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It had been quite a while since I had watched this movie. I always enjoyed it and would watch it when a channel surf found it. After watching Ethan Hawke's "Born to be Blue" about Chet Baker, and Don Cheadle's "Miles Ahead" I decided to collect the available trumpet player's movies so I could watch them when I wanted to and had the time to do so. I am also buying Spike Lee's "Mo Better Blues" with Denzel Washington. This film is related to the newer films does not compete in production values, but does have some great trumpet playing by Harry James and is recommended for any trumpet player of follower of the history of jazz through the big band era.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The movie version of Young Man with a Horn takes considerable liberties with the original novel written by Dorathy Baker, and significantly changes aspects that made the novel immediate, authentic and highly engaging. Most of these changes revolve around race as, in the novel, the lead character basically grows up with and grows close to a group of black musicians who bestow an indelible mark on the lead character's musical development, which after all is the central focus of the story. For instance, in the novel Smoke was a black man who played the drums, and the singer, in the movie played by Doris Day, was a black woman who much more suited the milieu in which she performed. Leena Horne or someone in that vein would have been a much more appropriate choice and would have better lent itself to the tangible contrasts illustrated in the original story. Indeed, the movie was White-washed to the extent that it changed the story , not in its essence but to significant degrees that watered down what was a compelling social commentary in the novel. I would love to see the movie remade as closely to the original story as possible. It would be more acceptable in today's social climate and would be a much more compelling portrayal. As is, I still consider the movie worth seeing, the story, the subject and the performances still being both interesting and entertaining.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a great story with important life lessons in balancing priorities and interests. Kirk Douglas performed the role well and other key cameo performers by actual Jazz greats makes it a music lovers must have.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This movie has so many messages, a great cast of actors, great music, and Harry James’ trumpet work was the right horn for the right movie. There was romance and heartbreak. This movie has it all, plus an insight into the rapport a musician can have with his or her principal musical instrument. Few Hollywood pictures accurately portray that little known and understood relationship dynamic between a man and his horn. Last, Doris Day’s acting and singing represented the other nuggets found in this movie. They just don’t make them like that anymore! Bravo and Well Done!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Strong characters and a fine plot. The chief actors show the talent they will go on to display in future films.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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