The Five Pennies [DVD] [1959]

This is a very pleasant couple of hours entertainment, loosely depicting the life and times of jazz musician Red Nicols. The movie is typical of its time and type and there is simply nothing to complain about at all - however minor. Okay! like other biopics the story line is a little bit questionable (even Red himself might have said "did I do this?" , "Did I do that?" ) But he would not have found the movie disagreeable. There is a certain poignancy through the story of Red's life, especially with the serious illness of his daughter and the abandonment of his musical career during the second world war. Happily these incidents evolve satisfactorily and won't leave you reaching for the tissues. Just a bit of moistness around the eyes maybe! Nice to see Barbara Bel Geddes (long before her Dallas days) playing Red's wife, and a youthful Tuesday Weld as his daughter (for the teenager scenes.) The music is terrific, and theres a generous amount of it too. Super to see Louis Armstrong, Bob Crosby and Ray Anthony making their contribution and other famous musical figures of the period being depicted; Glenn Miller, the Dorsey brothers and so on. Red plays his own numbers during the film and Danny Kaye does an excellent job of simulated trumpet playing. The movie is a bit schmaltzy in places but these sort of films usually are. It won't spoil your enjoyment though - and enjoy it you will !

Good film for Danny Kaye fans,but would have liked more of the story and music ,less of the comedy from Danny ,but enjoyed the film,worth a watch,

I won't add to the other reviews. I like Danny Kaye in most things, he is very good in this film which doesn't necessarily rely on his comic abilities. The story of the jazz great is told with ample use of other jazz greats, including a truly energising duet of Oh When The Saints Come Marching In with the one and only Satchmo Armstrong.I believe Kaye's wife Sylvia Fine adapted the song with extra lyrics, and its a stunning number performed by the great pairing with great brio. I can watch that number again and again!!

the great danny kaye my opinion played this role as only kay could do very believable trumpet playing great acting supporting cast were superb Barbara bell gades took on the role as his wife very good two this film has everything great music from some of the greats of all time comedy and sadness what more could you want loved it dont make them like this anymore sadly

I bought the cd that runs with the film a few weeks ago, enjoyed it so much that i also bought the film, two copies in fact, one for me one for my daughter who is a big musical fan..got to say it is a pleasure to own such a fab film and sound track, the music is something else with old satchel mouth at his very best, fantastic value and very quick delivery..if you like big band or jazz with a bit of hollywood glitz theown in for good measure, then i promise that this is for you..enjoy and all the best.

A delightful film with a human story line. Great music from the era a of Dixieland jazz including most of the great musicians of the day. Danny Kay plays the leading role with his blend of comedy and musical dexterity.

Ordered through Amazon for a present so not idea what it’s like. The recipient was pleased with it.

I watched this dvd as soon as it arrived. Enjoyed the film. Some parts aren't relevant to the storyline.