The Gene Krupa Story

[Cartoonist]

This is a Hollywood version, so don't take it literally.

It starts out with a solid drum selection over the titles, and then gets right to the heart of the story. A young man with a musical obsession and a father who wants him to be a priest.

Thankfully, the drums win out, but not without personal complications. An early cameo by Batgirl, Anita O'Day as herself, and a drug bust round out the story.

God's loss is our gain. Without Krupa, the Big Band Era would not have been the same.

[MineralMan]

1. I remember seeing that the year it came out.

Our little town's theater was about the only entertainment available, so most of us saw every movie that showed there. In 1959, I was a 14 year old high school freshman. No date for that movie. I was way too shy and awkward.

[3Hotdogs]

2. Sing, Sing, Sing.... 1939 Carnegie Hall Concert.

There was one microphone, suspended over his drums. The finale is phenomenal but all through the piece is his drumming..... sometimes, tom-tom, sometimes, off beat.

One of my favorite records.

[edhopper]

3. He' the craziest. Man!

[edhopper]

4. Speaking of religion

the tragic life of Sal Mineo, whose murder was never solved. Had to live in the closet because...well it's not like homophobia and religion aren't related.