Tommy and Jimmy were never actors, nor close brotherly musicians for that matter. Fightin' and Feudin' were their credentials in real life, breaking up their joint band in 1935 over an argument on stage about the tempo of a tune, "I'll Never Say Never Again". Hot of trombone, hot of temper the domineering,take charge Tommy walked off and formed his own Band. Jimmy, the older of the two, who adopted the role in their joint band as the lay back clarinet and alto saxophonist was left with the original orchestra.
Both brothers vowed never to play with one another again and the rift lasted twelve years, till the death of their father, where they made it up in consolation to their grieving mother.
This movie is a relatively good portrayal of their respective lives, featuring their doting parents, who tried to reconcile their indifference's but to no avail.
The real substance of this movie however, is the superb music not only of the Dorsey Brothers, whose individual careers flourished anyway regardless of the breakup, but the contribution of many other original performers such as Bandleader Paul Whiteman, and solo instrumental performances by Charlie Barnet, Art Tatum, Henry Busse, Ziggy Elman and Ray Bauduc. Great vocals by Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell singing "Green Eyes" who were actual performers in Jimmy's band but the real stunner is a very lovely, talented Janet Blair with a heavenly voice, effortless phrasing and natural style giving superb renditions in Tommy's band of "Marie",and "The Object of My Affection",and separately with a trio featuring William Lundigan as the pianist, plus Bass and Guitar of an unforgettable number, "To Me", in which she shines magnificently.
Tommy died on November 26 1956 followed by Jimmy 7 months later.
Despite everything about their eruptive and stormy past they both left a legacy of great music which is still played by swing band enthusiasts like myself to this day.
Relax, watch the movie, and enjoy the music.
Both brothers vowed never to play with one another again and the rift lasted twelve years, till the death of their father, where they made it up in consolation to their grieving mother.
This movie is a relatively good portrayal of their respective lives, featuring their doting parents, who tried to reconcile their indifference's but to no avail.
The real substance of this movie however, is the superb music not only of the Dorsey Brothers, whose individual careers flourished anyway regardless of the breakup, but the contribution of many other original performers such as Bandleader Paul Whiteman, and solo instrumental performances by Charlie Barnet, Art Tatum, Henry Busse, Ziggy Elman and Ray Bauduc. Great vocals by Bob Eberly and Helen O'Connell singing "Green Eyes" who were actual performers in Jimmy's band but the real stunner is a very lovely, talented Janet Blair with a heavenly voice, effortless phrasing and natural style giving superb renditions in Tommy's band of "Marie",and "The Object of My Affection",and separately with a trio featuring William Lundigan as the pianist, plus Bass and Guitar of an unforgettable number, "To Me", in which she shines magnificently.
Tommy died on November 26 1956 followed by Jimmy 7 months later.
Despite everything about their eruptive and stormy past they both left a legacy of great music which is still played by swing band enthusiasts like myself to this day.
Relax, watch the movie, and enjoy the music.