In 1927, a Kansas City, Missouri cornet player and his band perform nightly at a seedy speakeasy until a racketeer tries to extort them in exchange for protection.In 1927, a Kansas City, Missouri cornet player and his band perform nightly at a seedy speakeasy until a racketeer tries to extort them in exchange for protection.In 1927, a Kansas City, Missouri cornet player and his band perform nightly at a seedy speakeasy until a racketeer tries to extort them in exchange for protection.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 nominations total
- Bedido
- (as Herb Ellis)
- Trombonist (Pet Kelly and Big Seven)
- (as "Moe" Schneider)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- Trivia"Pete Kelly's Blues" was originally a radio series created by Richard L. Breen and starring Jack Webb. It ran on NBC as a summer replacement series from July 4 to September 19, 1951. It later became a short-lived TV series (Pete Kelly's Blues (1959)), produced by Webb.
- Quotes
Maggie Jackson: [singing] They call her Hard Hearted Hannah, The vamp of Savannah, The meanest gal in town; Talk of your cold, refrigeratin' mamas, Brother, she's a polar bear's pajamas! To tease 'em, and thrill 'em, to torture and kill 'em, Is her delight, they say, An evening spent with Hannah sittin' on your knees, Is like travelin' through Alaska in your BVDs...
- Crazy credits"In the screenplay by Richard L. Breen" appears before the film's title.
- ConnectionsReferenced in The Colgate Comedy Hour: Tribute to Jerry Ross & Dick Adler (1955)
- SoundtracksJust a Closer Walk with Thee
(uncredited)
Traditional
Sung by choir of Israelite Spiritual Church, New Orleans
"Dragnet" radio and TV star Webb directs his cast and crew very well. He does not waste an inch of the "CinemaScope" screen. When space is used, it's for dramatic effect. What this story needed was better exposition and some more time given Mr. O'Brien's character. Strangely, Webb gets fine performances from all except his leading man. He varies his stiff stance by repositioning his hands, but Webb seems to have his mind on directing and his character never really forms. Trying to romance Webb in her scenes, beautiful Janet Leigh (as Ivy Conrad) is fighting a lost cause. There are no sparks flying between the two...
Given the juiciest part, as an alcoholic singer, Ms. Lee is excellent; she won Film Daily's annual "Supporting Actress" award. Andy Devine, Lee Marvin and Martin Milner are impressive, in featured roles. Webb used Mr. Milner when he produced "Adam-12" as a younger, hipper "Dragnet" for the 1960s (and 1970s). It's amusing to watch Webb punch any male member of the cast who gets in his way. He repeatedly knocks out Mr. Marvin, a much bigger man, with surprising ease. And, you can't go wrong when Ella Fitzgerald appears as a lounge singer. The music, cast and wide screen visuals made this one worth watching.
******* Pete Kelly's Blues (7/27/55) Jack Webb ~ Jack Webb ~ Jack Webb, Janet Leigh, Peggy Lee, Edmond O'Brien
- wes-connors
- Dec 13, 2014
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Es geschah in einer Nacht
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $2,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 35 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.55 : 1