The Five Pennies 1959
In *The Five Pennies (1959)*, directed by Melville Shavelson, the vibrant world of early 20th-century jazz collides with personal triumph and heartache.
Director: Melville Shavelson
Cast
Danny Kaye
Red Nichols
Barbara Bel Geddes
Wila Stutsman
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong
Harry Guardino
Tony Valani
Bob Crosby
Wil Paradise
Bobby Troup
Artie Schutt
Susan Gordon
Young Dorothy Nichols
Tuesday Weld
Teenaged Dorothy Nichols
Ray Anthony
Jimmy Dorsey
Shelly Manne
Dave Tough
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Five Pennies (1959) about?
*The Five Pennies* follows the rise of cornetist Red Nichols as he navigates the challenges of a changing musical landscape in the early 1900s. After achieving fame and building a family with his steadfast wife, Nichols faces an unimaginable crisis when their young daughter falls ill with polio. The film blends lively jazz performances with tender family moments, portraying both the highs of artistic achievement and the deep trials of love.
Who directed The Five Pennies?
The Five Pennies was directed by Melville Shavelson, a filmmaker known for blending humor and drama in his projects.
Who stars in The Five Pennies?
Danny Kaye headlines the cast as Red Nichols, joined by Barbara Bel Geddes as his wife, Louis Armstrong in a special role, and Harry Guardino as a key supporting character.
Is The Five Pennies (1959) worth watching?
With its blend of infectious jazz music, heartfelt drama, and Danny Kaye's magnetic performance, *The Five Pennies* offers a nostalgic yet emotionally resonant experience. While not a blockbuster, its themes of perseverance and family make it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic cinema and jazz enthusiasts alike.
How long is The Five Pennies?
The Five Pennies has a runtime of 117 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Five Pennies (1959) — A Jazz-Inspired Drama of Talent, Love, and Overcoming Adversity
In *The Five Pennies (1959)*, directed by Melville Shavelson, the vibrant world of early 20th-century jazz collides with personal triumph and heartache. Danny Kaye delivers a charismatic performance as Red Nichols, a gifted Dixieland cornetist whose innovative sound challenges the musical establishment of his time. Alongside Kaye, the film stars Barbara Bel Geddes as his supportive wife, Louis Armstrong as a legendary musician who crosses paths with Nichols, and Harry Guardino in a memorable supporting role. Blending drama and music, the film captures the infectious energy of the jazz age while exploring the sacrifices and struggles behind artistic success.
The story unfolds against a backdrop of joyful melodies and quiet resilience as Nichols builds his career, marries, and raises a family. Yet when tragedy strikes in the form of their daughter's polio diagnosis, the film shifts to a poignant meditation on love, endurance, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
