ticked. Mineo never really convinced except in the early part of the film when he was an enthusiastic musician finding his feet in the jazz world. He was called a "choir boy" by one of his friends and he never lost that look - the real Gene looked wild and exciting!!!
Susan Kohner was just terrific as Ethel, his hometown sweetheart, who initially guided him to follow his dream and was there at the end to pick up the pieces. (In real life, the real Gene married Ethel, who was a switchboard operator, in 1934, they divorced in 1942 and remarried in 1946). She made the most of her scenes and made everyone around (Mineo included) look as if they didn't care. Her father was director Paul Kohner and her mother the beautiful, exotic star of the early thirties Lupita Tovar - so she had an impeccable pedigree of talent and looks. I have seen her in the remake of "Imitation of Life" and while that film was not so good she was just fine. Why didn't she get the breaks that Natalie Wood (a lesser talent, in my opinion, as an adult performer) got?? I guess I will never know.
Young Krupa studies for the priesthood but his heart isn't really in it but when he hits the big time it goes to his head. Susan Oliver is the sultry singer who introduces him to the "noxious weed" but apart from an early dabbling, the film tries to portray him as squeaky clean and that the jail term was caused by "persons unknown" planting reefers in his coat!! "You know I never use it" he proclaims. Once he leaves prison the film dwells on his fall from grace, playing in seedy strip bars. In reality Krupa went from strength to strength - rejoining Tommy Dorsey before forming his own band. He also made a few movies (I have seen him in one where he drums on a matchbox!!!), performed in Europe and had success on TV. The highlight of the movie was the performances and the guest appearances of many jazz greats - Red Nichols, Buddy Lester and Anita O'Day (who had her own substance abuse problems).
Gene Krupa was a flamboyant and dynamic musician who helped push a lesser known instrument to the height of popularity. His perfect technique and the ability to adapt his style to whatever music happened to be in vogue made him unforgettable!!
Susan Kohner was just terrific as Ethel, his hometown sweetheart, who initially guided him to follow his dream and was there at the end to pick up the pieces. (In real life, the real Gene married Ethel, who was a switchboard operator, in 1934, they divorced in 1942 and remarried in 1946). She made the most of her scenes and made everyone around (Mineo included) look as if they didn't care. Her father was director Paul Kohner and her mother the beautiful, exotic star of the early thirties Lupita Tovar - so she had an impeccable pedigree of talent and looks. I have seen her in the remake of "Imitation of Life" and while that film was not so good she was just fine. Why didn't she get the breaks that Natalie Wood (a lesser talent, in my opinion, as an adult performer) got?? I guess I will never know.
Young Krupa studies for the priesthood but his heart isn't really in it but when he hits the big time it goes to his head. Susan Oliver is the sultry singer who introduces him to the "noxious weed" but apart from an early dabbling, the film tries to portray him as squeaky clean and that the jail term was caused by "persons unknown" planting reefers in his coat!! "You know I never use it" he proclaims. Once he leaves prison the film dwells on his fall from grace, playing in seedy strip bars. In reality Krupa went from strength to strength - rejoining Tommy Dorsey before forming his own band. He also made a few movies (I have seen him in one where he drums on a matchbox!!!), performed in Europe and had success on TV. The highlight of the movie was the performances and the guest appearances of many jazz greats - Red Nichols, Buddy Lester and Anita O'Day (who had her own substance abuse problems).
Gene Krupa was a flamboyant and dynamic musician who helped push a lesser known instrument to the height of popularity. His perfect technique and the ability to adapt his style to whatever music happened to be in vogue made him unforgettable!!
Krupa deserved better--a LOT better
garito30 January 2005
I give this one three-and-a-half stars: one for Krupa's off-screen drumming; one for Sal Mineo's credible imitation of Krupa at the drums (makes one wonder what Mineo's drumming sounded like), and one for Shelly Manne's appearance on screen as Dave Tough. The rest of the movie cumulatively rates less than a star.
Musician film biographies are known for their "artistic license," but this one was so far off the mark as to be ridiculous. So many inaccuracies in the plot, I can't begin to list them. Even the musical selections were incredibly off the mark. And it's hard to believe that Krupa saw and signed off on this script or the rushes, because the movie made him look like one of the music world's shallowest, most self-centered, and destructive creeps. He was no angel, but he wasn't the showboating Satan pictured here.
Musician film biographies are known for their "artistic license," but this one was so far off the mark as to be ridiculous. So many inaccuracies in the plot, I can't begin to list them. Even the musical selections were incredibly off the mark. And it's hard to believe that Krupa saw and signed off on this script or the rushes, because the movie made him look like one of the music world's shallowest, most self-centered, and destructive creeps. He was no angel, but he wasn't the showboating Satan pictured here.
Very impressive
artelrod-3148723 April 2022
While not an A-list film, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Gene Krupa recorded the drums soundtrack, and Sal followed Krupa's drumming beat for beat so closely it was impossible for me to know the difference. Sal actually played drums as a hobby, and was very talented himself.
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