Musical instrument 1959 Danny Kaye

[JBellafonte]

This Coronet was acquired by my grandfather from an executive at Fox studios years ago, it was used as Prop in the film starring "Danny Kaye". All i know is its made in france and is an exquisite representation of the instrument makers craft. Just posting it to share, that anyone researching similar subject can vicariously appreciate historic aspects of film industry choices and inclusion of quality props costumes and of course skilled production and theatrical tallent.
After i post this,, i wil attempt to find the film online and view it for the first time.

"The Five Pennies"
This 1959 film is based on a true story, Red Nichols (Danny Kaye) moves from his small town to New York City to become a jazz musician.
He is soon established and respected in the clubs, forming a friendship with Louis Armstrong (Louis Armstrong). After marriage to Willa (Barbara Bel Geddes) and the birth of a daughter, Dorothy (Susan Gordon), "Red" still tours constantly.
But, when he learns that Dorothy has polio, he realizes he must rethink his priorities.

 

[Lightning]

Good movie. the second I read Coronet and Danny Kaye, I knew exactly what movie it had to be.

 

[JBellafonte]

Good movie. the second I read Coronet and Danny Kaye, I knew exactly what movie it had to be.

Found it on Amazon prime, popcorn ready

 

[JBellafonte]

I loved the movie and have too much to say bout it,,
yet additionally and related to musical instruments used in theatrical production,
The following played on my tv as i drafted to sleep,

A Classic TV Christmas with Bing Crosby and Betty White (Christmas Day 1965)
Atmore or less 40:45 into it (105:00 minutes total run)

"The Original Instrument On Which Silent Night was Played For The Very First Time"____
"That was on the 24th of December, 1818 _ in St.Nikoli Church, in Haline, Austria."
"And the composer, Franz Gruber, played it on this guitar,,,,"

Intriguingly Mr. Crosby seemed careful to not strum even one string on the ancient guitar (now more than two centuries old,)
He expressed great appreciation and thanks to the "National Arts Foundation" for loaning it, then he passed it to someone in the orchestra area but i don't know if they played it.

 

[eethan]

Beautiful Selmer!

 

[JBellafonte]

I loved the movie and have too much to say bout it,,
yet additionally and related to musical instruments used in theatrical production,
The following played on my tv as i drafted to sleep,

A Classic TV Christmas with Bing Crosby and Betty White (Christmas Day 1965)
Atmore or less 40:45 into it (105:00 minutes total run)

"The Original Instrument On Which Silent Night was Played For The Very First Time"____
"That was on the 24th of December, 1818 _ in St.Nikoli Church, in Haline, Austria."
"And the composer, Franz Gruber, played it on this guitar,,,,"

Intriguingly Mr. Crosby seemed careful to not strum even one string on the ancient guitar (now more than two centuries old,)
He expressed great appreciation and thanks to the "National Arts Foundation" for loaning it, then he passed it to someone in the orchestra area but i don't know if they played it.

Beautiful Selmer!

Thank you,,

 

[JBellafonte]

As is sometimes the case with documenting family or any historic research, additional information and questions come forth,

Apparently my grandfather who was trumpet player only as a hobby had a good friend, John Climan (or Clyman) who was a very good player worked for the studios (i believe Fox).

My mother tells me this Mr. Clyman is from whom my grandfather acquired the coronet.

Now after watching the movie, i found it quite intriguing, im sure it is intentional, the instrument begins with the most Exemplary high bright polish obtainable on brass, yet although it almost appeared silver, in my jewelry industry experience i have often seen first hand that even an alloy designated as yellow gold can for a short while after being expertly polished actually seem more whiteish-yellow also white-gold alloy very often inherently still appears yellowish, this is the purpose of the common practice of rhodium plating on all white gold jewelry, the rhodium electroplated is remarkable in its surface hardness and reflective white/silver tone (Rhodium by itself is often over 5000 dollars per ounce)

As the movie progressed, it seemed they allowed the instrument to take on the natural coloration/tone of brass instruments.

Im glad that i never tried to polish it, because in every trade, art, profession it is common to believe oneself competent and knowledgeable, and only in hindsight we realize we can butcher or mangle heirlooms.
The valves were sticking and a few years back i went with my mom to a place in westlake village and the gentleman there took his time and employed non destructive techniques we picked it up several days later.
(Im rambling, i know)

The film brings to my curiosity answered questions,
When Danny Kaye tosses his beloved Horn into the water from the water, then later in the story his wife produces a horn for him saying one of his friends gave it to her for him ,,,, did the film production employ the same instrument or did they switch to a second actual instrument.
Also if there were two horns,,, were they same model,,
I suppose i might procede to contact selmer if they have any historical recollection about how many and which models they supplied for the film production.
I confess to a small amount of laziness in that i welcome any and all info i can gleam from enthusiasts who would share this knowledge.

 

[joberg]

As my father was a big Jazz/Rag Time fan (in Belgium) we watched the movie when I was 10 years old. A 5 Kleenexes, as my father would say
Loved the Jazz sections as much as the drama. Great movie for sure!!

 

[JBellafonte]

Thank you for retelling of your experience,, I had seen Danny Kaye in movies before, but in this heartfelt film i was truly impressed with the various subtle humor and jokes employed. With consideration of how different cultures and people might understand the english language i was greatly impressed with the result of the screenwriters choice for the appropriate words resulting in, effective, but not ridiculous humor.