The story of legendary jazz drummer, Gene Krupa. Since his youth, all Gene ever wanted to do is play the drums and make music. This is something his parents would not approve of- they want him to be a priest. When Gene's father dies he promises to enter the priesthood. He soon realizes that he doesn't belong there and leaves to join his friend, Eddie's band. Ethel, Eddie's girlfriend, convinces Gene to go to New York and make it big. The 3 of them head to New York. Here Ethel and Gene soon fall in love and Gene makes a name for himself. Gene starts to live in the fast lane, with drugs, alcohol, women and parties. Ethel, unhappy with Gene's lifestyle, leaves him. Gene soon "hits rock bottom" where he has to face reality and choose where to take his life.
Sal Mineo
as Gene Krupa
Susan Kohner
as Ethel Maguire
James Darren
as Eddie Sirota
Susan Oliver
as Dorissa Dinell
Yvonne Craig
as Gloria Corregio
Lawrence Dobkin
as Speaker Willis
Celia Lovsky
as Mother
Red Nichols
as Himself
Bobby Troup
as Tommy Dorsey
Anita O'Day
as Herself
Shelly Manne
as Davey Tough
Buddy Lester
as Himself
