Pete Kelly’s Blues

Movies to See Right Now (at home)

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Caption: Riz Ahmed in SOUND OF METAL, deservedly Oscar-nominated

This weekend concludes the SFFILM, which you can mostly stream at home. Here’s my first look at SFFILM and three indie gems at SFFILM. If you’re going to catch just one film at SFFILM, I suggest I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking).

ON VIDEO

We’re coming upon the Oscars, so it’s time to see the nominated films (IN THIS ORDER).

ON TV

Jack “Dragnet” Webb and Peggy Lee in PETE KELLY’S BLUES

On April 21, TCM brings us something COMPLETELY different, the 1955 Pete Kelly’s Blues, directed by and starring Jack Webb, who we all know from TV’s Dragnet.   Made at the downturn of the Big Band Era, Pete Kelly’s Blues is set at during Prohibition in the infancy of Big Bands.

It’s a fairly routine drama about a small time bandleader on the outs with a dangerous crime boss, but Jack Webb loved jazz and worked hard to get the music in the movie right, resulting in quite the period document.  Peggy Lee received a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for portraying an alcoholic vocalist.  There’s an unforgettable cameo performance by Ella Fitzgerald at the top of her game.  The house band includes many real-life musicians who played with Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby and the like, including  Matty Matlock, Eddie Miller and Jud De Naut.

Webb never had much range as an actor, but the rest of the cast is excellent: Janet Leigh, Edmond O’Brien,  Lee Marvin, Andy Devine, Jayne Mansfield and Harry Morgan.  Not a great flick, but worth a look for the music.

Movies to See Right Now (at home)

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Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche in THE TRUTH. Photo courtesy if IFC Films.

This week: an insightful, wry showcase for two of France’s most iconic actresses and a tribute to movie composer Ennio Morricone.

From earlier this week, here’s my remembrance of Ennio Morricone.

ON VIDEO

The Truth: Writer-director Hirozaki Koreeda’s latest wry and authentic exploration of human behavior is a showcase for Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche.

John Lewis: Good Trouble: A revealing documentary on the Civil Rights icon.

The most eclectic watch-at-home recommendations you’ll find ANYWHERE:

ON TV

Jack “Dragnet” Webb and Peggy Lee in PETE KELLY’S BLUES

On July 14, TCM brings us something COMPLETELY different, the 1955 Pete Kelly’s Blues, directed by and starring Jack Webb, who we all know from TV’s Dragnet.   Made at the downturn of the Big Band Era, Pete Kelly’s Blues is set at during Prohibition in the infancy of Big Bands.

It’s a fairly routine drama about a small time bandleader on the outs with a dangerous crime boss, but Jack Webb loved jazz and worked hard to get the music in the movie right, resulting in quite the period document.  Peggy Lee received a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for portraying an alcoholic vocalist.  There’s an unforgettable cameo performance by Ella Fitzgerald at the top of her game.  The house band includes many real-life musicians who played with Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby and the like, including  Matty Matlock, Eddie Miller and Jud De Naut.

Webb never had much range as an actor, but the rest of the cast is excellent: Janet Leigh, Edmond O’Brien,  Lee Marvin, Andy Devine, Jayne Mansfield and Harry Morgan.  Not a great flick, but worth a look for the music.

PETE KELLY’S BLUES: a jazz time capsule on TV

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Jack "Dragnet" Webb and Peggy Lee in PETE KELLY'S BLUES
Jack “Dragnet” Webb and Peggy Lee in PETE KELLY’S BLUES

On October 16, TCM brings something COMPLETELY different, the 1955 Pete Kelly’s Blues, directed by and starring Jack Webb, who we all know from TV’s Dragnet.   Made at the downturn of the Big Band Era, Pete Kelly’s Blues is set at during Prohibition in the infancy of Big Bands.

It’s a fairly routine drama about a small time bandleader on the outs with a dangerous crime boss, but Jack Webb loved jazz and worked hard to get the music in the movie right, resulting in quite the period document.  Peggy Lee received a Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for portraying an alcoholic vocalist.  There’s an unforgettable cameo performance by Ella Fitzgerald at the top of her game.  The house band includes many real-life musicians who played with Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby and the like, including  Matty Matlock, Eddie Miller and Jud De Naut.

Webb never had much range as an actor, but the rest of the cast is excellent: Janet Leigh, Edmond O’Brien,  Lee Marvin, Andy Devine, Jayne Mansfield and Harry Morgan.  Not a great flick, but worth a look for the music.