The Five Pennies: A Cinematic Tribute to Jazz Legend Red Nichols
Released in 1959, The Five Pennies is a poignant American biographical music drama that captures the highs and lows of the jazz era. Filmed in the visually stunning VistaVision and Technicolor processes, the movie stars Danny Kaye as Loring "Red" Nichols, a talented cornet player and bandleader whose life is defined by musical passion and familial devotion.
Directed by Melville Shavelson and distributed by Paramount Pictures, the film blends historical jazz elements with a touching narrative of resilience and recovery. It serves as both a tribute to the Dixieland style and a story of a father's love for his daughter.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Lead Actor: Danny Kaye portrays the real-life jazz musician Red Nichols.
- Musical Authenticity: The actual Red Nichols recorded all of the cornet parts for Danny Kaye's character.
- Accolades: The film earned four Academy Award nominations across scoring, song, cinematography, and costumes.
- Box Office: Estimated US and Canada rentals reached approximately $3 million.
- Runtime: 117 minutes.
The Story of Red Nichols
The narrative follows Red Nichols, a small-town cornet player who arrives in New York City during the 1920s. After finding work under bandleader Wil Paradise, Red meets and marries singer Willia Stutsman, known professionally as "Bobbie Meredith." Together with friends Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Artie Schutt, and Dave Tough, Red forms a Dixieland band called The Five Pennies—a clever play on his name, as a nickel is worth five pennies.
However, the band's peak success is met with personal tragedy when their young daughter, Dorothy, contracts polio. Devastated by the diagnosis, Nichols abandons his musical career, throwing his beloved cornet into the San Francisco Bay. The family relocates to Los Angeles for its warmer climate to support Dorothy's recovery, with Red taking a job in the shipyards.
Years later, during World War II, a teenage Dorothy encourages her father to return to music. Though his initial attempts to play are unsuccessful, Red eventually regains his skill through practice and the support of his family. The film culminates in a triumphant return to the stage with a new group, the New Five Pennies, where he is reunited with old friends, including the legendary Louis Armstrong, and witnesses his daughter dancing without her cane.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Production and Musical Credits
The film is notable for its extensive musical contributions, with eleven different composers credited. While the real Red Nichols provided the cornet performances, the rest of the band's sound was created by session players rather than Nichols' original bandmates.
The production quality was recognized by the Academy, with nominations for Leith Stevens (Best Musical Scoring), Sylvia Fine (Best Original Song), Daniel L. Fapp (Best Cinematography), and Edith Head (Best Costumes).
Cast and Roles
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Danny Kaye | Red Nichols |
| Barbara Bel Geddes | Willa Stutsman |
| Louis Armstrong | Himself |
| Harry Guardino | Tony Valani |
| Bob Crosby | Wil Paradise |
| Susan Gordon / Tuesday Weld | Dorothy Nichols (Child/Teen) |
| Bob Hope | Himself (Cameo) |
Critical Reception
Upon its release, the film received positive notes for its performances. A.H. Weiler of the New York Times described the film as a "tune-filled story" and "palatable schmaltz served up with a Dixieland beat." Weiler specifically praised Danny Kaye's versatile performance, noting that it worked effectively on many levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Danny Kaye actually play the cornet in the movie?
No, the actual Red Nichols recorded all of the cornet playing used for the film's soundtrack to ensure musical authenticity.
What does the name "The Five Pennies" refer to?
The name is a pun on the lead character's name, Red Nichols, because a nickel is equivalent to five pennies.
How many Oscar nominations did the film receive?
The film received four nominations: Best Musical Scoring, Best Original Song, Best Cinematography, and Best Costumes.
Who played the role of Dorothy Nichols?
The role was played by two actresses: Susan Gordon portrayed Dorothy between the ages of 6 to 8, and Tuesday Weld played her as a teenager aged 13 to 14.
Which famous jazz musician appeared as himself?
Louis Armstrong appeared in the film as himself, providing a significant moment of support for Red Nichols during the climax.