Watch Pete Kelly's Blues

Pete Kelly's Blues is a 1955 film set during the Prohibition era in the 1920s. Directed by Jack Webb and starring Jack Webb himself, the film follows the story of Pete Kelly, a musician who leads a jazz band in Kansas City. Pete's band, consisting of a group of talented musicians, plays nightly at a speakeasy owned by Fran McCarg, a tough and ambitious woman who wants to make a name for herself in the city's underworld.

As the film begins, Pete is warned by a police lieutenant that the local gangster, known as "The Big Boss," is muscling in on his territory and demanding a cut of Pete's profits. Pete is reluctant to pay up, knowing that it will only lead to more demands and threats, but he also knows that defying the Big Boss could put his life in danger.

Meanwhile, Pete's band is attracting the attention of a beautiful and glamorous singer, Ivy Conrad, who joins the group and becomes the object of Pete's affections. Janet Leigh plays the role of Ivy Conrad, bringing her natural charm and talent to the screen as she belts out sultry jazz numbers with the band.

As the tension between Pete and the Big Boss escalates, the band becomes embroiled in the city's criminal underworld, with betrayals and violence becoming an ever-present threat. Along the way, the film showcases some dynamic performances by Edmond O'Brien, who plays a corrupt police detective trying to catch the Big Boss, and Peggy Lee, who plays Rose Hopkins, a former singer and Pete's close friend.

Despite the film's focus on the seedy side of life in the 1920s, Pete Kelly's Blues is ultimately a story about the power of friendship, loyalty, and the love of music. The jazz numbers performed by the band are a highlight of the film, showcasing the talents of real-life jazz musicians such as Matty Matlock, Barney Kessel, and Nick Fatool.

Pete Kelly's Blues is also notable for its use of color, with the film being one of the few movies of the era to be filmed in the then-new widescreen CinemaScope format. The result is a visually stunning film that captures the mood and atmosphere of the jazz era with great authenticity.

In addition to its visual and musical appeal, Pete Kelly's Blues is also a compelling character study. Jack Webb's performance as Pete is a standout, capturing the character's mix of vulnerability and toughness with great nuance. As the film progresses, the audience becomes increasingly invested in Pete's struggles, as he attempts to navigate the dangerous waters of the Kansas City underworld without losing his soul in the process.

Overall, Pete Kelly's Blues is a must-see film for fans of jazz music, film noir, and classic Hollywood cinema. Its blend of music, drama, and action makes for a memorable and engaging movie experience that stands the test of time.

Pete Kelly's Blues is a 1955 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.