THE EDDY DUCHIN STORY

US, 1956, 123 minutes, Colour.
Tyrone Power, Kim Novak, Victoria Shaw, James Whitmore, Rex Thompson, Shepperd Strudwick, Frieda Inescourt, Larry Keating.
Directed by George Sidney.

The Eddy Duchin Story is a lavish biography of pianist, Eddy Duchin who went from Boston to New York City in the late 1920s and became a celebrity pianist for upmarket venues, also touring during the 1930s.

This film was made in widescreen and colour, quite impressive for a Columbia production, but directed by George Sidney, and who had made his mark in the previous decade with musicals and dramas at MGM. While Duchin was not so well known, it is surprising to find that he died just five years before this film was released.

The soundtrack does not use Duchin’s own music. Rather pianist Carmen Cavalero doesas all the playing – but Tyrone Power allegedly worked very hard at the fingering for the performance and it would seem that he is definitely playing. He portrays Duchin as an enthusiast, confident in his gift for music, falling in love with the interior decorator, Marjorie (a pleasing performance from Kim Novak), marrying her but suffering with her death soon after giving birth to their son, the later musician, Peter. While Duchin is away, especially serving in the Navy during the war, Peter is brought up by his uncle and aunt, here called the Wadsworth but, in reality, statesman Avril Harriman and his wife. His Nanny is played by Victoria Shaw (Australia’s Jeanette Elphick) whom Duchin their eventually marries but dies young from leukemia.

James Whitmore gives yet another of his pleasant performances as Duchin’s manager.

1. Eddy Duchin and his reputation as pianist during the 1930s and 1940s? The film as biography, portrait, tribute? The film made so soon after his death?

2. The musical biographies of the 1950s, Colombia and its production values, New York locations, casinos, clubs, apartments, mentions? The world of affluence?

3. The musical score, Carmen Cavallero and his performances, Tyrone Power and his expert fingering and performance? The range of songs, musical compositions, improvisation’s, Duchin’s particular style?

4. The background of his family, his parents in Boston, their hard work, his meeting Reisman, the encouragement, leaving everything in Boston, coming to New York, eager, meeting Reisman and Lou, his misinterpreting their encouragement? Dismayed, the open piano, Marjorie hearing him, the attraction, having a regiment? Asking for music throughout the whole evening, his being invited to play, during the meal, the intermission, Marjorie getting people to dance? Friendship with Lou, the tuxedo, his excitement and not keeping quiet?

5. Reisman and his encouragement, having two pianists, the collage of Eddy’s playing, the one piano, fame, fans? His playing to New York’s elite, the wealthy?

6. Marjorie, her character, interior decorator, her relationship with her uncle and aunt, living with them? Eddy and his going to the party, thinking he had been invited, being asked to play, his angry response? Feeling the class distinction?

7. Marjorie, his going out with her, falling in love, his continuing to play, people responding, dancing? His parents, their pride, the meeting with Marjorie? His proposal? The wedding?

8. The happy couple, his continued success, her pregnancy? Her fear of the wind? Going to hospital, the prognosis of her illness? The Wadsworth’s calling Eddy? His being with his wife, the talk, the promises, her death? The funeral?

9. Eddy and his inability to see his son? Touring, the support of Lou? Sending gifts to his son? The Wadsworths caring for him? Eddy coming to see him, the awkwardness, the formal handshake, the day out? Thanking Eddy for the balloon? The care by the Wadsworths? Chiquita, her own background, England, the death of her parents in the blitz, looking after Peter?

10. Eddy, enlisting, his naval service, his wanting action rather than morale-boosting entertainment? In the Philippines, the piano, his playing, the young boy with him, the affection? The end of the war?

11. Lou’s straight talking, Eddy going back to New York, the job? The irony of the casino pulled down and a children’s playground in its stead? His going to see Peter, going out, the tension between the two? Chiquita, her personality, strong talk to Eddy?

12. The gradual mellowing, Peter going to school, coming to the rehearsals, playing the piano, his friends and the instruments? His father playing with him? A growing pride, affection, love?

13. Eddy, dependence on Chiquita, affection for her, the proposal?

14. Performance, the leukaemia, his hands, saying nothing was wrong, Lou and his urgings? The different doctors? The diagnosis, short time to live? His taking Peter to say that he would have to go, eventually explaining his death?

15. A sympathetic portrait, Eddy Duchin as a character, love for Marjorie, learning love to his son, devotion to Chiquita? His talent for the piano and for entertaining?