Category Archives: Biography

St.Louis Blues (1958)

Posted on April 19, 2018 by vintage45

Biopic of Jazz and Blues composer W.C.Handy that features great musicians and singers. The band consists of Barney Bigard, George Washington, Red Callender, Lee Young and of course Nat “King” Cole. Young Will Handy is playing his coronet while some … Continue reading →

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The Story Of Alexander Graham Bell (1939)

Posted on April 17, 2018 by vintage45

Heavy doses of corn and soap combine to tell the story of how Don Ameche invented the land line. Boston 1873. Bell is trying to teach deaf mutes how to speak. With him is George, the young son of Thomas … Continue reading →

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The Perils Of Pauline (1947)

Posted on February 16, 2017 by vintage45

Betty Hutton uses her manic energy and mugs her way through a biopic that doesn’t tell you a whole lot about Pearl White. She was the biggest star of serials in the nineteen teens in “The Perils Of Pauline.” The … Continue reading →

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Wiretapper (1955)

Posted on June 27, 2016 by vintage45

Biopic about wiretapper Jim Vaus,Jr. based on his book “Why I Left Organized Crime.” It’s actually an hour and twenty-five minute commercial for the Billy Graham Crusade. Jim (Bill Williams) is a Captain in the army in 1945. He faithfully … Continue reading →

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Duffy Of San Quentin (1954)

Posted on June 23, 2016 by vintage45

This has to be the most unrealistic and white washed prison biopics ever. It’s presented as the story of San Quentin Warden Clinton T. Duffy. According to this he will surely be elevated to sainthood and should have been the … Continue reading →

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Time Is All You’ve Got (1985)

Posted on August 12, 2015 by vintage45

A must for fans of the Big Band Era and Artie Shaw. This two hour TV documentary focuses on the life of Artie Shaw and features, among others, Buddy Rich, Mel Torme and Helen Forrest. This is a great show. … Continue reading →

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The Babe Ruth Story (1948)

Posted on June 29, 2014 by vintage45

Never let the facts get in the way of a biopic. I’m surprised Babe Ruth wasn’t put up for sainthood after watching this version of his life. I did enjoy William Bendix work his way through this sanitized revision of … Continue reading →

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The Benny Goodman Story (1956)

Posted on November 17, 2013 by vintage45

Never let history get in the way of a biopic. Despite that the music is great and the movie is very entertaining even if “facts” are made up for dramatic purposes. A number of musical greats appear as themselves. All … Continue reading →

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The Glenn Miller Story (1954)

Posted on November 14, 2013 by vintage45

James Stewart is Alton Glenn Miller in this biopic that, like most biopics, plays with history. That doesn’t take away from the Miller story or the Miller music. Musicians appearing as themselves include Gene Krupa, Louis Armstrong, Barney Bigard, Babe … Continue reading →

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The Fabulous Dorseys’ (1947)

Posted on November 12, 2013 by vintage45

Tommy and Jimmy portray themselves in this biopic that is unfortunately short on music. It begins in the coal country of Pennsylvania in 1916. Tommy,Sr. works in the mines and supplements his income by giving music lessons on various instruments. … Continue reading →

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