The Gene Krupa Story

(1959)

101 minutes

Biography / Drama / Musical

aka "Drum Crazy"

Directed by Don Weis

Cast:

Sal Mineo as Gene Krupa 
Susan Kohner as Ethel Maguire 
James Darren as Eddie Sirota 
Susan Oliver as Dorissa Dinell 
Yvonne Craig as Gloria Corregio 
Lawrence Dobkin as Speaker Willis 
Celia Lovsky as Mother 
Red Nichols as Himself 
Bobby Troup as Tommy Dorsey 
Anita O'Day as Herself
Shelly Manne as Davey Tough 
Buddy Lester as Himself 

The Gene Krupa Story trailer

A biopic on the legendary jazz drummer, Gene Krupa. Gene wanted to play drums and make music ever since he was a young boy, but his parents disapproved of his hobby. They wanted him to become a priest and when Gene’s father dies, he promises to become a priest. Gene didn’t feel like himself in the priesthood and left to join his friend, Eddie's band. Eddie's girlfriend, Ethel convinces Gene to go to New York where she knows he will make a name out of himself. They all leave for New York and Ethel and Gene fall in love. Gene makes it big there, but turns to the bottle and drugs. Ethel leaves him and Gene must decide what to do with his life.