The Beatniks is a classic crime drama film that was released in 1960. Directed by Paul Frees and starring Tony Travis and Peter Breck, the film follows the story of a group of beatniks who form a jazz group hoping to make it big in the music industry. However, when one of the members gets involved in criminal activity, things start to go downhill for the group.
The film is set in the Beat Generation era of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The main character is Eddie Crane, played by Tony Travis, a struggling musician who is looking for a break. He meets up with an old friend, Mooney, played by Peter Breck, who is part of a group of disaffected and disillusioned young people called beatniks. Mooney is the leader of the group and appears to be the most talented musician among them.
Eddie sees an opportunity to make it big when he hears Mooney play the piano. Eddie suggests they form a jazz group with a trumpet player named Turkey, played by Charles Delaney and a drummer named Toony, played by Robert "Ike" Eisenmann. After some initial hesitation, Mooney agrees to join the band.
The group starts playing at local clubs, including one run by a man named Harry, played by Jackie Coogan. However, Mooney starts to get involved in criminal activity, including stealing a car and holding up a gas station. Eddie tries to convince him to stop, but Mooney is too far gone.
The situation becomes more complicated when Mooney's girlfriend, Iris, played by Karen Kadler, falls for Eddie. She becomes the band's vocalist and a romantic interest for Eddie, further complicating matters.
As Mooney's crimes start to catch up with him, the group's future becomes uncertain. Eddie tries to distance himself from Mooney and the criminal activity, but it's not easy. Mooney's actions eventually catch up with him, leading to a dramatic climax that makes Eddie question if his dreams of success are worth the price.
The Beatniks is an interesting film for its portrayal of the Beat Generation and the music of the time. The jazz soundtrack is a highlight of the film, with Mooney's piano playing standing out as particularly impressive. The film's depiction of the beatniks as disaffected youth looking for meaning is also notable, as is the commentary on the dangers of criminal activity.
The film is also noteworthy for its performances. Tony Travis does a solid job as the lead character, and Peter Breck's Mooney is both charismatic and dangerous. Jackie Coogan is a scene-stealer as the club owner, and Karen Kadler holds her own as the band's vocalist.
Overall, The Beatniks is a classic crime drama that is worth watching for its portrayal of a unique time in American culture. The film's music and performances are highlights, and the story is engaging and unpredictable. It's a film that will appeal to fans of crime dramas, jazz music, and the Beat Generation.
The Beatniks: Classic Crime is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes.
