Jimmy Dorsey
Birth : 1904-02-29, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, USA
Death : 1957-06-17
History
Jimmy Dorsey (1904-1957) was an American bandleader, saxophonist, conductor, songwriter and composer.
Through the 1920s he was a saxophonist in orchestras including those of Paul Whiteman, Red Nichols, and the California Ramblers. He formed an orchestra with his brother Tommy lasting from 1933 to 1935. He led his own orchestra before rejoining Tommy's orchestra in 1953 and taking over the orchestra after Tommy's death.
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Though several actors portray Elvis Presley at different stages of his life, this documentary is comprised mostly of actual performance footage and interviews with Elvis, his fans and those close to him. This biographical docu-drama features rare footage of Elvis and dramatically recreated scenes from Elvis' life.
Self (archive footage)
A made-for-TV musical revue, compiled from soundies and film and TV performances by jazz greats from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Self
Liza Lee, fast-talking press agent for Al Jarvis, persuades Jarvis to stage a Musical Mystery Contest, with a $5000 prize to the person who can first name the most musical numbers and their performers. Lots of musicians perform.
Self
Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with Dottie O'Brien, The Mello-Larks and Bill Lawrence.
Bickering brothers unwittingly wind up working together on the same musical production.
Jimmy Dorsey
The story of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey from their boyhood in Pennsylvania through their rise, their breakup, and their personal reunion.
Self
Two soldiers on leave spend three nights at a club offering free of charge food, dancing, and entertainment for servicemen on their way overseas. Club founders Bette Davis and John Garfield give talks on the history of the place.
Jimmy Dorsey
Two bumbling magicians help a Middle Eastern prince regain his rightful throne from his despotic uncle.
Himself
Reenactments of actual USO experiences of its female stars entertaining troops overseas.
Himself (as Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra)
Constance Shaw, a Broadway dance star, and Joseph Rivington Reynolds, a keen fan of hers, marry after she breaks up with her fiancé. Connie thinks Joseph owns a gold mine, but he actually works as a presser at a hotel valet shop. When everyone learns what he really is, Joseph is banned from the theater. When he sneaks in again, he learns of a plot to set off a bomb in the adjoining munitions warehouse.
Featuring Jimmy Dorsey
Performed by Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra with Helen O'Connell
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra perform "Au Reet"
Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra Leader
Shy sailor Casey Kirby suddenly becomes known as a sea wolf when his picture is taken with a famous actress. Things get complicated when bets are placed on his prowess with the ladies.
Self (archive footage)
Jeff grows up near Basin Street in New Orleans, playing his clarinet with the dock workers. He puts together a band, the Basin Street Hot-Shots, which includes a cornet player, Memphis. They struggle to get their jazz music accepted by the cafe society of the city. Betty Lou joins their band as a singer and gets Louie to show her how to do scat singing. Memphis and Jeff both fall in love with Betty Lou.
Orchestra Leader
In a nightclub setting, Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra, with two of his vocalists, perform four of the group's best known songs. For the complete list of songs, check the soundtrack listing.
A "Screen Songs" short mixing live action with cartoons. The animated section deals with what will be seen on the television sets of the future, i.e., a fountain of youth operating in Turkey, a cow mowing the lawn and feeding at the same time, and other items and then the TV set brings on Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra, with Bob Eberle singing "You Leave Me Breathless."
Hammacher's Band Member (uncredited)
Nikki Martin (Lily Pons), a beautiful French opera star, stows away on an ocean liner in hopes of escaping her jealous fiancee. Once aboard, she joins an American swing band and falls in love with its leader, who, after hearing her sing, eventually comes to reciprocate her feelings.
