I stumbled onto this gem because of a Danny Kaye marathon. True, he was the master comedian, whether playing a jester or an inspector general. He was a great singer, whether he was playing Hans Christian Anderson, the Court Jester or half of the singing team in White Christmas.

What is enjoyable about The Five Pennies is Kaye’s depths of playing a musician trying to make it, striving to come into his own in regards to the jazz scene, and in doing what is best for his family – striking the right balance with the role of Red Nichols and the significance of the cornet.

It took me a while to track down a recording of Red Nichols and when I finally found it, it was worth it! The advantage of where I worked at the time was the freedom of playing our own music at certain hours of the day. Granted, there was a minor mishap when one of us hollered toward the back office and asked if it was “Miller Time” yet and failing to be aware of one lone patron whose scowl almost ended our musical freedom. Thankfully, when she saw the music case held up, she smiled and gave an approving nod. Back to the Nichols recording, one hazard of playing from our own collection was the possible chance of a customer enjoying said recording. My Nichols recording was sold for five-hundred pennies.

If there was ever a perfect ‘big band swinging line up’ for movie night, it would be these three: The Benny Goodman Story, The Five Pennies and The Glenn Miller Story. And, if time permitted, some foolish fun in watching “Swing Kids” as well.