You'd better love jazz if you're going to rent The Benny Goodman Story. On the heels of the successful The Glenn Miller Story, this famous bandleader was also given his own biopic - but without any tragedy in the story. So, you can sit back and relax. You'll get to see some humble beginnings, an unlikely romance, and tons of music played by Benny and his band! The casting is great, with a strong likeness between the little boy, Steve Allen as the adult version, and Benny himself. Steve's not the best actor in the world, but he certainly comes across as a serious musician who can't really focus on anything or anyone else. His slightly wooden delivery adds to his believability (and the fact that he was a famous musician and songwriter in real life didn't hurt either). In one scene, he's eating lunch at a café and listening to a piano player. He's holding his girlfriend's (Donna Reed) hand, but he starts tapping with his fingers. Donna smiles knowingly, removes her hand without his notice and replaces it with the handle of his clarinet case so he can join in the music. It's very funny, and it shows a valuable lesson to the ladies in the audience: if you want to get involved with a musician, be prepared to take second place.
Most biopics of musicians have some elements of sadness in them, but this is generally light. Benny's father dies early on in the film, but from then on out, it's nothing but blue skies and jazzy songs. So if you like old music and are in the mood for something on the sweeter side, check it out.
Most biopics of musicians have some elements of sadness in them, but this is generally light. Benny's father dies early on in the film, but from then on out, it's nothing but blue skies and jazzy songs. So if you like old music and are in the mood for something on the sweeter side, check it out.