If for no other reason,PETE KELLY'S BLUES must be seen for it terrific score. Not just the songs, but the incidental music as well. Should have gotten awards galore for that alone. Story of small time jazz band is good with wonderful supporting roles be everyone, including a wonderful Peggy Lee. Who knew she was such a good actress, at least in roles like this. A shame she didn't do more films to see if she could really act in different types of roles. This one as Rose, a drunken, haggered unhappy woman fit her to a tee. Andy Devine was also great, but such a small role. He should have been given more to do. Lee Marvin also well cast as the "good guy" for a change. Janet Leigh does what she could do as "decoration" and does it well. But what does she see in a downbeat like the Jack Webb character? Actually, he's the worst thing about the film. Another actor would have made this movie a sensation, but he ruined it. A one-note actor who was just playing Joe Friday from his DRAGNET days. A pity. Now as a director, he was fine, but as an actor...PLEASE. Also good is Ella Fitzgerald in a next to nothing role, but she excels in her two jazz numbers, one being the main theme. Wonderful Cinemascope shots with expert cinematography. The ending scene in the vacant ballroom is a classic. Aside from Jack Webb, see this movie now that it's out on DVD. Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT see a pan and scan on TV or other small screen. This one deserves the big home theatre screen.
Review of Pete Kelly's Blues
