The Eddy Duchin Story (1956)

The life story of the famous pianist and band-leader of the 1930s and 1940s.

Director:

George Sidney

Writers:

Samuel A. Taylor (screenplay) (as Samuel Taylor), Leo Katcher (story)

Stars:

Tyrone Power, Kim Novak, Victoria Shaw

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tyrone Power	...	Eddy Duchin
Kim Novak	...	Marjorie Oelrichs
Victoria Shaw	...	Chiquita Wynn
James Whitmore	...	Lou Sherwood
Rex Thompson	...	Peter Duchin, Age 12
Mickey Maga	...	Peter Duchin, Age 5
Shepperd Strudwick	...	Sherman Wadsworth
Frieda Inescort	...	Edith Wadsworth
Gloria Holden	...	Mrs. Duchin
Larry Keating	...	Leo Reisman
John Mylong	...	Mr. Duchin
Gregory Gaye	...	Philip
Warren Hsieh	...	Native Boy
Richard H. Cutting	...	George - Destroyer Captain
Carlyle Mitchell	...	Marjorie's Doctor

Storyline

In the late 20's, the talkative newly graduated in pharmacy and aspirant piano player Eddy Duchin comes from Boston to New York expecting to play with the orchestra of Leo Reisman at fancy New York's Central Park Casino. However he had misunderstood the invitation of the maestro and while leaving the place, he meets the wealthy socialite Marjorie Oelrichs that asks Leo Reisman to give a chance to Eddy. He plays in the intermission and becomes a successful piano showman. Two years later, Marjorie and Eddy get married and in the Christmas, Marjorie has a baby, Peter, but she dies after the delivery. Eddy rejects Peter blaming him for the death of Marjorie and only five years later he meets his son. With the World War II, Eddy Duchin breaks up his band and enlists to fight in the war. With the end of the war, Eddy returns to New York with the intention of getting closer to Peter but he sees the boy connected to his friend Chiquita. When Eddy discovers that he has a terminal disease, he ...

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Plot Keywords:

character name as title | eddy duchin character | four word title | band | piano | 

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Taglines:

There Never Was a Guy Like Eddy!

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Music | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Both Joan Fontaine and Eva Marie Saint were tested for the role of Marjorie. George Sidney preferred the younger Kim Novak.

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Goofs

Eddy Duchin suffered from acute myelogenous leukemia. This blood disease would not have created the hand paralysis shown in the movie. The paralysis was done for dramatic effect. Eddy Duchin died at Memorial Hospital in New York City on February 9, 1951. He was 41.

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Quotes

Eddy Duchin: What I want to know is why! Why do they have to destroy a man twice? You work and work and just when you get... everything. When it gets too good they take it away.
Eddy Duchin: Oh Chiquita, I don't want to die. I don't.

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Connections

Referenced in The Imp, the Spirit, the Hero: Playing David Helfgott in 'Shine' with Geoffrey Rush (2015)

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Soundtracks

La Vie en Rose
Music by Louiguy
Lyrics by Édith Piaf
Played by Eddy's orchestra

User Reviews

'Oil of Olay'

Expecting to be bored but knowing my wife would love the music, I sat through 'The Eddie Duchin Story.' I'd never heard of Duchin, except to know his son, Peter, was a fine pianist. Earlier in the evening, I'd endured 'The Passion of the Christ,' and I really wasn't in the mood for another downbeat movie. Much to my surprise, I loved every aspect of 'Duchin.' Columbia's 'Monroe,' Kim Novak got top billing, much to my surprise, since Tyrone Power was still a top matinée idol. Well, let me tell you, whatever jokes you've heard about Novak, you'll forget them when you see her a Marjorie, Duchin's doomed socialite wife. Appearing less than an hour, Novak's grace and sweetness permeates the whole movie. You'll adore Novak as much as Duchin. Power is only slightly less effective, but he has a much rougher job. Power is in his mid forties when he plays Duchin, and he must play the first hour as a man in his mid twenties. Power is so frenetic, so energetic and earnest, you fear he's going to have a heart attack. He did, three years later on 'Solomon and Sheba' and died on the spot. Anyway, back to 'Duchin.' James Whitmore is magnificent, as usual in a small role as Duchin's manager. His little bit of business putting on his hat near the end of the film perfectly captures and advance the mood of the movie. Victoria Shaw is given the thankless role of Duchin's second wife, and she hit just the right notes to make an impression without overpowering the narrative. After all, this is Duchin's story, and her part of it is a small but key part. Rex Thompson is perfect as young Peter Duchin, displaying all the emotional conflicts a child would endure with his history. He has an absolutely great scene near the end of the film, but I won't spoil by telling you what happens. Let's just say he takes of the responsibilities of manhood far younger than a child should. Warren Hsieh as the native boy, is wonderful in helping to capture the mood that is yet another turning point in Duchin's life.

Producer Jerry Wald has spared no expense at recreating a era in a manner as convincing as 'Titanic'. Director George Sydney once again proves he is skilled with a camera as he is with actors. The first kiss between Powers and Novak is seen as a reflection in a puddle. Just beautiful! George Duning provides the incredible score. Carmen Cavallaro performs the great piano classics..

I don't cry in movies too often. I didn't cry once in 'The Passion of the Christ'. But I couldn't hold back tears in many scenes in 'The Eddie Duchin Story'. That's saying a lot. Sure, 'The Eddie Duchin Story' is soap. But, there are many kinds of soap. Oil of Olay leaves you feeling fresh and clean and invigorated. So does 'The Eddie Duchin Story'. I give 'The Eddie Duchin Story' a '10'.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 June 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

Geliebt in alle Ewigkeit

Filming Locations:

Central Park Casino, Central Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1