The Five Pennies

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Starring: Danny Kaye
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Directed By: Melville Shavelson
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 2005-12-13
Running Time: 117 minutes
Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 05/01/2007 Run time: 117 minutes Rating: Nr

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In THE FIVE PENNIES (1959), funnyman Danny Kaye takes on the real-life role of jazz legend Loring "Red" Nichols, considered to be one of the greatest horn players of his day. Dorsey, Miller, Shaw and other major band leaders got their starts with him.

Nichols himself plays the horn for Kaye off-camera, but Danny has plenty of opportunities to clown and make his own unique kind of music on-screen. Indeed, a duet of "When the Saints Go Marching In" with the incomparable Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong is one of the film's highlights.

There is, however, a serious side to Nichols' story. In the late 1930s, while his band was playing date-after-date on the road, his young daughter came down with polio. As a result, he decided to quit the music business, going to work in a defense plant and spending more time with his family. He did not make a comeback until after World War II.

Melville Shavelson directed this touching, entertaining biography, which co-stars Barbara Bel Geddes, Harry Guardino, Tuesday Weld, Bob Crosby and Bobby Troup.

© Michael B. Druxman, author of ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

Best Movie EVER
I first saw this movie as a child. I loved it then. I rediscovered it as an adult and was thrilled to find it on DVD. I have bought copies for myself, friends, and my mom. All have enjoyed it. It is a tear jerker, so if you need to have a good cry, this is your movie. One of the best psrts is Danny Kaye and Louis Armstrong doing "When the Saints Go Marching In". Gives you chills.

The Five Pennies
I remembered this movie from when it first came out. As I enjoyed it then, I was sure that I would enjoy it now. Danny Kaye does an excellent job as Red Nichols, and the supporting cast is made up mostly of the real musicians. I do not know how true the story is, but it is enjoyable, if a bit maudlin. The music is fantastic.

A biopic to enjoy
This one is one of these movies that one remembers to have enjoyed in your youth and for it I wanted to be able to return to see her and to enjoy it. The time has passed but his captivation remains inalterable. In this opportunity Danny Kaye is much more contained that in other movies, which is a point in favor for the picture. I think is worth returning to see it again.

The Five Pennies
This is the best movie ever. I got it for my mom for christmas because it's her favorite movie and she has never had a good copy. the gift brought her to tears.