The Five Pennies

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The Five Pennies

1959,

1h 57m,

Musical

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3 Reviews

Tomatometer

92%

500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

Tomatometer

3 Reviews

92%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

In this film based on a true story, Red Nichols (Danny Kaye) moves from his small town to New York City to become a jazz musician. Although he experiences culture shock, he soon becomes well respected in the clubs, even forming a friendship with Louis Armstrong (Louis Armstrong). After marrying Willa (Barbara Bel Geddes) and having a daughter, Dorothy (Susan Gordon), Red still tours constantly. But, when he learns that Dorothy has polio, he realizes he must rethink his priorities.

Noel Murray

The Dissolve

Dec 16, 2013

3/5

The Five Pennies is a solidly crafted movie that glosses over a lot of the real history of jazz.

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Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

Oct 17, 2019

A bit too sobby in spots, the film rates "good" for its exuberant music, its sharply detailed Jazz Age atmosphere, and Kaye's likeable performance.

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Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

Jan 2, 2006

2.5/4

A bit of a sprightly-tragic mess, but if one doesn't try to sum up its parts, it's plenty entertaining in a nostalgic, old-movie way.

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Albus W

May 27, 2018

Danny Kaye as jazz legend Red Nichols (Nichols himself dubbed Kaye's cornet playing) in this overly sentimental biopic; the movie comes to life in the musical interludes, especially Kaye's duet with Louis Armstrong to "When the Saints Go Marching In." The title song was nominated for an Oscar.

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Hagrid S

Feb 23, 2012

One of my absolute favorite movies. Excellent film...Danny Kaye plays Red Nichols with a great innocence and passion for the jazz. This movie goes from love and loss, through regret to discovery. On top of the great performances from Louis Armstrong himself this film shows a great love for the culture of the American art of jazz.

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Melville Shavelson

Director

Danny Kaye

"Red" Nichols

Barbara Bel Geddes

Willa Stutsman

Louis Armstrong

Self

Bob Crosby

Wil Paradise

Harry Guardino

Tony Valani

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Synopsis

In this film based on a true story, Red Nichols (Danny Kaye) moves from his small town to New York City to become a jazz musician. Although he experiences culture shock, he soon becomes well respected in the clubs, even forming a friendship with Louis Armstrong (Louis Armstrong). After marrying Willa (Barbara Bel Geddes) and having a daughter, Dorothy (Susan Gordon), Red still tours constantly. But, when he learns that Dorothy has polio, he realizes he must rethink his priorities.

Director: Melville Shavelson
Producer: Jack Rose
Screenwriter: Jack Rose, Melville Shavelson
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Dena Productions
Genre: Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 1959, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2012
Runtime: 1h 57m
Sound Mix: Stereo

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