The Gene Krupa Story

Don Weis
1959-12-01

He hammered out the savage tempo of the jazz era!
7
101 min

The story of legendary jazz drummer, Gene Krupa. Since his youth, all Gene ever wanted to do is play the drums and make music. This is something his parents would not approve of- they want him to be a priest. When Gene's father dies he promises to enter the priesthood. He soon realizes that he doesn't belong there and leaves to join his friend, Eddie's band. Ethel, Eddie's girlfriend, convinces Gene to go to New York and make it big. The 3 of them head to New York. Here Ethel and Gene soon fall in love and Gene makes a name for himself. Gene starts to live in the fast lane, with drugs, alcohol, women and parties. Ethel, unhappy with Gene's lifestyle, leaves him. Gene soon "hits rock bottom" where he has to face reality and choose where to take his life.

Cast

Name Character Team
Sal Mineo Gene Krupa Unowned
Susan Kohner Ethel Maguire Unowned
James Darren Eddie Sirota Unowned
Susan Oliver Dorissa Dinell Unowned
Yvonne Craig Gloria Corregio Unowned
Lawrence Dobkin Speaker Willis Unowned
Celia Lovsky Mother Unowned
Red Nichols Himself Unowned
Bobby Troup Tommy Dorsey Unowned
Anita O'Day Herself Unowned
Shelly Manne Davey Tough Unowned
Buddy Lester Himself Unowned