FAQ

The movie is a somewhat fictionalized biopic about flamboyant American jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader Gene Krupa [1909-1973] (played by Sal Mineo). The movie encompasses Krupa's life from the time he brought home his first set of drums in high school, through his rise to fame, his fall due to a marijuana bust, and his attempt to break free of the blackball list.

The Gene Krupa Story is based on a screenplay by associate producer Orin Jannings.

In an attempt to raise himself out of playing at dives, Gene learns to read music and pays a visit to Tommy Dorsey (Bobby Troup), who is starting up a new band. Tommy is eager to get Gene back into his band, but he's already hired Davey Tough (Shelly Manne), so Eddie Sirota (James Darren) comes up with an idea. The band opens with a 'special return appearance' by Gene Krupa. Just prior to going on, Gene receives an envelope with a stick of gum from Ethel, which somewhat allays his anxiety. Onstage, he is first met with heckling. 'Got a reefer?' 'Jailbird!' However, after an almost three minute 'battle of the drums' between Gene and Davey, the audience begins to cheer him on. 'Go, Gene, Go! After the performance, Gene is invited to a number of parties, but he chooses to leave with Ethel. 'What's the matter? he tells her. 'Didn't you think I'd ever learn?'

In real life, Krupa married Ethel McGuire (played by Susan Kohner)...twice. Their first marriage lasted from 1934-1942 after which they divorced and remarried again in 1946. Their second marriage lasted until her death in 1955.

Mineo studied the drums with Gene Krupa for a year before making this movie and became a good drummer. However, he was merely mimicking Krupa's drumming in the film. Krupa himself did the actual drumming for the soundtrack.