The Gene Krupa Story

Sal Mineo was far too young and the direction far too pedestrian to bring this ordinary biopic of an extraordinary musician to life. It is true-to-life, but newspaper accounts would be more interesting than the film. Krupa's father wanted him to be a priest, but he chose music instead. He loses Kohner, his childhood sweetheart, then gets involved with bad girl Oliver. The best parts of the movie are the songs and the performances by the stars who play themselves; Anita O'Day, Red Nichols, and Buddy Lester. In a small role as Mineo's dad is Gavin MacLeod, of "Love Boat" fame. Yvonne Craig, who went on to become TV's "Bat Girl" registers strongly as a youthful nymphe...